We Are With Sorrow
("Luuluu Wale Makou E Noho Nei", Nupepa Kuokoa, August 25, 1916)
Dear beloved of the nation, the Kuokoa, a sorrowful greeting:—Please be so kind as to insert the message above in available space in the columns of our treasured one to inform the many acquaintances of my beloved deceased wife, and with my resignation that that even the beautiful flowers in the field must wilt, that the merciless hands of death reached out for the last breath of my beloved wife, leaving the cold body for me and the family to mourn. The sickness afflicted her for 12 days.
Mrs. Rahela Opunui Kailieha was born from the loins of her mother Malieokamalu and her father Lui Keawe at Nakula, Kaupo, Maui on February 19, 1861. She breathed the air of this world for 55 years and 7 months.
In the murky early morning of Monday, August 14, 1916, at 2 a.m., her spirit quietly took flight and returned to its maker, leaving the cold body for the family to cry over and fulfilling the words of the Good Book that the dust shall return to the earth, and the spirit shall return unto the One who made it.1
My beloved was married to her first husband for 4 years. He passed away in 1880, and she joined me in the covenant of marriage on October 20, 1882, at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu. We spent 33 years and 11 months together.
Mrs. R. O. Kailieha was a wonderful mother, open-hearted, kind and welcoming to all. She greeted those of high and humble status and cared for her family. In our time in marriage we did not conceive.
From our siblings we adopted 11 children. However, two died, leaving nine. From these foster children have come three boys still living, the grandchildren of me and my beloved who has passed away.
My wife and I patiently endured times of want and times of plenty, seasons of famine and seasons of abundance.
My wife’s first religion was Catholicism, being that of her ancestors from her grandparents on down. She practiced that religion for 54 years. At the beginning of 1915, she made up her mind to seek out the truth of Jesus Christ. She accepted her new religion and was baptized on May 10, 1915, into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She spent over 1 year there before she passed away.
Mrs. R. O. Kailieha was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a strong supporter of this religion. This faith is important to her foster children and her grandchildren.
Lastly, I would like to give thanks to those who shared tears with me and my family over our departed one, as well as to those who provided bouquets, dug the grave and patiently carried the casket.
My family and I are in mourning. I ask the Holy Trinity to lighten the sorrow for me and my family. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
H. W.2 KAILIEHA.
And Family.
Kaupo, Aug. 24, 1916
- Ecclesiastes 12:7.
- Henry William