Jean Onogi Nakagawa's Obituary
Jean Onogi Nakagawa April 16, 1934 – May 30, 2026
Jean Onogi Nakagawa, 92, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at Queen’s Hospital surrounded by the love of family and friends whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.
Born on April 16, 1934, in Honolulu to Edward and Teruko Onogi, Jean attended Farrington High School and went on to enjoy a successful career with the Federal Government, retiring at the age of 55 after 30+ years of service. Following retirement, she volunteered at Iliahi Elementary School, continuing her lifelong commitment to caring for others and giving back to her community.
Jean married the love of her life, Mark Nakagawa, on April 2, 1960. Together they shared 44 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and family until Mark's passing in 2004.
Family was the center of Jean's life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who always put others before herself. She made sure her family was well cared for, preparing dinner every day and creating a warm, loving home. Holiday gatherings brought her great joy, and she never forgot a birthday, always making family members feel remembered and loved. Even at 92 years old, Jean remained remarkably independent, handling her daily life with quiet strength and determination.
Jean found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed harvesting fresh vegetables from their garden, traveling to Las Vegas with Mark and her sisters, watching Korean dramas and MSNBC, and staying connected with family and current events on her iPad. She embraced technology with enthusiasm and curiosity, proving that age was never a barrier to learning something new.
One of Jean's greatest joys was her grandson, Jared, who held a special place in her heart. When Jared attended college in Arizona, Jean looked forward to their weekly FaceTime calls, cherishing every opportunity to stay connected and share in his life. Their bond brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.
Jean is survived by her loving daughter, Jenny (Barney), and her beloved grandson, Jared. She is also survived by her sisters, Thelma Katada, her twin sister, and Bette Tengan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Nakagawa; her sister, Carol Igawa; and her parents, Edward and Teruko Onogi.
Those who knew Jean will remember her as kind, thoughtful, sweet, generous, and soft-spoken. Her gentle nature, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family touched countless lives. She never sought attention for herself, but through her everyday acts of care and kindness, she left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Jean's legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and in the many memories she created through a lifetime of compassion, humility, and devotion. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Mililani Mortuary, Mauka Chapel. Visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by services at 6:30 p.m. Aloha attire.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support received during this difficult time.
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