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Rachel Chieko Nemoto
1961 - 2014
Rachel Chieko Nemoto
1961 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
Rachel Nemoto Obituary
Funeral services will be held on September 6, 2014 at Borthwick Mortuary - Maunakea Chapel. Visitation will be at 3pm and service will begin at 4:30pm.
Casual attire suggested.
Family request no flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 15, 2014
I loved Rachel dearly. We often talked like sisters. She had a quick laugh with acceptance of people's character and the nature of life. Neither seemed to phase her.
One of our secret sister loves was dance. In groups we would quietly ask each other: have you been dancing? We would speculate about classes and laugh about what we were working on, or how tough it was.
Cats were another mutual love. Her cat seemed to hide when people were around, but she told me it would come and sit by her during her chemo recovery, keeping watch over her and supporting her healing.
Together we loved our men and children. Rachel would softly tell me how her kids were doing and relate stories about them and Nathan. She would ask me about my sweetheart Bob and I would relate the same. I didn't have children, but this never felt like a difference between us. That fact was such a gift to me.
I wish I could talk to her again I'm sure she would assure me that death was like this or that. That this was tough, but that part was easy. I'm glad her family had time with her. When last we spoke, she was concerned mostly for them. She had check list in her mind and wasn't going to relax until it was fulfilled.
Rachel was wonderful in ways difficult to name. What endures is her wisdom, her love, her laughter, her patience, her ability to teach, the way she got so tickled about things, her love of Nathan and her love for her children. In my imagination's eye these qualities remain with us, swirling in the heavens, sweeping us up and spinning us into an irrevocable dance.
We are so fortunate to have had Rachel with us. Hers were qualities the world so needs. She was such a gift and absolute blessing to us.
Janet Smith
Kaimuki, Hawaii
Marissa Singleton
September 9, 2014
Dear Nathan, Richelle and David: I am very saddened to hear about your loss of your dear spouse and mom Rachel. I will miss her so very much. Rachel had a beautiful smile and shared so much love and aloha with everyone she met. I will always remember her joyful laughter and our fun high school trip to Illinois with the band. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sheryl Ogawa
September 7, 2014
I will miss you. With deepest sympathy to the Nemoto family. You are her pride and joy.
Game night with our Lakeview ohana, Jan. 2008
Jerry and Sandie Reardon
September 6, 2014
Nathan, Richelle and David, We are truly saddened by your loos. Rachel was a unique and wonderful human being with many very dear qualities. Her smile was totally magical, and she seemed to always be smiling and happy. She brought her gifts of warmth and good cheer to our many gatherings over the years.
The poet, Mary Oliver spoke of coping with the loss of someone you love in this way:
"To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things;
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go."
These words helped us through the loss of our daughter/stepdaughter a few years ago, and we hope they will also help you.
Aloha nui loa, Jerry and Sandie Reardon
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Game night with the Lakeview ohana, January 2008
Jerry and Sandie Reardon
September 6, 2014
I got to play volleyball with Rachel!
Corinne Ehara
September 6, 2014
Hiking with JTB coworkers
Corinne Ehara
September 6, 2014
Rachel Kailua Beach
September 6, 2014
Enjoying Kailua Beach!
September 6, 2014
Peter Van Slyke
September 5, 2014
Nathan and family. I was so sorry to hear about your tragic loss, and caught by surprise especially after thinking Rachel had been doing better. I know you are so blessed to have had Rachel in your life. Nathan, you and your family are in my prayers for peace at this time, especially knowing she is in infinitely better hands now. Thanks for sharing the photos of her so we can remember the many good times and blessings she provided. Pete and Nina Van Slyke
Bob Jones
September 5, 2014
Rachel had a smile, and especially a laugh, that would entirely take her over, rendering her into a helpless embodiment of joyful, giggling surrender. It was always fun to tell a story at Nathan and Rachel's, knowing they would see the humor in it, and enjoy it to the fullest.
She also had a keen sense of justice, that was generous, and mighty. She was sage, tough, and quick to say; “No; that is WRONG”, while others said, “That's the way it is now”.
Joy and justice. Two qualities rare enough alone, even
rarer in tandem. I'm so grateful I knew Rachel, and was
able to experience the gift and example of her and Nathan's love, which continues to resonate
and unfold today.
