It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Elsie Toshiko Okamura. Elsie was born on September 11, 1937, to the late Aiko and Usaburo Tenma in Lahaina, Hawaii and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 25, 2024, after a two-week hospital stay.
Elsie was a loving mother, devoted wife, wonderful sister and friend to all. She had many fond memories growing up in Puukolii Camp and made many lifelong friendships there. She had a 25-year career with the County of Los Angeles and retired from the Auditor-Controller in 1996. After retiring, she enjoyed meeting up with friends at the Montebello Mall. She was an excellent cook and baker and freely shared her talents with family and friends. She enjoyed attending Hawaiian concerts, musical theater, and sporting events. She loved cheering on Shohei Ohtani and the L.A. Dodgers, Kings, Sparks, and UCLA.
Elsie’s happy place was Las Vegas. She enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas with Flo’s Bus and gambling at The Cal with her sisters. She loved spending time with her daughter, Lynn, attending hundreds of L.A. Sparks and UCLA Women’s basketball games, and taking many memorable trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas.
Elsie will be remembered for her sweet smile, kind soul, generous heart, and selfless attitude. She was a shining light in this world and touched the lives of many. Thank you to all the family and friends that provided Elsie with many joyful moments in her life.
A private family memorial service at Rose Hills Memorial Park and a Celebration of Life luncheon attended by family and friends were held in early March 2025.
Elsie was pre-deceased by her brother, Richard Tenma, and sister, Dorothy Tenma. She is survived by her husband, Harry “Walter” Okamura; sons, Bryan and Darren Okamura; daughter, Lynn Okamura; sisters, Mae, Pearl, and June Tenma; brother, Howard Tenma; also survived by beloved families and friends in California and Hawaii.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 626-0441