Petrona Gail Harrell's Obituary
Petrona Gail Harrell, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunty, and friend, peacefully passed away on March 19, 2026, in the ICU at Hilo Benioff Medical Center, surrounded by her family.
Born on October 27, 1953, in Kahalu’u, Oahu, to Filomeno Gonzalez and Abigail Maluhia Awa, Petrona was the second of seven Gonzalez siblings. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and dedication.
Petrona graduated from James B. Castle High School in Kaneohe, known for its “Knight Pride” on Oahu’s Windward side.
She worked at the pizza parlor on the Kaneohe Marine Base, where she met the love of her life, and was married for over 48 years to Eddie Wallace Harrell. Together, they started their Amway business and a carpet cleaning business. They traveled to Georgia, Las Vegas, and throughout America and eventually ended up in Hilo where they bought their forever home in Ainaloa on Paradise Drive.
Trona adored her Kahalu’u community, located on the Wailau peninsula on the beautiful Windward side. She was proud to be from Ku’u Home O’ Kahalu’u. She worked as a front desk manager/concierge for Schrader’s Windward Marine Resort for over 20 years. She loved serving and helping others, ensuring they were happy and well taken care of.
Trona and Eddie loved taking their families to the beach to hunt for sea glass and puka shells. They also enjoyed spending time at Kaaawa Beach barbecuing and just being together. She had a special fondness for Zippy’s after bowling and loved Chinese food from Mui Kwai Chop Suey and Kin Wah Chop Suey, along with a delightful custard pie from Kaneohe Bakery. And, of course, she adored her Kulolo.
Petrona was a truly gifted and passionate woman. She had a special love for sewing, pottery, bowling, paddling, and lei making. She was also an avid reader often gifting many books, loved attending Grace Bible Church, and was active in women studies, where she was baptized.
Petrona’s life was a wonderful journey, deeply cherished by her family. She was graceful, strong, and always ready to lend a hand.
She is remembered by her loving husband, Eddie, and their children: Tina (husband, Billy), Keoni (wife, Aloha/ex-wife, Christine), Kapono (Krsangi), Eddie Boy (Summer), Shane (Erin), and her adopted children/grandchildren, Judge and Tehya. Her seventeen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Gram-a,” will miss her dearly. Trona’s memory will continue to live on through her family, whose lives have been touched by her constant love and support.
What’s your fondest memory of Petrona?
What’s a lesson you learned from Petrona?
Share a story where Petrona's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Petrona you’ll never forget.
How did Petrona make you smile?