Ethel Teruya Obituary

ETHEL MITSUE TERUYA Ethel Mitsue Teruya, a woman of profound wisdom and strength, died peacefully at her home on October 21, 2023, at the remarkable age of 99. Ethel was a beloved wife and major pillar of support to her late husband, Wallace Teruya, co-founder of Hawaii's Times Super Market, and a loving mother to their four children. Born in Andrade Camp, a sugar cane plantation in Pepeekeo, Ethel was the sixth of 7 children born to Sanra and Maushi Uyehara, immigrants from Oroku village in Okinawa. With 2 older sisters to assist with the household duties, Ethel confessed to having a carefree life with only fond memories of her "hanabata" days on the Big Island. The family moved to Honolulu in 1935, first to the Aala district, and later to Fern Street in McCully, where they made their home in a growing community with other Okinawan families. She attended Washington Intermediate and graduated from McKinley High School. In 1945, after World War II, she happily married her betrothed, Wallace Teruya, a veteran of the 100th Infantry, "Go for Broke" Battalion, marking the beginning of their enduring 60-year union. Her journal revealed in a number of entries over her lifetime just how thankful she was to God for bringing Wallace safely home from the war without a scratch, unlike Wallace's younger brother, Herman, who had given his life in the WWII Battle of Monte Cassino, Italy. In their years together, Ethel faithfully supported her husband and created a stable environment for their family. She was Wallace's fiercest companion - embracing his passions, learning to golf and enjoying golf tours to Japan and the mainland, singing karaoke, and participating in various activities that brought them closer. After Wallace's passing, Ethel not only devoted herself to family but also dedicated her time and effort to the communities and organizations to which she and Wallace belonged, which included Hui O Laulima, Kilauea Okinawan Dance Group, Shinshu Kyokai Karaoke Group, Wahine 'O Waialae, Olivet Baptist Church, 100th Infantry Battalion "Club 100", and the Kalia Lions Club. Most notably, she was a dedicated member of her Okinawan clan's Oroku Azajin Club, serving as its matriarch and senior member for over 25 years. Ethel continued to enjoy her weekly golf game into her latter years, partly due to the encouragement of her golf mates who volunteered to spot her golf ball when her eyesight started to dim. What mixed emotions she must have experienced when the ladies of Waialae surprised her on the golf course with 98 long stem roses in celebration of her 98th birthday. It was a memory she would cherish....being the center of all that attention, not so much. Her daily routine included rising early to exercise, practicing her latest karaoke and Okinawan dance selections, and reciting Psalms 23 and 100 while swinging her practice golf club. Despite facing pancreatic cancer in the 99th year of her life, Ethel met life's challenges with grace and courage. Though her time here may have come to a close, she will be remembered and treasured by her family as a vibrant example of a well-lived life, their role model extraordinaire; for the way she filled her home with wisdom, warmth, and kindness; for her New Year Day pigs feet soup and love-infused dishes on summer beach house days. She is survived by her children Wayne (Sharon), Rosemarie (Stephen) Love, Dexter (Valerie), and daughter-in-law Diana Teruya (Raymond, deceased), nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank family and friends who shared their love, friendship, and remembrances of Ethel. In addition, the family sends a special Mahalo Nui Loa to Howard and Jane Takara for their continued support and guidance, especially during this trying time; and to the Reverend Kiyo Itokazu, for his calming presence and words of comfort. Honoring her wishes, a small private service was held at Hosoi Garden Mortuary in January. In lieu of koden (monetary offering), donations may be made to the Hawaii Community Foundation - Maui Strong Fund, in memory of Ethel Mitsue Teruya. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary