Death date: Nov 9, 2012
Dorothy "Dot" Mendonca Joseph of Kailua died peacefully at Pearl City Nursing Home on Friday, November 9, 2012. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry. Mrs. Joseph is survived by her children, Read Obituary
Mom was a person of extremes. She ruled our household and no one every questioned her authority without………consequences. Not even dad. You did as you were told and you were only told once. If she were an animal mother, she’d be a hawk. Ever watchful, vigilant, and ready to strike if there were any real or perceived threat to any of her babies. She loved us all unconditionally and even when we crossed the line and fell out of grace with her, we all knew without a doubt that if we reached out she’d be there for us in a heartbeat. Mom also had another, softer side to her. She loved the holidays and made sure our family celebrated every single one. Christmas was without a doubt, her favorite time of year and she was always determined to get everyone something extra special. There was nothing she liked more than to watch all the little ones open their gifts Christmas morning. Their joy was her joy ten fold.Mom grew up in a large family with 3 brothers and one sister. She was the second to the youngest, but far from pampered or spoiled. She completed the ninth grade then went on to vocational training school to become a dressmaker. She finished school, but her plans to begin work changed when she met Henry and the two of them fell in love. They quickly married and started a family. Mom had always wanted a family and she made the decision early on to be a “domestic engineer†and to raise her children and be a full time mom and wife. Because of her sacrifice, we kids never had to come home to an empty house. Mom was always there when we were sick or injured and she hovered over us night and day until we were better. At times like this, she seemed like a soft warm blanket, wrapped snuggly around us – protecting us, loving us, and nursing us back to health. This was a blessing to us because we were fortunate to have a loving mom at home looking after us.She loved to cook but baking was a true passion of hers and we had cookies and cakes, cinnamon rolls, sweet bread, biscuits and muffins on a regular basis. We were spoiled growing up because my mom made the most amazing meals followed by scrumptious deserts.We are all sad that mom is gone, but I personally am happy to know that she lived such a long fulfilling life. While mom is not here in the flesh, I know that she is here in spirit. Mom taught us all so much and whether we acknowledge it or not, she helped make us the people we are today. I know that her strong and dynamic personality, kind heart and generous spirit had the same impact on many of you here today. I know that mom’s spirit lives on in all of us. Mom, we love you and will miss you. Me ke aloha apau loa - Until we meet again………….##imported-begin##Julie##imported-end##
I am blessed with so many great memories of my grams. One of the greatest was of her sitting and holding Tyler in the hospital the day after he was born. We talked and talked for hours! Looking back, I have no regrets. I loved her every minute that I could! I was able to brush her hair when she couldn't hold the brush, feed her when she couldn't feed herself, we played bingo, looked at pictures, and said bad words just to make her laugh. I will miss you, gram. Take care of my little girl up there:) I love you!!##imported-begin##Shelli##imported-end##
