Remembering...

Arlene Yaya Kaneshiro Okamura

June 3rd, 1949 - August 6th, 2022

My mom made a huge difference in all the lives she touched; whether family, friends, or the thousands of students she supported and taught as a middle school counselor and educator over her almost 40 year career in the DOE.My hope for this website is to create a collection of stories and experiences from family, friends, former students or anyone who would be willing to share some fond memories of their time with my mom.

Compilation of memories coming soon.

Website made by Arlene's daughter, Candace

Story submission / Contact form

Please use this form to share any stories/memories you have with my mom.
Or also feel free to send any questions/comments that you prefer to keep private (just don't check off the box at the end of the form).

Video Recording of the memorial ceremonyApril 8th, 2023

Click button below to watch (you can watch from the link or download it):

  • Intro

  • 6:23: Opening prayer

  • 10:00: Eulogy

  • 29:25: Slideshow. You can see the slideshows directly here:

  • Slideshow 1 (with music):

  • Slideshow 2 (no music, feel free to play playlist linked below):

  • Slideshow 3 (no music, feel free to play playlist linked below):

  • Music to play with slideshows:

  • Sharing memories:

  • 35:45

  • 47:33

  • 48:50

  • 50:40: Inochi no Riyuu song (listen in video or original song link below) See English lyrics to above right. (or scroll down on mobile)

  • 56:55: Rev. Sherman Thompson sermon

  • 1:08:00: Singing of “Amazing Grace”

  • 1:12:17: Recitation of Nembutsu

  • 1:13:15: Thank you’s

  • 1:16:48: Closing remarks

  • Closing video (played after recording stopped):

Inochi no Riyuu English lyrics (or in Youtube video):
By Masashi SadaThe reason why I was born was to meet my father and mother.
The reason why I was born was to meet my brothers and sisters.
The reason why I was born was to meet all my friends.
The reason why I was born was to meet you, my loved one.
Just as the flowers naturally bloom when spring comes,
Just as the leaves naturally fall when autumn comes,
We all came to this life to become happy.
Just as after the flowers of sadness come the fruits of happiness.
The reason why I was born was because I hurt someone somewhere.
The reason why I was born was because someone somewhere hurt me.
The reason why I was born was because someone somewhere saved me.
The reason why I was born is because I need to save someone somewhere.
Just as the darkness naturally falls when night comes,
Just as the light naturally shines when morning arrives,
We are all living to become happy.
Just as from the other side of the ocean of sadness flows in happiness.
The reason why I was born was to meet you, my love.
The reason why I was born was to protect you, my loved one.

Copy of ceremony programClick for larger version:

Our sincerest thank you to everyone for your help and support and being a part of her life. 💜🙏