Shinobu Kawano

                                                                      SHINOBU KAWANO

Our beloved mother Shinobu Kawano, affectionately Shino-chan or “S” to many,  passed peacefully at home in Aiea on November 28, 2020 surrounded by family.  She was 98.  Born and raised in Waianae, mom was the seventh of ten children of Makitaro and Mino Tamura and the last surviving sibling.

She married Toshio Kawano in 1947 and together nurtured three children along with their business Moiliili Bakery.  When dad passed in 1977, mom retired but was not idle. A life long passion for sewing kept her busy supplying Tamura Super in Waianae with the red smocks their employees wore.  Mom traveled to Japan, visited amusement parks and varied attractions on the mainland with her family and enjoyed frequent trips to Las Vegas.  She looked forward to watching her favorite Japanese language programs on KIKU, urged-on contestants in game shows like Family Feud,  Price Is Right and Wheel Of Fortune, was partial to “Cowboy” shows and cheered for Angels baseball all-star, Mike Trout.  Our mom cooked delicious meals, had fun picking mango, found purpose and contentment in her canine companions and was a long time member of Moiliili Hongwanji. 

Mom took the opportunity on almost all holidays that ended with “Day” to gratefully share celebratory gifts with her grandchildren.  She was a cancer survivor and the blessing of her longevity helped in our realizing everything she did was to make our lives better.  She instilled the importance of a good education, of being industrious and saving for the future, of being true to yourself and appreciative of others, and most importantly, the preciousness of family.  Hard working, resilient, supportive and loving, she always put her family first.  We are proud and eternally grateful that she was our mom/grandma, “Forever Loved, Forever Missed”.

Survived by daughter Charlene (Stephen) Okano , sons Roy (Ruth) and Kenneth (Lori) Kawano and grandsons, Chris Kawano, Keven Kawano, Kaipo Kawano and Trevor Okano, and many nieces and nephews.

We gratefully acknowledge the team from Islands Hospice for their aloha and compassionate care.  Private services held.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.