Obituary for Betty-Jane Kikuko Manuar
Betty-Jane Kikuko Manuar was born in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, daughter of Etsuro Makishima and Tsuruyo Tanahara, wife of David, sister of Gordon, mother of Omar, Wisma, Amir, and Grandmother of Dylan. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Jamil, and her sisters, Mildred and Dorothy She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Meritus Medical Center on December 29, 2020.
Betty was full of creative spirit and had an enduring passion for gardening. Everywhere she lived, she grew and tended to a beautiful, flourishing garden! Until this year, Betty spent hours and hours in her garden--it was her pride and joy! Betty loved the arts and danced professionally in her early years, including ballet and Balinese dance. She played Topsy in “The King and I” while living in California. Betty was an adept seamstress, and she sewed her own clothes and her children’s Halloween costumes. Another example of her artistic talent is the three beautiful origami crane creations (made from 1,001 folded origami cranes) that she made for each of her children, a Japanese tradition. She loved the old musicals of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Judy Garland, in addition to classical music. Also, Betty’s fried chicken and pineapple upside-down cake were mouth-watering perfection!
Betty had an irreverent sense of humor and a playful personality. She never turned down a glass of sake! She lit up the room whenever she entered! Her favorite colors were pink and purple, which she wore most of the time. As funny and playful as she was, Betty was also very kind, generous, and patient. She was also as stubborn as a mule in some respects! When her mind was set on something, it was an exercise in futility to try to change it! Betty was a loyal, devoted wife. She made many sacrifices and was always supportive of her family’s needs.
Betty adored her only Grandson, Dylan, and it was a mutual adoration. They enjoyed laughing together, chatting, “playing the piano” together, and taking walks in her beautiful garden. She always had a sympathetic ear, and always encouraged us to “Be True to Yourself”. Betty had a charitable heart and often donated to various Native American charities.
Betty went on a few wonderful trips with her husband, David: Indonesia, Hawaii, The Grand Canyon, and an Alaskan cruise.
Betty’s spirit will never be diminished. She inspired all of us to let our own lights shine and enjoy our passions in life. Though Betty led a very quiet, humble life, she had a special sparkle and magic that delighted everyone who knew her.
Betty was full of creative spirit and had an enduring passion for gardening. Everywhere she lived, she grew and tended to a beautiful, flourishing garden! Until this year, Betty spent hours and hours in her garden--it was her pride and joy! Betty loved the arts and danced professionally in her early years, including ballet and Balinese dance. She played Topsy in “The King and I” while living in California. Betty was an adept seamstress, and she sewed her own clothes and her children’s Halloween costumes. Another example of her artistic talent is the three beautiful origami crane creations (made from 1,001 folded origami cranes) that she made for each of her children, a Japanese tradition. She loved the old musicals of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Judy Garland, in addition to classical music. Also, Betty’s fried chicken and pineapple upside-down cake were mouth-watering perfection!
Betty had an irreverent sense of humor and a playful personality. She never turned down a glass of sake! She lit up the room whenever she entered! Her favorite colors were pink and purple, which she wore most of the time. As funny and playful as she was, Betty was also very kind, generous, and patient. She was also as stubborn as a mule in some respects! When her mind was set on something, it was an exercise in futility to try to change it! Betty was a loyal, devoted wife. She made many sacrifices and was always supportive of her family’s needs.
Betty adored her only Grandson, Dylan, and it was a mutual adoration. They enjoyed laughing together, chatting, “playing the piano” together, and taking walks in her beautiful garden. She always had a sympathetic ear, and always encouraged us to “Be True to Yourself”. Betty had a charitable heart and often donated to various Native American charities.
Betty went on a few wonderful trips with her husband, David: Indonesia, Hawaii, The Grand Canyon, and an Alaskan cruise.
Betty’s spirit will never be diminished. She inspired all of us to let our own lights shine and enjoy our passions in life. Though Betty led a very quiet, humble life, she had a special sparkle and magic that delighted everyone who knew her.