Elsie Chew Olmos
Elsie Chew Olmos, 101, of Harrisonburg, VA, transitioned from this world to heavenly peace, on March 25th at Sunnyside Retirement Community, surrounded by her loving family. Elsie was born and raised in the town of Lihue, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. She was the oldest daughter of Ah Sing Chew and Elsie Keawe Chew.
Elsie graduated from Kauai High School. She was a telephone operator for Hawaiian Telephone Company from 1941-1948. She was the loving and devoted wife of James (Jimmy) Olmos before his passing in 1990. Elsie was employed at Honolulu Seed Company in the 1950's and then at the Waikiki Sheraton Hotel as a retail manager.
Elsie was a kind and loving mother, who took pride in her children's accomplishments and successes. She traveled with them and their professional polynesian dance troupe to New York, Canada, and Japan. Although she loved Hawaii island living, in 1982 she moved with her husband to Virginia to be with her family and grandchildren. Elsie resided in New Hope, Port Republic and Harrisonburg VA, later permanently moving to Sunnyside Retirement Community in 2018.
Her love for family was revealed by her concern for their welfare, activities, and physical needs. She loved to cook for her family and family gatherings were a very meaningful part of her life. Elsie also loved to crochet, work in her yard and with her flowers. She will be remembered for her sweet and gentle ways, her kindness, patience and humility. There was not a person or animal who could resist her loving charm. She leaves a legacy of compassion, strength and spirituality, unmatched.
Elsie is survived by her children, daughter Marlene Chandler (Harry), son Milton "Kimo" Olmos; grandchildren, Jeremy Kekoa Chandler, Lisa Noel Kapiolani Chandler, Micah Yo-Han Kaina Chandler, James Keawe Olmos (Erika); great grandchildren, Gracyn Leilani Chandler, Audrey Katelyn Chandler, Miya Elizabeth Chandler, Alana Kaiulani Olmos, Adryan Kimo Olmos; as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend our warmest gratitude and love to all of the nurses, aides, doctors and caretakers at Sunnyside Retirement Community, especially the staff of Healthcare 3rd Floor, for their devotion and love for Elsie.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 4th at the Meredith Chapel at Sunnyside Retirement Community (Corson Lobby) in Harrisonburg, VA at 4:00pm. There will be a private graveside service at a later date.
