Aileen Shiigi:
CLASS OF 1978
Roosevelt High SchoolClass of 1978
Honolulu, HI
Aileen's Story
Aileen Keiko Shiigi
(Shaku Myou Wa)
April 6, 1960 - September 17, 2007
NAMU-AMIDA-BUTSU
Whether she was the sister you never had or the daughter you wanted - Aileen was the very essence of family. She embodied the strength and wisdom that is only found at the dinner table and always found in her infectious laughter. She found her strength in tradition with a splash of the unconventional. Even a stern stink-eye when required.
In her journey with us, she found that miracles really do happen, that sometimes taking a risk really is necessary and that coming home meant leaving it.
Aileen embraced the journey towards partnership knowing that each encounter, relationship and person would prepare her for an emotional love far beyond what she expected. She loved without fear of hurting and blossomed with each risk she took.
Above all else, nothing was more central in her life than her passion for food. There wasn't anything like her baking after midnight. Or the...Expand for more
proverbial - shut up and eat it. Sometimes it was easier to just assume that the love she added to each recipe outweighed the need to identify what was on top of the rice bowl or the calorie count.
The most prized items were kept in the freezer or the
pantry. Places that required nerves of steel to attempt if you were not Aileen. Unless, of course, it was in a blue and gold Crown Royal bag; of which it was just as hard because there were so many.
Aileen's wit was as sharp as her knives. Her opinions, like her spice racks, varied, bold and blended well for the desired flavor. Her personality was as layered as her entrees - hearty, filling, and meant to be savored.
It truly was an honor to be a part of her world and a blessing to have her in mine. Mahalo, Aileen - for being the hero at the center of my universe.
Ardith Beitel, life partner
Please take a moment next time you are on Waimanalo Beach. Aileen was returned to her beloved Honu in October 2007.
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos