Obituary

Penelope Mahaelani Kajiwara, née Aana, died at home on April 3, 2015.

Known as Penny to her family and friends, she was born on January 26, 1933 in Honolulu, Hawaii to a large family that would soon disperse across the mainland. She relocated to Chicago, Illinois and married the late Seiji Kajiwara, with whom she raised four children.

Penny was a former lab technician who always shot straight from the hip, advocating for children and the underdogs. Gavel in hand, Penny ran her district’s PTA meetings as its fair, frank, and orderly president. She adored bowling, cursing, and flipping people off. And as a woman of no regrets, Penny was and is merely annoyed that the Cubs did not make it to the World Series in her lifetime.

Above most other pastimes, Penny took great pleasure in spoiling her grandchildren. She spent countless hours as the eager babysitter, driving her seven grandchildren anywhere they might need or want to go (including several toy stores, much to the chagrin of their parents).

Penny's door was always open, and instead of goodbye, she would wave “shaka” as you left. She will be remembered and missed by her son, Paul, her daughters, Susan, Mariah, and Shirleen, and her grandchildren, Jennifer, Lindsay, Michelle, Nicholas, Garrett, and Brandon. Visitation with the family will be held at Lakeview Funeral Home from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, May 30th, with service to follow.​ For information 773-472-6300 or www.lakeviewfuneralhome.com