ROSE DORAL Obituary

ROSE MARIE DORAL She was known as "Marie" among friends and acquaintances, endearingly as "Aunty Rosa" by her nieces and nephews, and "Mom" and "Mama Marie" by others who adopted her as such. On Friday, February 9, 2024, she was peacefully called to eternal rest at the age of 87. In her lifetime, Marie was a devoted wife and mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, godmother, aunt, business owner, mentor, good neighbor, and friend. The eldest of nine children, she was born in her family home on Awaiolimu St. to Joseph and Clara Rodrigues on December 6, 1936. For a portion of her childhood, she was raised in Liliha on Maui St. From the ages of eight through sixteen, she resided on a farm that nurtured her love of animals. Her family then moved to California where her beloved mother passed away. Marie returned with her family to Hawaii where Kalihi Valley became home. Marie lived a life deeply rooted in her faith. Prayer was an integral part of her daily life. Rarely, did she miss a worship service. For 20 years, she remained an active member of Wahiawa Assembly of God. After a move to Mililani with her husband, Richard, she joined Faith Assembly of God in Mililani. In both communities of faith, her roles as a lead greeter and women's ministries leader brought her immense joy. In her golden years, she eagerly looked forward to participating in activities with other kupuna. In partnership with her late husband, Richard, Marie owned and successfully operated Doral Construction for 37 years. Not only did she manage their company's accounting and provide oversight of their construction crews (21 employees at one time), but she could also be found at various construction projects taping drywall, sanding walls, painting, and cleaning. Marie retired on October 31, 2012. Marie was incredibly creative and resourceful. As a gifted seamstress, she created patterns from newspaper to craft clothing for her three children. To her delight, her talent garnered one of her children a "Best-Dressed" award in high school. Clearly, she was the true recipient of that award. Her creativity was also seen in her special interests of floral arranging, baking, and decorating. As well, she enjoyed traveling, and was an avid reader of diverse topics. Her well-known resilience enabled her to rise above tremendous losses and U-turns in her life. She lived by the precept that, "when the going gets tough, the tough get creative." Even as she entered the final stage of her life, she fought vigorously to overcome the physical challenges she endured. An important aspect of Marie's life was her love for, and time spent with family. As the head matriarch, she organized frequent family gatherings for many years. She loved to laugh and to evoke laughter with her family. At times, she was also a bit of a prankster. Marie will expressly be remembered for her cheerful love of people. Whether she was shopping, attending special events or gatherings, traveling, or waiting in lines, she was the proverbial "social butterfly." Her genuine interest in meeting and talking with people was evident. She is predeceased by her husband, Richard L. Doral; daughter, Cecelia Ann Edwards; brothers, Jerry G. Souza, Sr., Henry G. Rodrigues, Melvin G. Rodrigues, Clarence Ramos; and sisters, Gladys Roldan, and Denise Nuuhiwa. Marie leaves to treasure her memories: sisters, Billie "Cookie" Pauline, and Lynn Flyn (Michael); daughter, Clara D. Priester (Dwayne "Dee"); son, Charles W. Smith, Jr.; stepsons, Charles Doral, and Jeffrey Doral; stepdaughter, Francine D. Higashi; 16 great grandchildren, 10 grandchildren, 5 Godchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. She will remain forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held for Marie on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Faith Assembly of God at 95-121 Waimakua Dr., Mililani Town, HI, 96789. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a gift to Faith Assembly of God designated for the Richard L. Doral Benevolence Fund. The Fund was established by Marie in honor of her late husband to help provide relief to those experiencing an urgent or unexpected need.