Elaine Okazaki Obituary

ELAINE SATSUMI OKAZAKI Elaine passed away on August 20, 2024 with her children and sister by her side. Born October 10, 1936 in Kekaha, Kauai to Tommy Masao and Ethel Natsuyo Kojima. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Osmond "Oz" Akira Okazaki. Elaine graduated in 1954 from Roosevelt High School and continued her studies at Eastern Illinois University where she received her degree in elementary education in 1958. She would go on to spend the majority of her 36-year career at Hahaione Elementary School until retirement in 1994. Elaine truly enjoyed a passion for teaching, which was evident in her pursuit of professional development, sharing her knowledge with peers, and the after-school hours spent tutoring her students, neighborhood children, and her nieces and nephews. She was an avid reader of art and art history, Japanese-American history, and loved captivating fiction. As a lover of art, she taught and practiced many forms and styles, often bringing her journal entries alive with her illustrations. As a fitness enthusiast in her retirement years, she would often begin her day while most people were still dreaming, with a long distance run around Hawaii Kai or exercising at 24 Hour Fitness. She and Oz traveled extensively throughout the world, often with friends to parts of Asia and Europe. She also followed her son's Air Force career and his family to Thailand, Singapore, Australia, England and Japan, ensuring her place in the lives of her grandkids. True to her love for teaching and service, Elaine was a longtime member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators, and served various leadership roles in her 50+ years as a member of its local Beta chapter. She was a Legacy member of and docent at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, assisting in the curriculum design and creation of its historical gallery where she spent many years teaching thousands of school children about the Japanese immigration experience in Hawaii. And, she was a dedicated volunteer at and a Legacy member of PBS Hawaii. Elaine loved the shopping experience, especially of clothes, and was well-known among some of the fancier apparel boutiques in town. She had an eye for style and sophistication, and was always dressed in flair, elegance and high heels. She was the mainstay for keeping her family together and her home was often the gathering place that brought together both sides of her's and Oz's extended families. Survived by her sister Elmira Fukumoto, son Bruce (Jett), daughter Ellen, grandchildren Jolina (Dan) Shields, Brent, and many nieces and nephews. Elaine will be remembered in a celebration of life Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii (JCCH) ballroom, 2454 South Beretania Street, 10:30am visitation, 11:30 service. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers and gifts please consider a donation to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, The Hawaiian Humane Society or PBS Hawaii. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary