Shirley DePonte

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley DePonte on May 22, 2026, at the age of 86. Shirley left this world surrounded by love at her home, after a valiant and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born on May 4, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas, to her cherished parents Perry and Evelyn Carey, Shirley spent her life touching the hearts of all she encountered. Shirley led a life of adventure and learning, transcending borders and cultures. She graduated from Yokohama American High School in Japan and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the City University of Seattle and a Master's degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for learning echoed throughout her professional journey, where she served as a personnel and training director at the Kapalua Bay Hotel and as an esteemed instructor and lecturer at the University of Hawaii Maui Campus. Shirley also co-owned DePonte Enterprises, where her business acumen and strong personality helped achieve remarkable success. Shirley was a vibrant spirit who embraced life with an open heart. She was a devoted member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Kula, Hawaii, where her faith provided solace and strength. Her passions were as colorful as her character, from raising goats and cultivating exotic flowers to dancing the night away to country western tunes. Shirley and her late husband, Arthur DePonte, shared a love for travel that took them on many adventures around the globe, creating cherished memories that will forever be treasured. Preceded in death by her beloved parents, Perry and Evelyn Carey, and her dear husband, Arthur DePonte, Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience. She is survived by her three devoted brothers, John (Wanda) Carey of Fairfield Bay, AR, Robert (Beverly) Carey of Everton, WA, and Phillip (Anita) Carey of Ohio, HI. Her family extends to two cherished stepsons, Sherman Dudley (Dawn) DePonte of Maui, HI, and Randy (Debra) DePonte of Lufkin, TX, and a beloved stepdaughter, Terrie Lynn (Timothy) Ward of Maui, HI. Shirley's family also includes stepbrothers Erwin DePonte and Clifford, along with her 11 treasured grandchildren and four precious great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. Shirley's life will be celebrated on June 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, located at 4300 Lower Kula Road, Kula, HI. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Shirley are invited to join in honoring her remarkable journey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Shirley's memory to a Parkinson's research foundation of your choice, continuing her legacy of hope and determination. Shirley DePonte will forever be remembered for her unwavering strength, her boundless love for those around her, and her remarkable ability to achieve all that she set her mind to. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide her loved ones, now and always.