Edith Kaiu Johnson

Edith Kaiu Kaninau Johnson, 92, (Nov 14, 1928 - Jan 26, 2021) of Cerritos, California died at home in her sleep surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by daughters Althea Moana (Isaac) Withers and Jo-Ann Hill; grandchildren Isaac Withers Jr., Eriq (Tiffany) Withers, Christine (Darrin) Johnson, and Danielle (Dale Horton) Hill; great-grandchildren Kypo Christopher Withers, Grant Everett Withers, Bryson Withers, Jacob Johnson, Drew Ikaika Horton, Rylee Anuhea Withers; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

BIRTH

Edith was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the only daughter of Julia and Samuel Kaninau. Five brothers rounded out the family: Hiram, Rudolph, Samuel Jr, Louis and, in later years, half brother James.


YOUTH

In her youth, a competitive swimmer and active sports enthusiast, Edith took full advantage of all activities offered at Palama Settlement, a social services organization. Her favorite session was Summer Fresh Air Camp, where she played tennis, golf, softball and, of course, her first love, swimming.


EDUCATION

When she was in elementary school, Edith took and passed the entry exam to Kamehameha Schools. Unfortunately, because of the changing dynamics of her family circumstances - illness and divorce - she was unable to accept the full scholarship. Nothing, however, stifled her zeal for education. Having grown up in the Gospel of Salvation Church, she regularly read the Bible. A voracious reader throughout her life, she routinely checked out a slew of library books. Her tastes ranged from James Michener's historical novels to political biographies to Fern Michael's romances. She also regularly subscribed to local and national newspapers; Prevention, Guidepost and Hawaii magazines.


FAMILY

During WWII she met and married Army recruit, Everett Johnson from Chicago, Illinois. She gave birth to their only son, Everett Jr, who, as an infant, tragically died of a birth defect. A few years later Moana, then Josie came along.


MOVE

In the early days of their marriage the Johnsons bought land in Kailua Oahu where they built their first home. As their Kailua property value appreciated, they sought new vistas of adventure and opportunity to increase their fortunes in Los Angeles, where they bought their second home.


CAREER

Everett died of a heart attack in 1963 leaving Edith to raise their daughters alone. As a single parent, she entered the work force at Gardena Rubber Company. She thrived there as a department manager until the company relocated to Texas. Family ties, however, kept Edith in Los Angeles.



Edith moved to La Mirada in 1980 and found work as a quality control officer at Trim-Loc, Inc., in Buena Park. She worked there until she retired.


GARDENER

In her free time, Edith joined a local co-op of organic gardeners. Edith tilled the soil of her designated plot for five years growing herbs and vegetables.

RETIREMENT

During retirement Edith participated in social activities at several local senior centers. She crocheted bedspreads, took exercise classes and perfected the technique of China painting tiles, plates and jewelry boxes. Edith especially enjoyed group excursions to Las Vegas, Descanso Gardens, Olvera Street, viewing Rose Parade floats in Pasadena and so many other outings with her peers.



In 2004 Edith moved into Cerritos Emerald Villas, a senior independent living community. She valued the kindness of her neighbors, the well-cared for grounds and the central location.


TRAVEL

Edith returned to Honolulu almost yearly until she could no longer travel alone. Her primary goal was to visit family members. She gleaned enormous pleasure being in the company of her sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews hearing about their growing families, travels and accomplishments. As the years progressed she seemed to forget her brothers Hiram, Rudy, Jr and Luigi; cousins Charlie, Albert, Melvin, Lei and Emma had passed. Edith increasingly spoke of their shared life's experiences with enormous pride and enduring love.

FOND MEMORIES

When recently asked to name her favorite memory she replied, "I have too many to pick just one . . . my mother is the smartest woman I've ever known," she soon continued. "(During WWII) Mama worked as a cook at Tripler Hospital. Because they were short handed at the hospital Mama was thrust into 'nursing' duties. So at home our neighbors often relied on Mama for 'medical advice' . . . usually common sense questions about caring for their children. I was so proud of her."

Edith, mom, grandma, great grandma, cousin, auntie, friend and neighbor will be missed by all who knew and loved her bright spirit and beautiful smile.