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Barbara Ho'opi'i Simao, age 79, passed this life on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She entered the world on Monday, January 3rd, 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii to her parents Stephen Serrao and Anna Phillips Serrao. She was also raised in Hawaii, and embodied the Hawaiian spirit of Aloha well. Barbara married the love of her life, Gregory Dennis Simao, and created a beautiful union, which formed a legacy to this day. Within her marriage she was treated like a queen, and her children were lucky to be shown such beautiful examples on two people being truly in love. Gregory passed in 2014, but everyone who knew Gregory and Barbara know that they had a beautiful reuniting within Heaven on November 4th, 2023. Barbara was a hard worker, and often times held multiple jobs. She wanted to make sure that she and her family were able to reside in Hawaii, since she had such a profound love for the Island. It was also easy for her to work hard, because of her reasoning for doing so. She always wanted to give her children every opportunity of education. She truly was a strong woman inside and out. Barbara was generous, kind, and loving, and this was attested by anyone who knew her. But she also made sure to tell people like it was and often times would set other straight. She loved Jesus and would always remind people of the Lord, and try to help others stay within His reign. She would tell others that with Jesus by your side nothing is impossible. "Stay close to Jesus" was her most common piece of advice. She truly cared about her family and the ones that she loved, and this was always felt, and has resulted in her being loved back by so many people. Barbara was known by all her grandchildren as Tutu and she loved them tremendously. She was a light in many peoples lives and she leaves memories and impressions that will last infinitely. She is preceded in death by her parents Stephen Serrao and Anna Phillips Serrao; sisters Patricia Serrao and Gladys Walkemeyer; husband Gregory Dennis Simao; and grandchild Isaiah Simao. Barbara is survived by her children Anna (Matthew) Paquette, and Monty (Celeste) Simao; grandchildren Madison (Damon) Paquette, Mikaela (Brendon) Paquette, Sydney (Colton) Bennett, Maya (Clayton) Bond, Megan Paquette, Audrey SImao, Anna Simao, Quincey Simao, Natalie Simao, Naomi Simao, and Noah Simao; great grandchildren Mercy, Addie, Verity, and one other arriving in January. She is also a beloved cousin, aunty, and friend. A graveside service will be held to honor Barbara's legacy on November 30th, 2023 at 3PM at the Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe, Hawaii. There will be a gathering to "eat and talk story" to follow the graveside service.

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Barbara Ho'opi'i Simao

January 3, 1944 - November 4, 2023