Welcome to Gladys Higa's Memorial page. This page is our family's way of expressing all our love, and the joyful memories we have of Mrs. Gladys Higa (1920-2014). Mrs. Higa was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was a dignified and poised woman, pragmatic and capable. More than all this, she was our mother, and friend. While we are sad to see her go, we are equally thankful for her love and affections, and honored to have shared in the life of this most wonderful person. We love you, Grandma!
As I pause to reminisce on the time I spent with my grandmother, I am overwhelmed with joyful memories. For me, a visit to Grandpa and Grandma’s house was always a treat, something awaited with great anticipation. To me, one of the most special moments was pulling up to the old house and walking to the door to greet Grandma.
ReplyDeleteThe house was alive, full of the memories of happy occasions and the extravagant parties hosted by my grandparents. As I walked through the garage and approached the steps leading up to the door, I could sometimes hear the laughter and chatter from those past gatherings. To Grandpa and Grandma, love for friends and family was the meaning of life, and their love for all shined brightest when they were surrounded by those for whom they cared.
Before approaching the door and knocking, one always made sure to call ahead of time. Grandma was a “visit by appointment only” sort of lady. Not one to bustle about in a frenzy or host unannounced guests in a disordered house, she was very adamant on this point. With appointment made, I would knock at the door and wait to hear Grandma’s voice calling, “Tammy, is that you?” After waiting for a reply, the door would open, and there was Grandma, beaming with delight at seeing me. She would often put her hand to my face, eyes lit up with happiness as she welcomed me. To me, this was the defining moment of a visit: all the love and care expressed in a single action, simple and heartfelt.
After inviting guests inside, Grandma would reveal the purpose behind her staunch insistence that visits be announced beforehand. A perfectionist and most generous entertainer, she always saw to it that her guests entered an immaculately clean living room. Her kitchen was always prepared with the finest treats and desserts: sherbet, ice cream, and her wonderful tapioca pudding, always served in fine, glass bowls. Other times, Grandma would have made a trip out to Ala Moana to bring back a Japanese honey cake, or perhaps sushi and bento.
In everything Grandma did, she showed her love and care, whether she was offering constructive criticism, asking questions out of concern, or serving the finest food she could offer. Generous and unselfish, she withheld nothing from those she loved. She truly was a woman who spared no expense.
We thank God for allowing us to be a part of your life, and for allowing us to be loved by you, Grandma. We will always love you because of who you are, a first class lady.
Love,
Your Ohana
Beautiful words for a beautiful lady! Gladys Higa...you will be missed but never forgotten.
DeleteAunty Gladys ... you will be missed. I went to visit my dad (your brother Nobu Shiira) shown him your beautiful picture and the picture of all his sisters. He held the card to look at and although he can't remember alot of things because of his dementia - he smiled and I told him this your sister went to she her mommy and daddy...he understood but couldn't speak...I know... Please rest in peace until we see each other. I appreciate you coming to see my dad at the hospital even though he was not a real happy camper ... you understood his condition and mood.
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