Harue Gramberg's Obituary
Harue Gramberg, of Hilo, passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 93 early Sunday, November 27, 2022 at the Hilo Life Care Center. Private services have been held.
Harue is survived by her daughter Elena Apaka, three grandsons Lon, Kensy, Kimo, and their families. She also leaves behind two nieces in Japan.
Harue was born in the year 1929 in Tokyo, Japan, to Tomiji and Kane Motoyama. She was the eldest of three daughters. Her sisters were Takako and Yooko. Harue helped with her family’s income by working various jobs. Having learned traditional Japanese and contemporary forms of dance, with her parents' approval, she became part of a touring dance troupe. It was when her troupe was invited to Hawai'i that she met Henry ‘’Heine’’ Gramberg, whom she married and settled with in Kailua, O'ahu.
Harue was a hardworking, professional seamstress who started her dressmaking business at home. Appreciated for being bilingual, she eventually broadened her career to work at 3 different bridal shops in Honolulu until she later retired to Hilo to be with her family. Harue was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was affectionately known to our family and to many others as “Nana.’’ With heartfelt gratitude, we are so thankful for the precious time we had with her. Our lovely, wise, joyful, and incredible Nana, whom we loved, will always be remembered in our hearts!
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