Neeli Patiale Shimabukuro's Obituary
Neeli Shimabukuro Obituary
Neeli Patiale Shimabukuro (72), of Waialua, Hawaii passed peacefully on January 13, 2021 from cancer. She was a loving companion to Manny Souza and her beloved chihuahuas, Malia and Kaleo. She is survived by her daughter Roni Au, her son Adrian Au (Jami) from her marriage to David Au, and her three grandsons Alex, Kobe, and Avery Au; her niece Fatali (Tamaika) Willy, and numerous family in Tuvalu, New Zealand, and Fiji.
Neeli was born in Ocean Island, Kiribati, to the Patiale aliki clan. Her father worked for the British Phosphate Commission - for the extraction of phosphate from Ocean Island and Nauru, before his tenure as the chief of Nanumea, Tuvalu.
In 1988, after reconnecting with her children who lived in the mainland US, she immigrated to Oahu, Hawaii. She found work in Honolulu as a cook at Jumbo’s Drive-In where she met her longtime companion, Manny.
Neeli was deeply religious and loved God. She read her Bible daily and prayed often for her loved ones. So many have left indelible acts of kindness to Neeli, including her wonderful caregivers during her battle with breast and liver cancer. Her kind heart never let on the seriousness of her condition to others.
She was ready to be received by the Lord and left with love in her heart.
We would like to thank everyone for all their condolences and well wishes.
Scheduled zoom service:
Arrangements Provided By: Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary
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to the family, please visit our floral store.
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