Obituary of Stephanie Marie Haunani Kamegai

Beloved daughter, sister and mother, Stephanie Mari-e Haunani Kamegai,passed away after a short illness on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at age 47. Born on January 25, 1965 in Schenectady, NY, Stephanie was a year old when her family moved to Northern California. Stephanie earned her degree in genetics from UC Berkeley with Honors in 1989. She moved to Las Vegas with her daughters in 2000. Stephanie is survived by her two lovely daughters Tasha and Rita who were the light of her life. And, her loving father and step-mother, Minao and Meera Kamegai; her mother, Bette; her two sisters, Sharon and Megumi; and, three step-brothers Doug, Rob and Bill; nephews and nieces Willie, Sam, Josh, Zach, Anthony, Vincent, Dominic, Nina, Bella and Azumi; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe, Albert, Karla and Alisa. Stephanie also had many aunts, uncles, cousins including Aunt Barbara and her husband Bob of Las Vegas who were close to her. Stephanie had a creative energy and a natural talent. Her many colorful paintings, pastels and drawings reflected her own colorful and often whimsical spirit. She delighted in color and sent many hand-sewn gifts to brighten the homes of her family and friends. Especially as a young woman, Stephanie enjoyed playing the piano and particularly loved Chopin which she performed with a great intensity. Stephanie had a spirit of adventure and a mischievous nature which defined her early childhood days. Her brilliant mind had allowed her to comprehend any subject with ease and often left her seeking greater knowledge. Even in her later years, she never stopped learning and had recently started taking Hebrew classes to further explore the Jewish faith. Stephanie's compassion was apparent in her devoted love of animals. She shared her home with countless four-legged/winged/finned friends. Her family and friends were treated to regular accounts of her pets' antics and personalities. Without doubt, Stephanie considered her greatest achievement to be her two beloved daughters. She cherished Tasha and Rita with a fierce motherly devotion. Stephanie loved her daughters beyond all measure. Stephanie was a loving, courageous, and tenacious woman who faced life with passion and an unquenchable curiosity. A memorial service will be held at Temple Sinai, 9001 Hillpointe Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89134 on Thursday, May 10 at 1:00pm. Shiva will be held after the service on Monday, Friday afternoon between 2 - 5pm and Saturday and Sunday evening at 7:00 PM at the home of Meera and Minao Kamegai. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Temple Sinai, Congregation P'nai Tikvah, Brandeis National Committee or Best Friends Animal Society.