Nancy Elizabeth Wahinehookae April 14, 1939 - March 13, 2021

Our dear mother,grandmother, friend Nancy Elizabith Brodin Wahinehookae passed away peacefully at Orem Rehabilitation & Nursing Center on March 13, 2021 at nearly 82 years old. Nancy was born April 14,1939 in Newport RI. She spent her early years there until her family moved to Jamestown when she was seven years old. She has a little brother, Bertil Wilcox Brodin who is 2 years younger than her. She had very fond memories of her childhood in Jamestown.She talked about the fun she had playing with the neighbor children. In the winter, there was plenty of snow and it took days to get all the roads plowed. The children took advantage of this. One memory in particular she shared was sledding at the Red house, as the children called it. It snowed there enough to pull your sled up on the front porch, slide down the steps across the road and into an open field. Although she grew up in a snowy area, later in life she didn’t like the snow. She appreciated it from inside the house! As a child, She attended Carr School until 4th grade, then Clark School until 8th grade. At these schools she made lifelong friends Nancy Nelson and Naomi Collart.

Her Father, Bertil Fredrick Brodin had his own carpentry business and also taught at the high school For high school Nancy had to take the ferry everyday to Rogers High School in Newport. She was an excellent student. Growing up, she attended the Episcople Church, St. Matthews, in Jamestown where her mother, Elizabeth Helen Wilcox, was the organist and choir director. Nancy has always loved singing. She sang in the high school choir and has been the star soprano for most of her life. In the summer during high school she worked as a hostess at Bay Voyage Resort in Jamestown.

Nancy had been diabetic since age four. She received treatment from Dr. Joslin who also founded the Joslin Clinic in Boston. This clinic was at the forefront of Diabetic research and care. She would go once a year to that clinic but her daily care was handled by her devoted mother. She was very strict and Nancy learned to be very self disciplined about her health.

Nancy was also an accomplished seamstress. She started sewing at a young age as part of the 4H program. She won many awards for her work. She would sew for herself but also for her mother including a lined suit. Later in life she would sew many of her children’s clothing as well.She also knew how to knit and crochet. She used her talents all her life to serve and bless others.

After high school she attended Boston Children’s Hospital School of Nursing She received a degree in nursing and became a RN. She continued working at Boston Children’s Hospital for a couple more years before she transferred to Kapiolani Children’s Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the age of 25 she met her husband, Joseph (Jackie) Wahinehookae Sr.They were introduced by Jackie’s cousin. Jackie played guitar by ear. Jackie and Nancy sang together while Jackie played guitar. They were frequently asked to perform since their voices blended so nicely together. They were married and later sealed in the Laie Temple.

Nancy was fellowshipped by Jackie’s family and later baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many capacities for the church, including Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society. She spent many hours sewing items for the Relief Society Bazaar and even sewed together a teepee for the young women to use at camp! Nancy was also civic minded and volunteered many years as a voting registrar and helped with fundraisers for the American Heart Association. Although diabetic, Nancy was able to have children. She gave birth to Joseph Wahinehookae Jr in 1963 and Andrew John Wahinehookae in 1965. However Andrew died shortly after birth. With extra love to give the couple decided to adopt. Elizabeth Malia joined their family at age 2 ½. From her 2 children she has 14 grandchildren: Kimo, Dustin, Chantal, Dacia, Chazare, Cody, Junior, Andronette, Cara ,Paige, Jacob, Inoa, Ruby and Isaac. And 8 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

She lived in Hawaii for over 35 years before she began to live in Utah part time with her son. As she divided her time between her two homes, her grandchildren were able to spend many years with her. She loved her grandchildren and spoiled them as much as she could. For example: On the same morning if Ruby wanted french toast and Isaac wanted pancakes, She would make both so each child had what they wanted.

However, Nancy also liked to shop for bargains. She loved to go to thrift stores and find treasures there. Also she would always shop sales to get the clearance prices. Her frugality was a blessing to her family. She learned it from her parents and taught the next generation how to make ends meet on what you have. And yet her greatest legacy is her example of faith.She was diligent in prayer and reading her scriptures. She always was willing to share another’s burden. She lived the life of a disciple of Christ. Those who love her will miss her greatly. We must go on with the precious memories of her in our hearts until we meet again in the next life. How joyous will be our reunion!

Nancy is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Malia Aila, her son Joseph Wahinehookae Jr. and his wife Catherine Wahinehookae. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Wahinehookae Sr. and her son Andrew Wahinehookae.