Kiyomi "Karen" Alfonso's Obituary
Kiyomi "Karen" Alfonso Obituary
Kiyomi Karen Alfonso, age 94, of Waipahu, Hawaii passed away on March 09, 2025. She was born on May 06, 1930 in Waimea, Kauai. She was the 10th of 14th children of Taketa and Tsuruko Kutaka.
Mom was quite a tom boy, who loved to climb trees to pick mango, mountain apple and lychee, despite her father repeatedly reminding her, "That girls don't climb trees." The Waimea pier was her backyard where she played, fished, camped and swam. Mom graduated from Waimea High School, Class of 1948, "The Menehunes." One of her first jobs was a sugar cane field worker on Kauai. She soon left Kauai to dorm at the Queen's School of Nursing in Honolulu. It was during this time that she met Vidal Alfonso, Jr. at one of the Queen's nurse's sponsored dances. She graduated as a registered nurse from Queen's in 1951. Karen Kiyomi Alfonso and Vidal F. Alfonso were married on August 23, 1952 and settled in Honolulu. Her nursing career lasted over 40 years at Children's Hospital, Kapiolani Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Maili Clinic, and retired from Kapiolani Hospital, OBGYN Department, after 25 years. Mom was from the old school of nursing: white uniform, white polished shoes, stockings and cap with the black stripe. No nail polish, no hairspray. She looked just like an angel!
Karen, as she was known to many, was a kind and humble spirit with a life full of humor, heart and devotion to her family. A devoted wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, mom's family was important to her oftentimes quiet, but observant and had a quick tongue when you least expect it. She lived a long and full life with a heart that never stopped giving. She was strong and her will to live was extraordinary. We take comfort in knowing that she is at peace now, finally at rest, after a long life's journey full of fun, laughter and family, with no regrets.
She is survived by daughter, Cynthia S. (Ernest) Bernard; sons, Michael T. Alfonso, Vidal K. Alfonso; grandchildren, Burgundy M. Alfonso, Austin M. Alfonso; great-grandchildren, Ryan M. (Monica) Alfonso, Kylie J. Pasion; sister, Sally Ann Kutaka; numerous nieces and nephews.
Karen was predeceased by her husband, Vidal F. "Al" Alfonso, her parents, sisters and brothers.
Visitation on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 5:30 pm, Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. Memorial service at 6:30 pm, casual attire.
The family requests no flowers and there will be a private scattering of ashes at a later date.
Rest In Peace
You will live forever in
Our Hearts!
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