A Legacy of Love

Coleen Renee Church, 68, of Hana, Maui, passed away on February 16, 2021, in Wailuku, surrounded by her family. The eldest of eight children, she was born on January 5, 1953, in Wailuku, Maui, to David and Winona Kong.

Coleen is survived by her husband, William Church; mother, Winona Kia Kong; son, Sol Church; daughters Malia Church and Leyla Church; grandchildren, Hokulani Church, Solomon (Tea) Church, Destiny (Kamanu) Lind, Stephanie Bodin, and Ho’ohu Church; great-grandchildren, Karston, Angel, Ha’awiakea, Lillia, Palai’i and three more since; siblings, Valerie Kong, Cherlyn Kong, David (Barbara) Kong Jr., Mona Cockett, Ellena (Tommye) Jones, and Ransom (Julie) Kong.

In her younger years, Coleen enjoyed skimboarding, dancing hula, and caretaking her siblings. She was a dedicated student, graduating from St. Anthony School as Valedictorian of the class of 1971.

As an adult, one of her most notable qualities was Coleen’s devotion to her family. She was patient and nurturing and loved her family fiercely. The same week of her passing, she would have celebrated her forty-ninth anniversary with Bill, her partner, and the love of her life. She was also a beloved teacher at Hana High & Elementary School and a long-time employee of Bank of Hawaii. Later she applied her practical business savvy to help her family business, Nona Lani Cottages, in Kihei.

In her golden years, she enjoyed working in her garden and taking evening walks at her beautiful home in Hana. Coleen faced adversity with extreme courage and poise. She was and always will be an inspiration to her family, friends, and community.

Our loving and devoted daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother will forever be remembered for her eternal beauty and grace. 

A beautiful funeral service was held on March 6, 2021, at St. Theresa Church in Kihei for close family and friends.