Roberta Kahuanani Kaupu

Roberta Kahuanani Kaupu gained her angel wings on August 31, 2021, surrounded by her family, after a hard-fought battle against lung cancer. Roberta was born on May 20, 1947 to her late parents Robert Keanokealakahikikapōleikamaka’ōpua Kaupu, Jr. (March 16, 1920 – March 20, 2021) and Thelma ‘Akakahiliolani Spencer Martillian (August 2, 1925 – February 8, 1992). Growing up, she was affectionately known as Bird or Berta and later in life, she was known as Bobbi or Nana. She is survived by her three children, Raymond John Adrian, Jr. (Jennifer) of Hilo, Hawaii, Rayline Kahealani Petitt (Ronnie) of Alexandria, Virginia, Robert Denis Adrian of Maui, Hawaii, 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She leaves behind 5 brothers Richard “Bob” (Linda) Lau, Raymond “Butchie” (Joy) Kaupu, Raphael “Suki” (Sandy) Kaupu, Ravel “Bull” (Donna) Kaupu, Radford “Bugsy” Kaupu; 2 sisters, Rochelle “Shelly” (Harold) Hemperley, Renell “Nell” (Greg) Kaupu-Kai’ali’ili’I, her step-mother Geri Kaupu and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother and sister-in law, Ronnie (Michelle) Collins and sister Jill Kaupu. Bobbi grew up in Keaukaha, a small town east of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. She attended Kamehameha School on Oahu, Hawaii and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1965. She moved several times throughout her life but eventually settled in Alexandria, Virginia in 1993, where she lived with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She soon began babysitting neighborhood children and children of friends – this is when she became Nana or Nana Bobbi, not only to the children, but also to the adults that she always made a point to talk to. Her heart was full of aloha and she was not afraid to share it, she loved everyone, and everyone loved her. When she was not caring for someone else, Bobbi enjoyed playing her ukulele, singing, reading and doing puzzles. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved to bowl and cheer on the Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals. She also liked the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Braves. If you knew her as Sister Kaupu, you knew that she was super proud to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She re-committed herself to the Church that she so loved over 18 years ago and almost never missed a service. She looked forward to going to Church on Sundays but nothing warmed her heart more than sharing her knowledge with the children of the Franconia Ward. She would study her readings and practice her hymns. She always looked forward to seeing her “little ones” and she certainly loved them all. Family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating her life at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (6219 Villa Street Alexandria, VA 22310) on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Visitation hours are from 12:00 to 2:00 pm EST (6:00 to 8:00 am HST), with a Service of Hope, Gratitude, and Remembrance following (2:00 pm EST, 8:00 am HST). Information to access a livestream of the service will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the American Lung Association (lung.org), in honor of Roberta K. Kaupu. Aloha (floral) or appropriate casual attire. Masks are required indoors and we respectfully request that you practice social distancing when possible.

Tributes

Roberta Kahuanani Kaupu

May 20, 1947 - August 31, 2021