Avis Nalani Makalii's Obituary
Our dear loving mother and grandmother, Avis Nalani Makalii (Orso), passed away on Tuesday, August 19th 2025, in Kaiser Permanent’s Hospital in Honolulu. She died with her children and loved ones next to her side. She was 79 years old. Mom was a strong and courageous person and had a heart of gold. She treated everyone she met fairly. Although her exterior was tough, she always had a soft heart for those who needed her help, whether opening her home to those who needed shelter for the moment or taking in an elderly homeless person to take a shower while she found an agency to assist her. She was a loving Aunty to her nieces, nephews and her kids' childhood friends. You could depend on mom for support. Mom worked for the Dept of Education, as a custodian, primarily within the Roosevelt Complex. Mom worked as a Dishwasher for Hawaiian Recent Hotel in the ‘70s. She raised three kids after her divorce in the 70s and worked at First Interstate Bank in Honolulu and Bank of America in San Francisco. Upon returning to Honolulu, she started working at Lincoln Elementary as a lunch monitor, room cleaner and became a custodian at Stevenson Intermediate, took care of Kalani HS football field, took care of Roosevelt HS stadium, became the pool custodian for Roosevelt, then went to Central Intermediate as the Head Custodian and end up at Lincoln Elementary as the Head Custodian where she retired in 2017.
Mom was raised in Papakolea and graduated from Roosevelt HS in ’64. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Auwaiolimu Ward. She is survived by her three children: Kauionapua (Thomas) Ng, Kuuleipulama (Douglas) Dyer and Warren (Kapua) James Makalii II, five grandchildren: Chase Manzano, Gha Ming Ng, Gha Yee Ng, Gha Woon (Ethan) Starr and Montana Makalii, ex-husband, Warren Makalii and her siblings: Ernest Shea Jr., Koa Mannering, Piilani Lewis, Iwalani Shea, Vanessa, Marion Russell, Moani Akana, Harry Kau, and Dolly Bhan. She was preceded by her grandson Runner Manzano and parents. We miss her greatly. Please share a fond memory of mom.
Funeral service on Friday, October 10th at Valley of the Temple:
Visitation from 4:00 -6:00 pm
Service from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Last viewing from 7:00 -8:00 pm
Burial Site Blessing on Saturday, October 11th at Mililani Cemetery at 11:00am
What’s your fondest memory of Avis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Avis?
Share a story where Avis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Avis you’ll never forget.
How did Avis make you smile?
