Katie Keoho Moa's Obituary
Katie Keoho Moa, age 95, passed away peacefully at home with family and loved ones on December 24, 2025, in Hawaii. Born on November 9, 1930, in Honolulu, she lived a life grounded in faith, service, and dedication to her community.
The youngest of nine children born to Fanny and George Keoho, Katie graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy for Girls. Her early commitment to leadership was evident through her involvement with the Girl Scouts of America, where she served as a Troop Leader. She later worked as a cook at Alvin’s Drive Inn and as a cafeteria worker at Nanaikapono School. Her passion for serving others led to a long and impactful career with the City & County Department of Parks & Recreation. In roles ranging from aide to director to senior citizen advisor, Katie made a lasting impact along the Waianae Coast—serving communities from Kalanianaole Park in Nanakuli to Maili, Waianae District Park, Pililaau, and Makaha. To many across these neighborhoods, she was affectionately known as “Aunty Katie.”
Katie’s devotion extended beyond her professional contributions into her spiritual life. She served as a Sunday School teacher at Waianae Pentecostal Faith Mission and was an active member of Jesus Is...Ministries. Her sense of community also found expression in her membership with the Ka Mo‘i Motorcycle Club, which she proudly shared with her late husband and daughters.
A woman of many talents and boundless creativity, Katie enjoyed making ceramics; crafting kukui nut leis; designing coconut and opihi shell jewelry; and creating yarn leis. A self-taught musician, she played piano, ukulele, guitar, nose flutes, and hula implements with heartfelt enthusiasm. Her interests were as diverse as they were joyful—she loved archery, basketball, baseball, volleyball, reading her Bible daily, solving word searches, playing Tetris, and spending treasured time with her “grannies,” a term that lovingly included grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many others whose lives she touched.
Katie was preceded in death by her husband Benjamin Moa Jr.; her son Henry Preece; and daughters Alohalani (Darrel) Gionson and April Mapuana Moa.
She is survived by five children: Marylin (Paul) Kealoha; Alvina (Aaron–deceased) Adams; Bennie Lee (Jerry–deceased) Spencer; Cheryl-Ann (Jeffery) Moa; and Marshalette Moa.
A wake will be held on February 23, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel with services beginning at 6:30 p.m.
A funeral service will follow on February 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with services beginning at 10:00 a.m., and burial at 1:00 p.m. at Nanakuli Homestead Cemetery on Haleakala Avenue.
May her memory continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.
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