Ann Kimura

Ann Kimura, a longtime resident of Gardena for more than six decades, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, after a long battle with dementia. Born Ann Vellina on July 26, 1939, in Maui, Hawaii, she was the daughter of a Filipino father and a Puerto Rican and Hawaiian mother. She later moved her family to California, where she became a beloved figure in Gardena’s Polynesian and Hawaiian community, earning the affectionate nickname “Angel.”

Ann had a remarkable ability to accept people exactly as they were. She offered everyone kindness, understanding, and generous hospitality, never allowing a guest to leave her home hungry. An exceptional cook, she filled her family’s lives with a rich variety of cuisines from many cultures. She also cherished her occasional trips to Las Vegas, where she enjoyed playing the penny machines and staying up well past her usual bedtime.

She is survived by her children Janell, Darrell, Frank, Terri, and Zena; her son-in-law Larry; her grandchildren Sean, Kola, Stevie, and Jonathan; and her great-grandchildren Kaliko, Lilla, Mayalynn, Alexandrina, and Anthony. Ann will be remembered always for her kindness and her beautiful smile.