Dorothy Gabuco McAngus' Obituary
Dorothy (Gabuco) McAngus, beloved wife, mommy, grandmommy and great-grandmommy, passed away, on September 14, 2025, after a full and happy life, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 89.
Early Life
Born in Honolulu on October 1, 1935, she was the second daughter of Jesus and Cristota Gabuco, who immigrated from the Philippines before settling in Hawai'i. Her father was a professional featherweight boxer and engine mechanic, and together her parents raised her and her four sisters - Elsie "Nancy", Jane "Jeannie", Lillian "Lily", and Katherine "Katy" - in the close-knit 'Ewa Plantation community, where she also attended Waipahu High School.
A Love Story
While babysitting at Barber's Point, at 17-years of age, Dorothy was crossing the street and caught the eye of a young Marine, David McAngus, who was stationed there. He knew then that she would be the woman he would marry. And he did. Shortly after that chance encounter, in November of 1952, they wed, sharing 60 years of love, laughter and memories. When David passed in 2013, a piece of her went with him, but her love for him never wavered.
Building a Life Together
David and Dorothy began their lives in Halawa before settling in 'Ewa Beach in 1962 where they raised their three children. They enjoyed large extended family gatherings with her sisters and their families, constantly surrounded by love and laughter. They shared a passion for traveling the world and bringing back gifts and stories from their adventures. In later years, they happily traded globe-trotting adventures for regular trips to Disneyland with their grandchildren, building new traditions and creating cherished family memories.
Dorothy was endlessly proud of David's accomplishments as a retired U.S. Postal Service postmaster, a Marine Corps veteran who served in the Korean War, and a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Her Greatest Joy - Family
The center of Dorothy's life was her family. She dedicated her life to being a homemaker, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Her greatest happiness was her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She poured her heart into raising her three children, Dawn (Dave) Sachs, David "Boy" (Lisa) and Christine (David) Ontai. From there, her family blossomed into five generations of love.
She was the proud and loving grandmother of eight to Ka'eo (Jessica), Kehaulani, Kaipo (Crystal), Ku'ulei (Addison), Kuilani (Tommy), Kanoelani (Jaymis), Koali'i, and Kaliko. Her legacy grew further through her sixteen great-grandchildren: Ka'iulani, Kahiwa, Abrianna, Ki'inani, Derelyn, Kamele, Ka'anela, Derek, Kekane, Natalie, Charla, Charlotte, Thomas "Tommy Boy", Charli, Charleia, and Leonidas "Kawika". She was blessed to see her family extend to a fifth generation with the arrival of great-great-granddaughter, Adessa.
Her family was her pride and joy, and nothing brought her more happiness than watching it grow through the years.
Legacy of Love
Dorothy and David's legacy lives on in the family they built, the traditions they created, and the gatherings they loved. Together, they filled their home with laughter, stories, and memories that will be cherished for generations. The lessons they passed down continue to guide their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the love they shared.
Dorothy is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sister Elsie, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband David, sisters Jane, Lillian, and Katherine, and her parents.
Celebration of Life
In keeping with her wishes, services will be private for immediate family. Dorothy will be laid to rest with her beloved husband David, at the Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery, in Kāne'ohe.
Forever in Our Hearts
Though we will miss her dearly, we take comfort knowing she is reunited with her beloved David, and that her spirit will continue to guide us. Her love and kindness will live on in each of us. You are our heart. We love you so much.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
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Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
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