Charlotte Momi Keala's Obituary
Charlotte Momi Keala, my precious wife of 63 years, left us on January 18, 2026, adn will forever be deeply and dearly missed. Born at Koko Head, O'ahu, on October 23, 1940, she was the youngest child of Samuel Julian Kaleo Jr. and Charlotte Yok Sim Tam, and was preceded in passing by her four brothers and four sisters. Her father became known as the first Hawaiian pig farmer in the district, and her mother cultivated a pikake orchard there. She attended Star of the Sea School and graduated from Kaimuki High School, Class of 1959.
We first met at her sister Genevieve Aken's home in Nanakuli in 1961, and we became lovers, devoted to one another ever since. On July 7, 1962, my uncle, Rev. Samuel Keala of Kaumakapili Church, joined us in marriage. She became my wife, and together we made our life and a family. She will be treasured always by our four children: Rema Eltringham (Brian), Edmund (Karen), Spencer (Vera), and Vida Williams; our six mo'opuna: Darrell (Sara), Brittany (Felix), Joseph (April), Kevin (Samantha), Jacob, and Jenny Martin; our four great-mo'opuna: Po'okela, Vivian, Keanu Nainoa Keala, and Misha; and by many nieces and nephews.
Aunty Momi was an artist who drew using black leaded pencils and her artwork were beautiful masterpieces. Aunty was very talented. She made beautiful floral funeral wreaths, floral centerpieces, and ti leaf leis that looked like maile leis. She did money leis that looked like red carnation leis. Her Christmas Village displays were done with careful and delicate presentation. She was very neat and particular in her work. She was a very good cook like grandma Kaleo. Her poi stew was so ono that it left the pot puka. When her two sons played football for Waianae High School, she always, after every game fed the team. She was one that spoke her mind and you would not want to be on her bad side. Charlotte loved my Dad, William Keala, and said he was the Best father-in-law she could ever have. She even learned to eat raw 'a'ama crab when Dad went crabbing at night. That turned out to be a mistake, because once it was prepared, you hardly had a chance to taste it as she would "hog" the whole bowl for herself. She was kolohe and loved to tell naughty jokes. Our home was always full of laughter when she was with us but now her recliner, her bed for years, sits empty without her. The piece of the puzzle is missing forever and not to be found. Goodbye my Love and I will join you when it's my time. Aloha, John William Keala.
Services will be held at Kaumakapili Church on March 28, 2026. Visitation at 10:00 a.m., services at 11:00 a.m. Parking on church grounds and at Ka'iulani School.
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