Cecily Ann Harder Kikukawa

October 23, 1919 - June 12, 2018

Cecily Ann Harder Kikukawa was born in Milford, Connecticut, on October 23, 1919, to parents Albert and Marion Harder. Education was a high family value, and “Cis” earned her M.Ed. at Yale in 1943. Her Dream to travel the world found her on Molokai in 1946, where she met Arthur Kikukawa, a WWII 442nd RCT veteran. They married and had five children. Art managed the Mid Nite Inn restaurant while Cecily taught elementary school until her retirement in 1979. Retirement allowed Cis and Art to travel the world and enjoy grandchildren. Cecily valued her faith, education, and physical health. Cis was an active parishioner at St. Sophia’s Church on Molokai, where she served as a lector, organist, religious education instructor, and member of the Parish Council. She was an avid reader until the maladies of old age took her vision. She began reading books on tape, an activity that brought her intellectual stimulation and pleasure. She swam laps at the local pool until age 91 and was always conscious of good nutrition. Her greatest weakness was her sweet tooth… especially for CHOCOLATE! She loved children and spent time reading, swimming, traveling, and working with them. Cecily, her intellect, and wit will be dearly missed by many. During her final years, Cecily lived with her daughter, Sr. Marion, at St. Francis Convent. Her family is indebted to the Franciscan Community for the excellent care she received. She was predeceased by her husband Arthur, their son Paul, and her parents and siblings. She is survived by her sister, Monica (Robert) Kelley of Florida and her children, Sr. Marion Kikukawa, Kristen Capalare, John (Alyne) Kikukawa, and Phillip (Susan Forbes) Kikukawa. She also leaves 11 grandchildren 7 great grandchildren, and a multitude of Harder, Gebhardt, Kikukawa, and Kometani relatives. She transitioned peacefully from this earth on June 12, and her family rejoices that she is reunited with her beloved deceased. Services in Honolulu will be held at St Francis Convent chapel, 2715 Pamoa Rd., on Wednesday, June 27 with visitation (3:00), eulogy (4:45), and Mass (5:00), followed by a reception. Family requests no flowers. Services on Molokai will be held at St. Damien Church on Friday, June 29, with visitation (8:30), eulogy (9:45), and Mass (10:00). Inurnment will be held privately by the family.