Dorothy Moritsugu Obituary

DOROTHY HOSHIDE MORITSUGU Dorothy Hoshide Moritsugu left this world on September 1, 2025. She was 94. A lifelong learner, her recent words were, "I'm still a student because there's still too much to learn, whether it be studying locations, history, art, customs, music, even food - the list is endless!" Born in Lihue, Kauai to Haruko and Henry Hoshide in 1931, she leaves behind daughter Alison, son Jon, and brother Robert. She was predeceased by her husband Toshio and brother Henry. Her road from Kauai High School led to college in Colorado and then to the University of Minnesota for a Master of Arts and minors in English and Biological Sciences. She received a one-year Fulbright Scholar Award which took her first to the University of Michigan to prepare for teaching English as a foreign language in Takamatsu, Japan. She married Dr. Toshio Moritsugu, from Heeia, Hawaii during her Fulbright year in Japan. They were together for 59 years. Dorothy spent most of her career at Stevenson Intermediate School in Honolulu where she taught art, general music and yearbook. Even today, former students mention her treasured and inspiring classes. In 1982, she spent the summer in Majuro on the Marshall Islands to help during their severe teacher shortage. Thirty-two Elderhostel / Road Scholar programs took Dorothy and Toshio all over the world from the Golden Triangle to Hadrian's Wall. As early travelers to less frequented areas, they visited Romania and the Czech Republic in 1995. One of the most interesting Elderhostels was closest to home - the neighboring island of Molokai. She was shocked and deeply moved by the large number of gravestones at Kalaupapa, quarantine site for people with Hansen's disease. An avid daily runner and swimmer, Dorothy completed two Honolulu City & County biathlons and various 10k runs. Husband Toshio was always there at the finish line to meet her. One of her most difficult challenges was earning her Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate in her 60s. Dorothy will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. Private arrangements, and the family requests no monetary offerings or flowers. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary