Odetta Kuuleilehua Leslie's Obituary
Odetta Kuuleilehua Leslie,
80 of Hilo, Hawaii passed away
peacefully on Tuesday, May 2,
2023 at her sister’s home
surrounded by her loving
family. Her most loving and cherished gift to her family were
her comforting words shared with everyone thru out the
years, “When it’s my time to go, I will leave with a smile on
my face because I lived a good life with no regrets, and my
children and grandchildren are all doing well.”
Odetta was born in Hilo, Hawaii and was the proprietress
of “Stella’s Place” in Hilo. This family business has been
in existence for 35 years, after it was established by mom
and dad, Vasco and Stella Oliver in 1988. Upon Odetta’s
retirement from the Department of Transportation, Airports
Division in 2004, mom decided to retire from the business
and Odetta became the second generation to continue
the venture. Stella’s Place will now continue under the
management of her daughter Lisa Leslie, the third generation,
who will follow thru with the family legacy.
Odetta will be remembered for her kindness, warm
smile, caring heart and gentle spirit. She was a woman of
few words, but always spoke out of a heart of compassion.
Over the years, she established many lasting friendships
with numerous Halaus from Japan and the mainland
who would visit her store for her famous Name Brand
Hawaiian Wear during the Merrie Monarch Festivals. Great
friendships were established and still continue thru out
these many years.
Odetta is survived by daughters Carleen Leslie of
Colorado, Cheryl Leslie and Lisa Leslie of Hilo; grandson
Trenton Okinishi; Sister Alberta Kawaauhau, niece Renette
Andrade, nephews Daryl (Tammy) Andrade, Brian Andrade,
and numerous cousins.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to
Hawaii Care Choices for all of the support provided by their
Home Care Nurses and Staff.
A celebration of her life will be held on
Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Glad Tidings Church,
116 Kapiolani Street in Hilo, with visitation from
9 - 10 am and a Memorial service at 10 a.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Odetta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Odetta?
Share a story where Odetta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Odetta you’ll never forget.
How did Odetta make you smile?