Celeste Kulamanu Ganeku's Obituary
Celeste K. Ganeku
August 28, 1954 – May 26, 2020
Celeste Kulamanu Ganeku was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 28, 1954, and passed into everlasting life on May 26, 2020 at the Castle Medical Center in Kailua, Oahu. She shared a beautiful home in Foster Village, with her best friend and the love of her life, husband Garrett M. Ganeku, and beloved fur baby “Opihi” (dog) and feather baby “Kiwi” (Bird). In addition, she was godmother to grandniece Sage Hi’ilei Iona, her precious baby girl to whom she was devoted.
She was born the youngest of five children to Berne Hal-Man, and Verna Mae Perkins. She was raised in East Honolulu beginning at the family home in Saint Louis Heights, then on to 7th Avenue in Kaimuki, and finally Waialae Nui Ridge upland of Waialae-Kahala.
Her grade school years were spent at Sacred Hearts Academy and St Patrick Schools consecutively, then attending high school at Star of The Sea, graduating with the Class of 1973.
She had a varied work career throughout her life, with her last two employers being her favorites; The Flamingo Royal Lanai, and United Airlines, where lifelong friendships were formed, and remain close to this day.
Celeste was athletic and loved playing non-competitive volleyball in her early years. After meeting Garrett, they enjoyed playing mixed league softball together. She loved to travel, often to Las Vegas with husband Garrett and friends. They nurtured a tight bond with family and friends, hosting numerous gatherings and celebrations at their home throughout the years.
Celeste loved to tell jokes and sing karaoke. She had an infectious laugh. She was gregarious, fun loving, and generous to a fault. She is already being dearly missed by all who know and love her!
She is preceded in death by Mother Verna Mae Perkins, Father Berne Hal-Mann, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She is survived by Husband Garrett M. Ganeku, Sisters: Hollis Ann Hauoli Catrett (Edward), Ann Kaplan Mulholland (Stephen), Maria Teresa Bowman, Nicki H. Oldham (Edwin). Brothers: Berne Moana Parker (Sharon), George Ka’imi Conception (Jessa), Vernon Harry Maika’i Parker, Shannon Opu’ulani Perkins, Brandon Hal-Mann (Mellissa), and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins…
A service will be held on Saturday June 20, 2020 at Diamond Head Cemetery. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, strict mortuary guidelines prevent we (the family) from having a traditional visitation open to the public, and therefore have no alternative other than conducting a private service. Our hearts go out to all our extended family and friends, and we are saddened that we cannot have everyone in attendance. Please know that we love and cherish you all and ask for your understanding at this difficult time. Sending you all much Love and Aloha! Condolences may be sent to: Celeste Ganeku, PO Box 13045 Aiea Hi 96701.
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