EDITH FUJIHARA Obituary

EDITH NATSUKO FUJIHARA In Memoriam 1924-2023 Edith Natsuko Fujihara, 99 years old, of Honolulu, Hawai'i, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2023, in the early morning at Kahala Nui Hi'olani Care Center, surrounded by family. Her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and many, many others were there with her in her final moments on earth. Edith will always be remembered for her unconditional love and support, kindness, strength to keep moving forward, intelligence, and wisdom. Edith is predeceased by her husband, Robert Minoru Fujihara. She is survived by her sister (Jean Mitsue Hyun), her 4 children and their spouses [Jason Fujihara (Lynnette Fujihara), Deborah Hirai (Michael Hirai), Kathleen Fujihara-Chong (Stanley Chong), Clark Fujihara (Gayle Fujihara)], 8 grandchildren and their spouses [David Fujihara (Rie Fujihara), JoyAnn Kojima (Chris Kojima), Steven Chong (Mayumi Koike Chong), Bryant Hirai (Jessica Hirai), Alyssa Fujihara, Trisha Chong (Jesse Chang), Andrew Hirai (Millicent Lu), Kaitlyn Fujihara], and 8 great-grandchildren (Mia Fujihara, Emma Chong, Kono Fujihara, James Kojima, Sarah Chong, Claude Kojima, Chloe Kojima, Ethan Hirai). Edith was born to Kana and Kama (ne? Matsuda) Amuro on February 15, 1924, legal registered birthdate of December 30, 1924, in Liliko'i Village in the township of Makawao, Maui. Kana and Kama were issei (first generation immigrants) from Shuri and Yomitan, Okinawa, respectively. Edith had six siblings: Tsuruko Uehara; Hayako Kaneshiro; Florence Kikue Huntington; Philip Choichi Amuro; Jean Mitsue Hyun; Wilfred Chotsu Amuro. When Edith was 13 the family moved to Oahu. In 1941, during Edith's senior year at McKinley High School, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, officially hurtling Hawai'i and the United States into World War II. Edith immediately began work at Wahiawa Emergency Hospital. She earned school credit for her work at the hospital, allowing her to graduate on time in 1942. After the war, Edith met her future husband, Robert Minoru Fujihara and they were married in September of 1948. Robert, a WWII veteran, graduated from the University of Hawai'i with a Bachelor of Science degree and later held positions in private industry and government. They bought their home in Nu'uanu Valley where they raised their family. One of Edith's greatest joys in life was caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They all have their grandma stories to share and carry with them. She thought of them always until her very last moments. Edith had a 34-year-long career in administration with the United States Federal Government. Her last position was with the Farmers Home Administration in the Department of Agriculture. She also worked at the Immigration Office in Honolulu and at the Hickam Airforce Base. Edith was an active member of her community and Nu'uanu Congregational Church. On December 29, 2023, Edith's ashes were united with Robert's at Punchbowl Cemetery. A private service was held at Nu'uanu Congregational Church on December 28, 2023.