Aloha Kakou. We have recently lost our beloved mom which is such a hard reality to face.

We weren't ready to lose her. Not now. And not this way.

Her name is Carol Dean Stephanie Rapis, but most people called her Steph. She was born on February 16, 1953.

She was the third eldest of ten siblings. She helped raise her siblings at an early age.

She was a loving mother of 7 children all of whom miss her terribly.

She was a beloved mom, aunty, sister, grandma, great grandma, and friend.

Our mom was an amazing person. Anyone who knew her, can fondly remember her vibrant energy.

She was the kind of person that could make you smile in the hardest of times.

She was so full of life and even at the age of 68, she could pop lock better than any kid off the block.

Our mom took everyone in with an open heart. Every life she was a part of, she had an impact on.

She became a professional musician at the age of 15. Many people have fond memories of her performing on stage with her beautiful voice and what an amazing performer she was.

She had talent with an attitude to go with it. She sang the best version of fire that I've ever heard.

She passed away on the 7th of October.

2 of moms kids live in california and one of us lives in Europe.

To us that live abroad, we unfortunately came a little too late.

It breaks our heart knowing that we didn't make it to Hawai'i soon enough to hold her hand one last time.

My last memory of her, is on the phone right before she went to the hospital and she smiled when she heard my voice. And that moment, that smile, that's how I remember her.

Mom always knew what to give us, how to handle us through tough situations and she went the way she thought was best for each of us.

We ask that you please donate any amount that you can and share our gofundme on your social media.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this letter and for your support.