ForeverMissed
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Karen's Kitchen 1993-2023
Karen Yayoe Yamaoka suddenly passed away on July 19, 2023 at the Queens Medical Center. Throughout her life, Karen was known for her unwavering support for her family and friends. She had a passion for cooking and often shared her delicious recipes that brought people together. She will forever be remembered for her genuine love, selflessness, and the positive impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She is survived by daughters Lori Eller (Michael Eller), Keri Hauser, Grandchildren: Tiani Ho, Ashley and Alex Eller, Tyler and Karlie Hauser. Sisters: Amy Aoyogi, Kumiko Nakashima, Iku New and Brother: Oran Murakane. She was a Christian and a member of Sukyo Mahikari. Memorial service will be held on September 10, 2023 at Hosoi Mortuary at noon time.

Tributes

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Aila Ohana
August 15, 2023
August 15, 2023
Been going to eat here for the last 15 years. According to their daily menu, I would plan my week out so I could eat lunch there as much as I could. Food was always tasty, affordable and huge! The other week, I was excited to find a reason to eat lunch there only for it to be closed. I was bummed and went to junk Jack In The Box instead. Now I know why. Mahalo aunty and uncle for serving up the grindz all these years! Not too many places can compare. Cheers!
Stephanie Kawada
August 2, 2023
August 2, 2023
Despite the passage of time, there is one significant trait that stands out about Karen — her hearty, robust laughter indicative of sincerity and love for people. I will treasure memories of her big heart and generosity as she always welcomed and entertained our family in grand style, at the drop of a hat when her young child invited all of us over and “made” her mom cook for all of us! Never uttering a harsh word, giving the best to all in her presence, and frequently rearranging the furniture to give the house a fresh, new look. My deep condolences to Karen’s family. She will be forever loved. —Stephanie Kawada

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Recent Tributes
Aila Ohana
August 15, 2023
August 15, 2023
Been going to eat here for the last 15 years. According to their daily menu, I would plan my week out so I could eat lunch there as much as I could. Food was always tasty, affordable and huge! The other week, I was excited to find a reason to eat lunch there only for it to be closed. I was bummed and went to junk Jack In The Box instead. Now I know why. Mahalo aunty and uncle for serving up the grindz all these years! Not too many places can compare. Cheers!
Stephanie Kawada
August 2, 2023
August 2, 2023
Despite the passage of time, there is one significant trait that stands out about Karen — her hearty, robust laughter indicative of sincerity and love for people. I will treasure memories of her big heart and generosity as she always welcomed and entertained our family in grand style, at the drop of a hat when her young child invited all of us over and “made” her mom cook for all of us! Never uttering a harsh word, giving the best to all in her presence, and frequently rearranging the furniture to give the house a fresh, new look. My deep condolences to Karen’s family. She will be forever loved. —Stephanie Kawada
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Everything Bento
aunty karen with all her sisters. she's on the bottom right.
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Her Life

Career

July 30, 2023
by Karens Ohana
Karen opened Karen's Kitchen in December 1993 and closed its doors in July 2023.

Karen's love for cooking started before opening her restaurant. I remember she would cook dinner and invite friends & neighbors over to eat dinner or people would drop by and she would ask them to stay. Her passion and talent for cooking is what motivated her to open a restaurant. Through the years her love and passion never wavered, she did what she loved and went to the restaurant everyday till her passing. Karen often donated food to schools, church functions, special needs, marathons and events. Karen expressed her heart of compassion through her restaurant. She was known throughout the community for her comfort food, generosity and compassion. She had a genuine kindness and generous spirit that was felt by everyone who met her. 

Recent stories
September 6, 2023
by James Lindblad
I met Karen when she opened her restaurant and I ate there every weekday night for many years.   Karen catered a wonderful feast for me when I had business friends from the mainland to my home for Thanksgiving.   She found Opii, and boy did we eat.  Karen and I discussed running our businesses and I enjoyed talking shop with Karen.  I will miss Karen.  Much aloha to Karen's family.   
August 22, 2023
by John Neal
I first met Karen, when she worked at Tommy's Drive-in as a young lady of eighteen. I went in there once or twice a week with My friend King Peterson. His sister worked next door and we would wait there when picking her up after work. Well, I developed a crush on her because of her outgoing personality. Only to find out later that her brother George Murakane was my stepdad. Small world huh? To my misfortune, I never got to spend much time with Karen because of my military career and retiring in Las Vegas with my wife Sharon. We will surely miss her. 

Karen's Kitchen

August 14, 2023
by Wayne Shiohira
   When I was a kid growing up in Kakaako, I remember going to Fujieki Store on Cooke St (later known as Star Supermarket). There were lots of good things to eat and a family atmosphere that created many return customers.
   Over 50 years later, I found myself going back to the same location and for the same reasons because of Karen's Kitchen. The food was great, with a good selection of local style food, generous portions, and I often saw Karen there to greet her customers. I liked going to Karen's for breakfast and often took home some lunch for my family as well. I will also miss seeing her long time cook, who made the best pancakes, and was a 'one man gang' on Saturdays. Mahalo Karen, for all the years of service to your customers. You will be missed.

Aloha and God Bless,
Wayne Shiohira 

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