Donna Fujihara
September 4, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
The pictures were wonderful.
UH doesn't seem that long ago...
Mary (Krakowiak) Turley
September 3, 2014
Nathan, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Rachel. The pictures that you shared were priceless. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Layne Luke
September 3, 2014
Nathan and Family,
We are sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures. Will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Scott Moody
September 2, 2014
Nathan, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Seeing the photos captures how special you two were together along with your wonderful children. I enjoyed the shots of Rachel at your Lanikai place on the hill since it brings back memories from our childhood. Take care.
Traci Hatico
September 2, 2014
Nathan & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May your memories of love and knowledge that she is at peace help you through this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Traci
Aleina Tanabe
September 2, 2014
Sensei, you made it easier to come to school everyday. You treated your students with the utmost respect and conversed with us like you were a peer. The amount of animation and cheer you had everyday is inspiring. I miss talking and laughing with you! Thank you for being an awesome role model and putting up with my shenanigans. You will continue to be one of the best teachers I have ever had and I will never forget being in your class.
Kelley, Ryan, Sara, and Luke Hatfield
September 2, 2014
Rachel's smile will forever be in our memories. We loved the time in Lakeview that we got to know Rachel, Nathan, Richelle, and David. I can't believe how grown up the kids are, it still feels like they were little ones running around the playground. Our heart goes out to you all. May peace be with you and the memories of your dear wife and mother be with you forever. With lots of love and aloha, The Hatfields (Ryan, Kelley, Sara, and Luke)
September 2, 2014
Rachel was my always-smiling Kalaheo High School colleague and friend, a gentle, caring spirit as she nurtured her students and other teachers. My condolences to her loved ones. May their memories of Rachel sustain them at this time and always.
Diane Baird
September 2, 2014
Rachel was one of the kindest and warmest people I've known. My family I will miss her. We are so sorry for Nathan, Richelle and David. It was such a blessing to have known her.
Charlie Bracken
September 1, 2014
..Meeting Rachel was a very pleasant experience. She treated everyone very sweetly.
..Please accept my condolences for the loss of your wonderful Wife and Mother.
Teresa Wong
September 1, 2014
Dear Nathan, Richelle and David, I am so sorry for your loss, Rachel was a blessing to the staff and students of Kalaheo. She was courageous and an example for all of us, what a lovely person, at all times. Aloha, Teresa Wong
Dave, Megan, Zoe and Elijah Perry
September 1, 2014
What a wonderful and touching tribute to Rachel. We LOVED seeing all of the photos. Her love for her family, friends, cats, games, and nature were evident in the pictures. We were blessed to have had sweet Rachel and the Nemoto's as our wonderful neighbors. Rachel was always so kind and helpful and had the BEST smile! We will cherish our memories of the fun times we had at our Lakeview get together's and fun game nights. Rest in peace sweet Rachel. We send our sympathy, love and prayers to Nathan, Richelle, David, and the rest of your family.
September 1, 2014
For 23 years we've owned an international adventure travel business & have hundreds of good friends across the Pacific Rim... but the very dearest, the most beloved of all these friends are the Nemoto Family in Kailua, Oahu -- Nathan & Rachel & their two wonderful children: Richelle & David. We 4 parents had our 2 kids at nearly identical times, shared the joys & trials of raising them & every summer since 1994 we brought our boys back to visit Oahu, & the Nemotos, countless times. Our kids almost grew up as "distant cousins", as we live near Mpls, MN. What we remember the most warmly about sweet Rachel, from all those good years, was the evenings our two families would spend together in Kailua each summer -- delighting in her awesome Japanese cuisine (especially the gyoza & the savory chicken dishes!), & in our happy conversations at the table. Then there was her love of great vintage rock music (so she sure married the right guy, with "wall-to-wall" LPs & amazing CDs spanning the decades!!) We so loved to spend those evenings, laughing about parenting, about our jobs, our dreams for the kids, & playing trivia games or board games until the late hours up there in the hillside home in Enchanted Lakes.
