Mildred Hoshino Obituary

MILDRED PETUNIA YUKIKO HOSHINO With her family by her side, Mildred Yukiko Hoshino, gracefully passed away at her home in Manoa Valley, on July 7, 2024, at the age of 93. Mildred was born and raised in Manoa Valley, and referred to it as, "the best place to live in Hawaii." As the second to the youngest of nine children, she had many fond memories of her childhood, and was very proud of her parents, Antsu and Kama Kaneshiro, who immigrated to Hawaii from Haebaru, Okinawa, in 1906. Mildred attended Manoa Elementary school, Washington Intermediate school, and was a proud graduate of McKinley High School, class of 1949. She would often sing "Black and Gold" as she reminisced of her care-free teenage years. After graduation, she went on to fashion school before starting her illustrious career at Liberty House, where she became a very popular figure at the Waikiki location. She started as a buyer for Aloha Fashion wear before becoming the manager of the Fashion Jewelry department. It was at Liberty House that she got her life-long nickname, "Petunia." She told many entertaining stories of her interactions with her customers from around the world and called it, "the most enjoyable time of my life." She also visited the beauty shop every Tuesday before going to work, to gossip with friends and to maintain her familiar "oshare" appearance. "Petunia," retired in 1995, after 42 years of employment at the well-known Hawaii department store. On June 15, 1957, Mildred Kaneshiro married Tetsuo Hoshino of Honokaa, Hawaii, at the Church of the Crossroads in Honolulu. Shortly thereafter, they settled in a home deep in Manoa Valley where they raised their two children. She was an avid University of Hawaii sports fan and was a Rainbow Warrior football season ticket holder for over 25 years. Her worldly travels took her to many places like New York, San Francisco, Alaska, Australia, and Japan to name a few, and was never shy to play the poker machines while in Las Vegas.She was very proud of her Okinawan heritage, and always looked forward to attending the Okinawan Festival every year where she enjoyed watching the entertainment while eating her favorite Okinawan treat, andagi, with a black cup of coffee. Mildred, or "Aunty Milly" as she was known to the family, was a very colorful and entertaining person, with a vivacious personality. She made everyone laugh, and her magnetic, positive spirit drew everyone close around her. Aunty Milly was bold in her speech, and never held back when calling things as she saw them. She emphatically encouraged everyone to live their best lives every day, and would often say that "the key to happiness is to never look back with regret, always look forward...and wholeheartedly, just enjoy your life." She is survived by her younger sister, Bessie Higa, daughter, Cathy Nii (Darryl), son, Kevin Hoshino, her favorite grandson, Sean Nii, and many, many, nieces, and nephews. A wonderful family luncheon was held in her honor. Mildred capped off every day with a drink, and always cheered to "long life, good health, and happiness." Kanpai, Mom... you lived an incredible and fulfilling life. We love you, and we all miss you every day. Okage de, Okaasan... Jaa, mata ne. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary