With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Sylvia Momi Watson Foo Sum. She went peacefully to her heavenly home on the evening of Monday, March 20, 2023, at the age of 83. She passed away surrounded by her loving family.

Sylvia was born in Puʻunene, Maui, in 1939 to Herbert and Caroline Watson (+). She had treasured memories of being raised by the ocean in Kihei with her brothers Herbert (+) and William (Eleanor). She often shared what a gift attending Kaunoa Elementary School was and graduated from Baldwin High School, where she met her best friend of seventy-four years, Leilani Fedalizo (Cordeiro).

She is predeceased by her husband, Henry Foo Sum(+). She will be greatly missed by her two daughters, Kimberly Ann Hays and Mary Kathryn Dowells (Eric). Aima/ Aimilani/Aims' three grandchildren, Kamella, Keallan (Sarah), Erikah, and one great-grandson Khalil "Hoʻomauʻua," all brought her pride and joy. She would always say how she "loved them beyond measure."

Following graduation from Briar Cliff College in Iowa and Marquette University, she served many students and families as a passionate educator. She spent a few years with the Lemon Grove School District, in Visalia, California, before returning home to Maui. She spent a few decades as a Speech and Hearing Therapist (DOE), then as a Development Director (St. Anthony Jr Sr High School), and later as Director of Private Schools. Her primary work, however, was supporting/ ministering to others in a myriad of ways in their walk and relationship with God.

Mom served and volunteered for numerous charities, boards, and organizations (local and national)- From Miss Maui to St. Anthony Bazaar, from Life in the Spirit Seminar to Youth Encounter Spirit, from Women Praying for the Nations to Kupuna Women of Valor. Wherever Sylvia volunteered and served, they became her community and garnered her total commitment. Her daughters do not recall a time when this was not the case, including these final years.

Her heart of this world may have failed, but her spirit was stubbornly strong. Her legacy will be forever reminding us to respond to what the Lord is telling us and calling us to do.

Loved ones are respecting her wishes for private Celebration of Life services. Those who wish to honor her life can first spend quality time with their loved ones and, if they desire, donate to her favorite charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital OR the Benedictine Monastery of Hawaii.

Condolence cards may be sent to:

FooSum Ohana

P.O. Box 823

Kula, Maui, Hawaii 96790