ROCHELLE LISHMAN Obituary

In Loving Memory of ROCHELLE MELEMAI LISHMAN Rochelle Leina'ala Melemai Lishman, 89, of Kailua, HI, a cherished Wife, Mom, Gramma, Great Gramma and Aunty, peacefully passed on December 25, 2025. Born on November 1, 1936 and raised in Pauoa Valley, HI and Kaimuki, HI, she later made Olomana subdivision in Kailua her home. Rochelle attended St. Anthony's School in Kalihi, HI then graduated from Maryknoll High School, Class of 1954. She went on to study at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, while also working at Queen's Medical Center. While out with some friends, she met "a friendly gentleman from Molokai", whom she married in May of 1960. They soon started their family and Rochelle took a break from working to raise their four children. Rochelle was her kids' biggest cheerleader; Always encouraging, always positive, always present for their activities, whether it be school events or sporting events or weekend beach outings, simply putting all her time and energy into her kid's lives and enjoying herself while creating memories. Rochelle eventually returned to work years later with Hawaii Emergency Physicians Associated (HEPA), Castle Medical Center and lastly with the State of Hawaii, specifically, the Judiciary Division, Department of Detention Services. It was while working at the Juvenile Detention Facility on Alder Street that Rochelle acquired many wonderful, life-long friendships with coworkers whom she adored and thought of as "family". She gravitated towards being there for others, for being helpful and kind to all who entered the facility's front doors and felt completely blessed with these relationships she cherished and would not have wanted it any other way. Her work-family filled her heart and she felt extremely privileged to have had so many wonderful years with them. In July of 2009 after learning that the Juvenile Detention Facility was going to move from its home on Alder Street to its new location at the new Kapolei Court Complex, Rochelle reluctantly decided to retire, at the age of 72. Rochelle thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world with her family and became quite a navigator along the way. She loved to spend her time with her husband, her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandson, and many of their friends, while enjoying meals and all sorts of conversations; There was honestly NO topic that we couldn't discuss in front of her. She loved to solve puzzles, she loved to read books and magazines and maps, she loved to sew and crochet blankets and scarves, she loved to experience different places and cultures and foods, all the while being so simple to please. She was strong and brave and nurturing; She was always super pleasant to be with, didn't complain, and was extremely grateful for her life with her family and her dear friends. Rochelle's generous and kind heart and steadfast faith in the Good Lord was always evident and uniquely hers, and in her own quiet way, she inspired others to have more hope, to know more peace and to show more love for one another. Rochelle will be incredibly missed by her family; Sons, Tracy (Laura) and Kyle (Wendi), daughter, Gayle (William); grandson Cheynne (Karina), granddaughters, Alyssa U'ilani (Lucas) and Dallas Hana (Peter), and great grandson, Kylen Ki'aipono. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Thomas Meyer; her son, Leland Kenui; her brothers, Randolph and Ralph Jr.; her Mom and Dad, Gertrude Bissen of Kahului, Maui and Ralph Melemai of Honolulu, HI; and her doggies, Bucky and Kenoa and her kitty, Gatta. A private committal service was held.