But the most vivid indelible memory I will ever have of dear sweet Rachel, our special friend, was a week before she left this world. I (John) phoned the hospice & was told by the nurse she was unable to speak or carry on a conversation any more. Not willing to accept that, I asked to be connected to Rachel & the nurse brought the phone to her bedside. Rachel picked up the telephone &, almost by miracle, she was lucid as can be, she had a lilt in her voice & we enjoyed a thoroughly cogent, clear conversation for about 4-5 minutes. I told her Susie & I would miss her so, as would all her family, & we looked forward to seeing her in heaven with the Lord. "Yes, I want that, too," Rachel replied instantly. I said to her there was no need for stress or striving any more, no need for worries, all she had to do was "rest your head gently on the warm & loving shoulder of the Lord, who cares for you so much" -- & He will welcome you home. And Rachel said, "Yes, this is true."
Because she was so blessed by virtue & a sweet giving spirit, & because she freely entrusted her spirit to the Lord above, Susie & I only grieve that we will never enjoy her delightful grin in this life anymore. Yes, we mourn the loss her family is bearing -- but that sadness is so much more overshadowed by JOY, absolute certainty that Rachel has chosen life with her Lord & God, her Creator, & that we are cetain He honored His promise of everlasting life to her.
So we celebrate the wonderful life Rachel lived, the beautiful children & loyal husband she cared for, & the countless people whose hearts she touched. The celebration of Rachel's life in Hawaii -- & her New Eternal Life in the Light -- far outweigh anything else.
Aloha nui loa, sister Rachel. We love you so...
John & Susie Hessburg, Jack & Bo (Apple Valley, MN)
Brenda Jackson
August 31, 2014
Her beautiful spirit and smile will be greatly missed at Kalaheo High School. Our daughters, Sierra and Denali, were so fortunate to have her as their Japanese teacher. She was smart, engaging and her joyful smile lit up every person she met. Blessings and prayers to your family, Mrs. Nemoto. With love and gratitude, the Jackson Family
Happy times with Richelle, David and their cousins.
Suzanne Kramer
August 31, 2014
Thank you for sharing all the photos...wonderful look into Rachel's life. I love how photos captured Rachel's graceful, giving, loving soul as well as her playful, silly side. She smiled all the while. She is loved and missed. I have many fond memories of our kids playing every evening till dinner time. I admired how patient she was with her children, devoted wife,...always seemed to have it all together for her family. Self sacrificing for sure, a beautiful soul. She taught me a lesson or two. Thanks Rachel.
Charmay Ouchie (Lorenzo)
August 31, 2014
I have so many memories of Mrs. Nemoto during the five years that I was her student. She was a very passionate teacher, and always willing to take the extra time to help you understand. I always looked forward to her class, and even now after seven years of no classes, her lessons continue to help me in my career. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to her family. Please know that she touched so many lives, in big and small ways, and she will be greatly missed.
Tom Kaser
August 31, 2014
Rachel--what a kind, gentle, giving, person she was, a really good neighbor when I lived in Kailua. I remember all of the Nemotos that way. Nathan, Rachel's illness and passing has been a long, painful journey for you, Richelle, and David, but I have nothing but the deepest admiration for the love and strength you showed throughout.
Leila Camare
August 31, 2014
We are all so blessed to have known Rachel. She and I shared a love of cats. Her face lit up with genuine joy each time she talked about her kitty when we exchanged funny cat stories. She was my mentor and hero in education. So many times I felt like we were truly in the trenches together, but each time I was so thankful I was lucky enough to be in there with her. She will remain in my heart one of the most hardworking, humble, strong, patient and loving people I will ever know. She deserved every beautiful blessing she had in her life. May the Lord bring peace and comfort to her loved ones. Rachel will be dearly missed.
Barbie and Peanut
August 30, 2014
Rachel was love and is love and will always be loved.
I'm happy that we have someone on our side in Heaven rooting for us now - until then we will always be here for you and to help you remember what an angel Rachel is. Aloha nui loa -
Akua ke Aloha- Akua ke Aloha - Akua ke Aloha
John&Marina Rahman
August 30, 2014
We have very fond memories of Rachel from our visit in 1996. Even though she was 8+ months pregnant with David, she was so full of energy and hospitality and she made us feel welcome. We too grieve your loss and pray that The LORD will help you all through this time. Wishing you all His mercies and grace.
Chris & Ron Paulk
August 30, 2014
Though, nothing we could say seems adequate, our hearts go out to you and all of your family. We will always remember the memories that we are privileged to have in knowing Rachel.
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