Grace Nohara

Grace Takako Nohara, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully due to natural causes on September 25, 2025. Born on July 12, 1936, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Grace lived a vibrant life characterized by her generosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.
Grace, a graduate of McKinley High School, was a woman of many talents and passions. She channeled her creativity into successful ventures, including the sewing of Hawaiian ties and aloha shirts, an office manager at Holiday Mart in Kailua, and coaching a Junior bowling league for Kailua Pali Lanes. Grace was also the founder of a natural Aloe product and skin care line, VIP Cosmetiques, which reflected her commitment to health and wellness. Her leadership was instrumental to several ballroom dancing organizations where she assisted in coordinating dances, preparation of meals, and founded the Friends of Alawai to benefit the ballroom dancing community.
Grace was the cherished matriarch, survived by her daughters Dora Frei and husband Michael, Christine Kaitoku and husband Joey, and Darlene Swan and husband John (Hank). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Ricky Ching and wife Sheri, Ryan Ching, Barry Fuller, Julia Valdez and husband Valentino, Dylan Swan and wife Emma, Caleb Swan and wife Sofia, and the memory of her late grandson Ryland Kaitoku. She was blessed with 6 great-grandchildren Jerian, Joshua, and Emily Ching, and Cora, Luka, and Evelyn Swan.
Grace was the last leaf on her family tree, preceded in death by her "Papa" Harry and "Mama" Hatsumi Fukushima, beloved husband Raymond Nohara, her sisters Clara, Jackie, Rachel, and Hilda Fukushima, and her brothers Kazu, Wilfred, and Ben Fukushima. Her many loved nieces and nephews will carry forward the love they received from their Auntie Grace.
Grace's Christian faith guided her through life. She was a supportive wife to her husband Raymond in their many bowling leagues, and her love for ballroom dancing was only eclipsed by her love for her family. She was a woman who danced through life with elegance, selflessness, and generosity, and who stitched together a legacy of love that will forever adorn the hearts of those who knew her.
An open Celebration of Life service will be held in honor of Grace at Oahu Cemetery Chapel on Friday, November 21, 2025. Visitation starts at 10:30am with a service to follow.