Paying Tribute to Iwalani

Iwalani had a love for life and the kind of laugh that was contagious. She had the biggest heart and a smile to match. Iwa was your co-worker putting in extra hours on the weekend, your mom cheering in the stands of band competitions, devoted wife to her high school sweetheart of 30 years, and the grandma who secretly spoiled her grand baby every second she could. When you got her talking story, she listened to you with an open heart, shared her warmth, and could talk your ear off for hours— every second totally worth it. 

Most of all, she was a life-long friend and a ray of sunshine in so many people’s lives.

She was a Woman of Faith, never doubting her Lord’s plan for her, even throughout her medical crises and afflictions. She was called to join our Father, and as unexpected as that was, we can only appreciate the fact that she’s no longer in pain.

Early morning, on September 1, 2019, she closed her eyes on Earth for the last time and awoke in Heaven, after having succumbed to her long battle with kidney failure.

In Iwa’s memory, this GoFundMe was created in order to support the following expenses to honor and celebrate her life:


- Memorial Service in Portland, OR

- Cremation in Portland, OR

- Accommodations to return her and her immediate family home (Oahu)

- Celebration of Life on Oahu, HI


Please know, no contribution is too little or small. Any help that can be given will be greatly appreciated. We also welcome any photos or fond memories of Iwa in the comments.

Ideally, we would like to raise the funds as soon as possible. However, our goal is to have some raised by the first week of October so that we can prepare to return with her to Oahu and have a Celebration of Life for her there. 

All funds donated will be used to cover her final expenses and memorial services; her family (husband and daughters) will be responsible for managing the use of whatever is donated.