Clara Uechi

Clara Uechi, 94, of Captain Cook passed away on March 9, 2024 at Captain Cook Care Home. Born in Honaunau on October 25, 1929, she attended Honaunau School, graduated from Konawaena High School in 1947 and furthered her education in Honolulu to become a school food services manager with Hawaii's Department of Education. Clara began her career at Holomua School on Molokai, then on to Pearl Harbor Intermediate on Oahu, and moved back to Kona where she managed the cafeterias at Napoopoo and Hookena Schools. She spent most of her work life at Hookena School, retiring as a state employee in 1984. Throughout her life, Clara loved to sing. Folks enjoyed her resonant alto as she sang her favorite Japanese and Hawaiian tunes, acknowledging her mother and a roommate on Molokai for her love of each style. Clara was a member of the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and served as its choir director for many years, never giving thought to the fact that she did not read music. In retirement, she began playing tennis with a passion as well as bowling in several leagues, an activity she shared with her husband. Clara was married to Fred Uechi, who preceded her in death in March of 2018. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Steve McGee) Uechi of Kona, Melvin (Sharon) Uechi of Las Vegas, NV, Lester (Gill Eklof) Uechi of San Francisco, CA, and Jason (Heidi) Uechi of Montclair, NJ. Her five grandchildren are Brede Shiotsuka, Mallory Uechi-Grigg, Erik Eklof, Yetta Eklof and Kai Uechi, in addition to three great-grandchildren. Clara's siblings, who all preceded her in death, were Tadashi Matsuda, Shigeto Matsuda, Paul Matsuda, Jacob Matsuda, Carl Matsuda, Mildred Shindo and Matt Matsuda. Surviving as well are a number of beloved nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law. Later in life, Clara's constant companions were her Lovebirds named Happy and Happy II. A memorial service in celebration of her long and joy-filled life is planned for 2 pm on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Kealakekua.