Shizue Ishihara Obituary

SHIZUE ISHIHARA 103 year old Shizue Ishihara, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away on December 14, 2024 at home. She was born in Kohala, Hawaii on April 12, 1921 to Yashiro and Neno Watanabe. She is a proud graduate of McKinley High School and studied culinary arts. She was employed at Shriners Hospital as the head cook and at Hyatt Hotel as a sous chef. With her husband Masami, she lived for short periods of time in Waialua, Oahu and Waimea, Kauai before returning to Honolulu where they raised Eileen (Hugh Lee), Linda (Patrick Oka), Michael (Roberta), Sandra (George Shibata) and Russell. She focused strongly on providing a solid education for her children, making sure they studied hard, worked diligently and achieved as much as they could. As a result, all pursued post high school opportunities. Shizue herself also practiced what she preached. She bought and learned how to play the Japanese shamisen, took up ballroom dancing with Masami, and won several karaoke contests in Hawaii and Japan. And during the summer months she especially enjoyed climbing up the ladder leading to the yagura platform during the bon dance festivals and belting out Japanese songs for all to hear and enjoy! Throughout her long and productive life, she was well known for her stamina, endurance and joie d'vivre. She immersed herself in various activities, belonging to Makiki Christian Church, Moiliili Community Center, Honolulu Fukushima Kenjin Kai, Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai, Lanakila Senior Center playing mahjong, singing Enka and Karaoke and participating in the Japanese club. Her last affiliation was at Living Treasures where she energized everyone, leading the singing for all. Farewell, Shizue. May your love and laughter be heard and enjoyed throughout the heavens when you sing with the angels! Shizue is predeceased by her husband, Skip Masami. In addition to her five children, she leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 28 great- grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her celebration of life will be held on February 1, 2025 at Makiki Christian Church. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m., followed by the celebration at 10:00 a.m. and reception. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary