June Miyuki Lauaʻe Yoshimatsu Coelho was born on June 4, 1938, in Waimea, to her parents Tokohiro Yoshimatsu and Lily Liliaokekula Lindsey. Both of her parents were born and raised in Waimea. Her maternal grandparents were Lily Luluikekula Kaʻono, born in Puakō and Thomas Kamaki Lindsey. Her paternal grandparents Yusu Matsuzaki and Masaichi Yoshimatsu immigrated from Kyushu, Japan.

 

June grew up in a Parker Ranch home across from what is now the Camp Tarawa monument, and later moved to ranch housing in Ahuli Circle at the age of 13. She was raised alongside her elder siblings Odetta Hind Lindsey and Tokohiro Lloyd, and her younger sister Judith Maile.

 

Her mother, Lily Yoshimatsu, was a woman deeply committed to caring for others and served the community in ways that helped shape how kūpuna are supported in Waimea today. She spent much of her time assisting elderly community members with finances, transportation, and care. June shares that her mother was a smart, amazing Hawaiian woman.

 

Even after long days of work, Lily would drive to Puʻuanahulu to care for her own father, showing that service began first with ʻohana. Lily also carried forward Hawaiian culture through hula, studying under Aunty ʻIolani Luahine and Maiki Aiu, and later taught at Kahilu Hall, sharing culture with generations of Waimea children.

 

Her lifelong dedication to kūpuna and community care was so

impactful that the Lily Yoshimatsu Senior Center was named in her

honor. This is a lasting recognition of her leadership, compassion,

and the foundation she helped build for kūpuna services in Waimea.

 

Juneʻs father worked as a chauffeur for Parker Ranch manager

Hartwell Carter and later worked for the state highway department.

Tokohiro also hunted to help provide food for the family. June learned

the value of hard work, responsibility, service, and providing for

ʻohana from her parents.

 

June learned to cook from her paternal grandmother, Yusu Matsuzaki

Yoshimatsu, beginning at just 3 years old. She spent countless hours

throughout her childhood learning to cook over a wood stove and

prepare meals from what was grown at home. It was hard work

since the water also needed to be filtered using tobacco bags. She

especially enjoyed learning how to make sushi. These early lessons

stayed with her and shaped her future.

 

Beyond the kitchen, June enjoyed an active life. She rode horses,

helped grow vegetables, and became an excellent basketball player.

She played guard for Parks and Recreation on an undefeated team

that competed in the island league alongside other Waimea players like Beth Spencer, Nita Tolentino, and her sister Odetta.

 

At just 14 years old, after attending Waimea Elementary and Intermediate School, June began working. She would cross the Waikoloa Stream after school to clean the dining room at the Episcopal Academy, earning 50 cents to contribute to her family. She continued working there through high school and eventually moved into the kitchen at age 16. She described the work as hard, but also something she enjoyed.

 

After graduating from Honokaʻa High School, June married Kenneth John Coelho, Sr., and began raising their family. Their first child, daughter Odetta, was born, followed a few years later by their sons, Kenneth John “Squeaky” in 1961 and then Lindsey Pierre Hiro in 1964.

 

At the same time, she continued working and began what would become a lifelong career in food service at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy. Starting as a prep cook and morning supervisor, she worked her way up to Head Cook, dedicating 50 years to HPA and serving nearly 2 million meals to students, faculty, and staff.

 

But for June, it was never just about the food; it was about the people. She shares how much she enjoyed working at HPA, the friendships she built, and the joy she found in feeding others. She is known not only for her ono food, but for her laughter, her playful spirit, and her kolohe personality that brings life into the kitchen.

 

Years after her retirement, that impact is still felt. Last year, a 101-year old teacher who had worked summer school at HPA returned to visit her and remembered her clearly, speaking about her with affection and recalling her laughter and the joy she brought to those around her. Although June experienced the heartbreaking loss of her two sons in 1996, she continued forward with strength, supported by her daughter, her seven grandchildren, and her five great-grandchildren.

 

Outside of work, June was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in the Waimea community. She enjoyed sports, spending time with family, and became known as a mahjong champion in the Senior Club. She also found joy in simple hobbies, including collecting over 200 baseball caps, and knitting and crocheting, skills she learned from her mother.

 

Over the years, June has made hundreds of blankets, generously donating them to hospitals, family, and friends. She also created scarves and other handmade gifts for nurses at Kona Hospital. Each piece reflects her care, generosity, and willingness to give to others.

 

Many in Waimea also know June for her cooking beyond HPA. She is especially well known for her pies, particularly her lemon meringue, baked with care, shared with loved ones, and also sold to those who came to enjoy her desserts. In many ways, June has carried forward her mother’s example by serving others, supporting her community, and giving without expecting anything in return.

 

June Miyuki Lauaʻe Yoshimatsu Coelhoʻs life reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to caring for others.

 

For decades, she showed up at work, for her family, and for her community.

Through her hands, she has fed generations.

Through her laughter, she has brought joy.

Through her actions, she has shown what it means to give.

 

Today, we recognize and honor her as a Waimea Living Treasure.

 

Mahalo nui loa, June, for all that you have given to Waimea and for the example you continue to set.