PATRICIA PAAKAULA Obituary

PATRICIA ANNE PAAKAULA Patricia Anne Paakaula, 99, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. Born on July 9, 1926 in Buffalo, New York, she grew up in Connecticut. She lived a life devoted to serving others. A Registered Nurse and instructor at Kapiolani Medical Center, retired in 1985 after 36 years of service. She then became a dedicated community advocate and Communications Coordinator for the AIDS Life Foundation. Her life passion included founding the AIDS Ministry at Sacred Heart Church, to help the local AIDS community and assist to raise funds for an AIDS orphanage in Tanzania, Africa. She served as Chairman of the AIDS Memorial Quilt Group (NAMES Project), was a founding member of the Mothers Group, participated in the first annual Mothers March Against AIDS in Washington DC, and advocated for Gregory House programs. A few of her achievements are... In 2003, City & County of Honolulu AKAMAI LIVING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, silver medalist for exceptional volunteerism on Oahu. In 2005, Catholic Charities Hawaii ISLAND TREASURES AWARD, to honor Residents who have made a significant, enduring impact on the community in Hawaii. In 2011, SUZANNE RICHMOND-CRUM AWARD for outstanding contribution in providing HIV/AIDS services in Hawaii. In 2017, KAHU MALAMA AWARD, the highest award bestowed by the Gregory House Programs. For exceptional dedication to assisting those living with HIV/AIDS. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Alatau Paakaula, and son, Kaipo Paakaula. She is survived by her brother James McCue, children Wayne Paakaula (Rochelle), Elizabeth Duarte (Sonny), Maile Paakaula, hanai son Mark Niclas, hanai niece Phyllis Dendle, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. A church service was held in March. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC