Dorothy Hanayo Miyahara's Obituary
Dorothy Hanayo Miyahara (Dot) passed away peacefully at home with family around her on January 9, 2022. Born on February 26, 1929 in Lihue, Kauai to Suekichi and Kinuyo Mizutani, she graduated from San Jose State University with Honors in Education and returned home to teach at Kauai High School. In 1957 she married Herbert Miyahara and enjoyed 21 years of marriage before being widowed at age 49; becoming a single mom to three children whom she raised and supported through college and into their current professional careers. Close to her sisters who settled in California, the family traveled often to visit. Through those trips she opened the world beyond the shores of Hawaii for her children and enabled a closeness with cousins and family that endures today. Although Kauai was always home where she enjoyed spending time outside and gardening, Dot relocated to Oahu in 2017 to be closer to her children and to enjoy watching her grandchildren in sports and school activities. Being a grandmother of six and watching them grow and blossom brought her the most joy in her later years. Although she endured many medical challenges over the years, she fought each off with a depth of strength and resolve that allowed her to share her life and love with her children and grandchildren for 92 years. Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Herbert Miyahara as well as Charles Mizutani, brother, Elaine Sakoda and Mary Tsukamoto, sisters. She is survived by Calvin (Danelle) Miyahara, Teri (Dean) Matsukawa and Russ (Denise) Miyahara, and grandchildren, Davin, Elise, Travis, Cole, Reese and Cade. She is also survived by Warren Mizutani, brother. Private services were held. The family respectfully requests no monetary gifts. She is lovingly remembered for her strength, generosity and love.
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