Losing Mom

Elissa Nalani Prestidge Recaido was born April 15, 1955 in Honolulu, Hawaii; she was the fourth of 9 children born to Albert and Elizabeth Prestidge, Sr. of Kalihi, Hawaii.  Lisa attended St. John the Baptist School in Kalihi,  and graduated from Kamehameha in 1973.  After graduation, she worked as a waitress and a hula dancer on a local tour boat, while attending school part-time at Honolulu Community College.   In 1975, Lisa met Charles Recaido; they were wed on June 12, 1977. They welcomed their first child, DoRe', later that year.  In 1979, two ministers of God shared the gospel story, which Lisa embraced with her whole heart.  This strengthened her lifelong faith in and love of God; her example in these things marked a path for her 'ohana and others to follow.   Keala was born in 1982; two years later, the family moved to Kealakekua, on the Big Island.  They welcomed Joshua in 1985; Kale followed in 1987.   In 1988, the family relocated again to Waimea, and, in 1992, Charles and Lisa's youngest child, Noah, was born.

Lisa worked many years as a store clerk in the community of Waimea, making many friends along the way.  Her interests included la'au lapa'au (Hawaiian medicinal healing), which she had opportunity to study under Papa 'Auwae at Lapakahi; midwifery; and political issues pertaining to sovereignty and the Hawaiian kingdom, with great interest in perpetuating the Hawaiian culture.  She spent many years joyfully raising her children, volunteering in numerous school- and community-based activities, sharing with countless others the sweetness and warmth of her beautiful spirit.

                 

Lisa’s journey ended June 29, 2012. She was preceded in death by her eldest brother William, and beloved nephew Mark Maglinti. She is survived by parents, Albert & Elizabeth Prestidge, Sr. of Kalihi; husband, Charles Recaido of Waimea; daughters, DoRe’ (Daniel) Arnall of Silverdale, WA, Keala (Terry) Campbell of Waimea; sons, Joshua Recaido of Bremerton, WA, Kale Recaido of Waimea, Noah Recaido of Bremerton, WA; five granddaughters, Calista, Kiana, Mikela, Kawena, and Malia;  sisters, Alberta (Gilbert) Cardus of Waipio, Jacqueline (Henry) Kamai of Kalihi, Carol (Robert) Ueda of Kahuku, Althea (Peter) Marcellino of Waianae, Elizabeth (Judy Hillyer) Prestidge of Fremont, CA; brothers, Albert (Melinda) Prestidge, Jr. of Kaneohe, Robert Prestidge of San Francisco, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts & uncles.

What if I had 5 more minutes with my beautiful, amazing, genius, one-of-a-kind Mom?  I would ask her if it was all worth it, and she would say it was.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all the thoughts, prayers, and messages we received after news of Mom's passing traveled.  Mahalo mahalo mahalo to all who have reached out, both naturally and spiritually.

It has been discovered that in the months prior to her leaving us, Mom wrote letters to quite a few of our beloved friends and family.  It's been so comforting to read what was on Mom's mind and in her heart; I believe this was her last gift to us.  

Mom has been preparing us since childhood to live and thrive without her.  And so it begins.  I only have thankfulness in my heart to our God for sending her to Granny & Papa, who loved her best, and shared her with us.  Me ke aloha pau ole, Mama.  Until we meet again.

[this has been a draft for 9 months, I think itʻs time to share]  Love, Me