Leola Jean Aulani Abeyta went home to be with the Lord on April 5, 2022. She passed peacefully at home in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 78.
Jean was born on October 29, 1943 in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii to Thomas and Cecelia Hattie Noda as the youngest of six children and nicknamed “Baby”. In Hawaii, she was active as a teenager. She worked at a pineapple cannery, performed with a synchronized swim team, participated in competitive canoe racing, and sang with a young women’s group.
After graduating from St. Anthony High School in 1962, she moved to the mainland to attend a medical transcription school in San Francisco, CA. In San Francisco, she met her love Vince Abeyta and they married in 1963. Jean and Vince built a life together for 58 years raising 7 children, with 17 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.
Jean had a long career of more than 40 years as a medical transcriptionist starting at the University of California Medical Center and then at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM. She was a very creative artist who worked on projects such as painting, sewing, and ceramics. She also enjoyed all kinds of puzzles and playing Mahjong.
Jean was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a kind and giving person with a very calm and gentle spirit. She made her home a place where everyone felt welcome, had fun, and always ate well. She genuinely cared about others and found ways to share and help whenever there was a need.
Her life modeled that of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She opens her hands to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
She is clothed with strength and dignity.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Jean truly was a “Wonder Woman” who created a loving home for her husband and children while also working hard to provide for her family—she always put her family first. By this, she demonstrated what true beauty is.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Cecelia Noda, brothers Thomas Noda, Jr. and Larry Noda, and sisters Charlotte “Namichan” Tomita and Lorraine “Yuki” Oshita.
She is survived by her loving husband Vince, Sr., children Jeanie (Rick), Sandra, Vince, Jr. (Angela), Tom (Erin), Lawrence, Alicia (Joe), and Tanya (Carlos); grandchildren Antonio (Katy), Gabe, Nick, Savanna, Connor, Josh, Nicolette, Grant, Aubrey, Levi, Faith, Grace, Adrian (Draevyn), Kayla, Caitlin, Hayden, and Dakota; great granddaughter Lily; sister Harriet “Nanilei” Racoma, sister-in-law Grace Noda, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jean knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and we know she is rejoicing with Him in heaven. She was a blessing to all and we miss her deeply.
Jean, you are forever in our hearts. Thank you for your love, kindness, faithfulness, and unfailing support. Aloha ‘Oe—until we meet again.
Private Celebration of Life services will be held for the family.
Daniels Family Funeral Services
3113 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-884-1188