Odetta NeSmith Obituary

ODETTA KAPUAONALANI KAUHANE NESMITH Odetta Kapuaonalani NeSmith died peacefully at home in Kekaha, Kauai, November 28, 2023. Born Odetta Kapuaonalani Kauhane in Keaukaha, Hawaii to Sam Kekuawela Kauhane and Annie Kealoha Kaaialii, she was one of eleven children. She served in the US Army and married Bill NeSmith Jr, who served in the US Air Force. He died November 21, 1998. They are survived by their seven children: John, Kevin, Rhealene, David, Pinky, Keao, and Kimo, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two sisters: Maile Hallums and Naomi Kauhane, and one sister-in-law: Jaunette NeSmith Mauer-Reaneo. Odetta taught hula to Kauai communities under the Foundation for Culture and the Arts in the 1970s and worked as an educator at Waimea High School, the California Department of Education, San Bernardino County, and Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha in Kekaha. Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kekaha Ward, on January 10, 2024 from 10-12, aloha attire. Internment at a later date at the Hawaiian cemetery in Kekaha. Contact Rhealene for more information: (385) 770-8770. Arrangements Provided By: Borthwick Kauai Mortuary