Eunice Leina'ala Hashimoto's Obituary
Eunice Leina’ala Hashimoto, lovingly known to many as “U-Nice,” was born on September 10, 1935. She was the youngest of four children born to Benjamin Leialoha Macomber Sr. and Mabel Auli’i Hoolapa Macomber of Waiohinu, where she lived until the passing of her husband, Kenzo, in 2019. After his passing, she made her home in Hilo, where she lived for the rest of her life.
Eunice is survived by her daughters, Jan and Rene; her son, Randy; and in recent years she was delighted to discover and connect with her half sisters, Ethel Nakamura, Eleanor (Mervyn) Kokubun, and Joann (Roy) Tanimoto. Remarkably, she had known Joanne for several years through tennis before they learned they were sisters. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Susumu (Nancy) Hashimoto, and sister-in-law, Sandra Saiki.
She leaves behind five grandchildren: Granddaughter Elizabeth (Dior) Derwenskus and four grandsons: Dylan (Emerald Tuares) Dedman, Alika Dedman, Stewart Allen and Makana Macomber, one great-granddaughter, Elaina, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eunice lived in Waiohinu for most of her life, attending Naʻalehu Elementary and Intermediate School and graduating from Pāhala High School in 1954, where she participated in various school activities.
After graduating, Eunice moved to Honolulu and worked as a cashier and clerk at Woolworths (Kress Store). After some time on Oʻahu, she returned to Waiohinu and began working at Green Sands Mart as a sales clerk and at The Fountain Shop as a counter help and cook. In 1969, Eunice began working at Naʻalehu Elementary and Intermediate School as a custodian where she became fondly known as Miss. Eunice by all. She later became the head custodian and dedicated 36 years of service there. Over the decades, she witnessed generations grow seeing her former students become parents and eventually watching their children and grandchildren attend the same school where she remained a constant presence until her retirement in 2005. Even after retiring, she continued to volunteer and work at the school as needed and was also actively involved in Naalehu Senior Nutrition program, often seen delivering meals to those who were unable to visit the center until 2019. Eunice was known for her strong work ethic and dedication to her community.
While working at Naʻalehu School, Eunice would still work at “The Fountain” in the mornings before heading to the school, then return in the evenings to help close, working alongside Aunty Sally and Aunty Peggy. On weekends, she also worked full shifts, every Saturday and Sunday for many years. Eunice worked seven days a week to provide for her family, but more than anything, she loved the people she worked with and those who came to visit and hang out. The Fountain was a place filled with conversation and laughter, and Eunice cherished every moment spent with friends and customers. Eunice was a very sociable person; she loved meeting people and would talk to anyone, and we mean anyone. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from; she always made you feel at home and was always willing to help wherever she was needed. She was an active member of the USTA Tennis League, ILWU Bowling League, KMC Bowling League, Naʻalehu Senior Nutrition Program, Naʻalehu Senior Club, and Kauahaʻao Church.
Eunice loved sports. Throughout her years at Naʻalehu Elementary and Intermediate, she played volleyball on the faculty “fun-time” teams, which also included our local firemen, and policemen. Together, they also volunteered to run a water station during the Ironman handing out water and gatorade to runners. She also loved bowling and tennis. Her passion for sports only grew after retirement, and her husband Kenzo was always there to support her, cheering her on at every game, driving her to Hilo several times a week. On some weekends, he would drive her to Hilo for her tennis match then drive himself to Kona for his own, and return to Hilo to pick her up as they were caring for her brother Lei. Kenzo was deeply devoted to ensuring that Eunice could continue to play the sport she loved, making the long drives without hesitation so she never missed a match. On designated tennis days at the Punaluʻu Tennis Courts, or at the courts in Hilo or Kona, Eunice would always make namsui to share with everyone. She would proudly say, “Everyone says I make it the best, that’s all they want me to bring!” Then she’d laugh, happy to cook and share with friends.
Tennis was a passion Eunice and Kenzo shared together. They sometimes traveled to Oʻahu, Arizona, and Las Vegas to compete in tournaments, bringing their love for the sport wherever they went. Eunice’s dedication paid off—she made it to the USTA Sectionals five times and was even featured in a USTA magazine article, which highlighted how her lifelong dream inspired her team to win the Sectionals Championship, earning them the title and a trip to Nationals at the age of 73. Eunice always said, “Age is just a number,” and she truly lived by those words pursuing her passions, inspiring others, and embracing every opportunity that came her way.
Most of you know Eunice loved tennis, but she loved Vegas even more. She traveled to Las Vegas often, drawn to the excitement and the familiar sounds of the slot machines. Her favorite was “Wheel of Fortune,” especially for the chance to spin the wheel. Later, she learned to play blackjack. Even though she was a slow counter, she always had fun calling the dealers “Sweetheart” and “Sugar,” and saying, “Let this mama win!” A trip to Vegas with Eunice was always a blast. She was the one who never slept—but always made sure to stop to eat! And as everyone knows, Eunice loved to eat; she never skipped a meal.
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