Sheila Ann Opuulani Kahalepauole's Obituary
Sheila Ann Opuulani Kahalepauole, lovingly known as Grams, Big Mama, Sista, and Bradda Stan, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2026, surrounded by family at Hilo Benioff Hospital. She was 80 years old. She was born Feb. 28, 1945, and was the daughter of the late Herman Maiau Kahalepauole and Rebecca Kaulukoa Naki (Kahalepauole) (Kahele).
Sheila lived a life rooted in aloha. She loved fishing, cooking, gathering from the mountain and the ocean, and most of all, spending time with her family, who were the heart of her world.
She is survived by sons Gorden Drexel Nuilani Kahalepauole, Charles Rico Lee, and Rayton Maukeala Kahalepauole; daughter Baylina Lokeokalona Kahalepauole; sisters Betty Spillner, Sandra Akina, Rose Chun, Verna Lei Kahele, and Karen DeGuair Amituanei (Mua).
She is also survived by grandchildren Kaʻawela, Kahulu, Pulelehua, Lilinoe, Kuhao, Daniel‑Ray, Charles, Chelsea‑Lee, Ciara, Ciana, Vincenzo‑Salvatore, Amy Lou, and Kaytin Duke; and was preceded in death by grandson Kaulike.
Her great‑grandchildren include Kaisyn, Aulii, Michelle, Jake, Ikena, Kaumana, Keahi Kai, Jaydah‑Lei, K’la‑Joe, Maʻila‑Ray, Vincenzo‑Salvatore, Landon, Wallace, Quinn, Chasity, Chazen, Armani, Chazarae, Piha, Roman, Lamaia‑Lee, Alanna‑Claire, Teʻave, Maeve, and Josie Ann; and she was preceded in death by great‑grandchild Makoa.
She leaves behind 25 great‑grandchildren in total; numerous hanai grandchildren, hanai great‑grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.
She was also preceded in death by brothers Nui Kahele, Moku Kahele, Thomas Lobo, Hiram Kahele, Kaipo DeGuair, Norman Kahele, Francis Kahele, Wilfred Kahele, and sister Mary Dawn Ventura.
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