Gloria Jean Kaleionaonaonapua Ilae's Obituary
Gloria Ilae Obituary
Gloria-Jean Kaleionaonapua Ilae, 72, of Honolulu, Hawai?i, peacefully passed away on April 26, 2024 at Pali Momi Hospital.
Gloria was born on May 1, 1951 to Anamalia Kealoha-Aina of Mokuhulu and Kaimu, Puna HI. and Wallace Aina Sr. of Hana, Maui in Honolulu, HI.
At the age of 5, Gloria began her training under Kumu Hula Luka and Louise Kaleiki where she was able to hone her basic hula foundations. She then went on to dance for Genoa Keawe where she became the first and youngest hula dancer to use the Hula-hoop and she became a delightful favorite by her kumu, peers and those who met her who lovingly called her “Baby Lei”. As she went on in her early career in hula, she traveled to numerous places with her dance company and spent months away from home dancing in places like Japan. She was a beautiful and graceful Hula dancer and touched many through her dance.
Gloria met Howard Ilae while attending Farrington high school where they both graduated in 1969. She and Howard were married following graduation and went on to have three children, Leiann Ilae, Leialoha Ilae-Kaleimamahu and Leionaona Ilae. Gloria went straight into the work force at Gems Store, McInerny and Guava Lane where she headed Loss Prevention and held that work for ten years.
Gloria worked at St. Johns the Baptist School for 28 years as the librarian and teacher. She throrougly enjoyed her work and was able to inspire all the children that came to her as her students.
In 2010, Gloria retired and spent a some time at VIP working with transportation where she helped with the maintenance of the buses. Everyone loved to work with her and she became a “mom” to everyone at the yard.
After she left VIP to fully retire, she spent her time in Maui where she spent four years with her grandchildren. She became a truly gifted artist in other creative endeavors and lived a life in the Arts where she created beautiful art pieces for herself but especially for and with her grandchildren. She loved to share her art with her grandchildren.
Gloria was predeceased by her sibblings Michael Aina and Anthony Aina and her grandson Ainaua Kaleimanoopuna Kaleimamahu.
She is survived by daughters Leiann, Leialoha, Leionaona. Her grandchildren Ikaika Vivas, Monique Hasegawa-Ilae, Zhole Hasegawa-Ilae, Reyce Hasegawa-Ilae, Liam Hasegawa-Ilae, Leipuna Gloria-Jean Kaleimamahu, Ahi?ena Kaleimamahu, Life Aina Kaihewalu, Legacy Aina-Kaihewalu. Great Grandchildren; Ezra Hasegawa Ilae-Valles , Kamalani Kukaohi?a Vivas. Sibblings; Wallace Aina Jr. Kamala Aina-Cockett, Benedict Aina James Aina and Dominic Aina.
Services will be held at Mililani Memorial Park at Ka Uka Blvd. on July 5, 2024 at 5:30pm to 9pm.
Burial on July 8, 2024 at 10:30am at Mililani Memorial Park.
Flowers and leis are welcomed.
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to the family, please visit our floral store.
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