Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive

My grandmother, Frances Kanohola DeMello Stancil Peoples was born Aug. 11, 1918, in Waikea on the big island to Manual DeMello who was Portuguese and Lucy Lukela who was Hawaiian. She is the eldest of eight children to include brothers Manuel, Frank, Donald and Stanley. Sisters, Tura, Pearl and Honey. In 1920, when Grandma was 18 months old, the family moved to Oahu.

At the age of 13, her father died in a tragic accident, which left the family devastated. Her father was the sole provider for the family. Grandma being the oldest child, her life would change dramatically which I believe would define her character, her personality, and the contagious influence she would have on this grandson and a family that spans five generations.

She left school to go to work during the day and took care of her brothers and sisters at night while her mother, Lucy, went to work. She didn't have a choice. She had to help her mom so the family could survive. At a very young age, my grandmother, put others before herself because in her heart family is everything and to her, it was the right thing to do. Ninety years later, she is still working and giving so that others may have.

Grandma married my grandfather, George Guy Stancil, when she was 15, he was 22. Soon after, my father was born, Theodore Rudolph Kaliko'okala Stancil (Teddy). Grandma and Grandpa moved to Kinau St. into their first apartment. As the family expanded they moved to a house on 22nd Ave., where their second child was born, Douglas Randolph Mahealani Stancil (Doogie), five years after my father. Four years later, the family lived in Kuliouou when their third child was born, Kathleen Yvonne Muliwai Stancil. They were married 19 years.

Then in 1953, Grandma met and married my Grandpa, John Peoples who also had two daughters, Mattie Luka and Johnarie Helena. They were married 38 years until Grandpa passed away. During their years together I remember the 11th frame which was a cocktail lounge Grandpa and Grandma owned and operated. But more than that it was a place to gather bringing together family and new friends. I can remember in my hunabada days my brothers and I use to run around between the 11th frame and the Bowl-O-Drome on Sundays after the softball games. I am sure many of you here today remember everyone singing, eating, drinking and having a great time. We memorized all those songs ... Pork and Beans and Gravy, Jane's Store, Cheryl Moana Marie, Bye O My Baby and Pork Chops when I'm Hungry to name a few. So many great memories there. They sold the 11th frame in the mid 70s and embarked on another career of volunteerism that spanned 25 years during their marriage.

Grandma's family includes five children, 25 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren. My grandmother leads an ordinary life, but is an extraordinary woman. Her accomplishments are many, most notable is her relentless service to other people and her community.

In 1946, she was chosen Lunalilo Community Association Mother of the year.

She is the longest active member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) serving her community for more than 33 years.

She has been a volunteer with the Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP) since 1982 and continues to serve today.

In May of 1983, while President of the Kailua Seniors, she was chosen by United States Senator Daniel Akaka as his Senior Intern in Washington, D.C.

In 1990, she and Grandpa John were recognized as the Outstanding Male and Female Senior Citizens of the Year while giving many hours to Angels on Wheels transporting cancer patients to and from the hospital for their treatments.

She has also volunteered for the Red Cross, March of Dimes, Salvation Army, Cancer Society, Tutor for Kainalu Elementary, Cub Scout Den Mother, The Grandmothers Club, Daughters of Hawaii, St. Anthony's Outreach Program.

And the list goes on and on ...

So this is Grandma's legacy "so far" because even today she continues to write it, still volunteering, still helping others. All of us here are witness to Grandma's rich life and I know you are looking forward, as I am, to reading the next chapter… "stay tuned."

So, Grandma, thank you so much for always being there for us when we needed you. For your unconditional love. For always seeing the good in all of us. For never judging us, but accepting us. For being a shining example for our ohana.

"In the coming days we will all be coping with this the best way we know how and that is CELEBRATING her life. That is one thing she has taught us is to ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST and she did. LET THE PARTY BEGIN!

Aloha, Mark Stancil, second grandson of Frances Kanahola DeMello Stancil Peoples