Frances Landeza

July 13, 1939 - February 24, 2023

Frances “Frannie” Sook Moi Kawaipulo’u Kuakini O’Sullivan Landeza died peacefully in Oakland, California, on February 24, 2023. She was born on July 13, 1939, in Honolulu, Territory of Hawai’i, to Lot and Mabel (Lee) O’Sullivan. At six months old, Frannie was sent to live with her Uncle Francis and Aunt Emma (En Fook) O’Sullivan on Hawaiian Home Lands at Ho’olehua, Moloka’i, where she was raised by her “hanai” parents.

Frannie graduated from Moloka’i High School in 1957. Although she was accepted into Oberlin College in Ohio to study music, our mom attended Armstrong Business College in Berkeley, California, where she graduated in 1959.

Frannie met and married Daniel Landeza, Jr. of Kahuku, O’ahu, Hawai’i, on March 26, 1960, at St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church, Berkeley. Danny and Frannie were married for 34 years until his sudden passing in 1994. They are survived by their children and their families: Daina, Fr. Jayson, John (Mieko), Patrick (Jennifer), and Donna Keala; grandchildren: Princess Malia (Armando), Marcus, Tyler, P.J., Danny, Megan, Mariko, Luke; great-grandchildren: Isla and Armando Isai. Frances is also survived by her sister Yolanda O’Sullivan Boyce of Hilo, Hawai’i, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Frannie worked in various offices as an administrative assistant until she began her work with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland, beginning as the secretary of St. Joseph the Worker Elementary School in Berkeley. In 1987, Frances began working at the chancery (administrative offices) of the Diocese of Oakland, first on Lakeshore Avenue and later at their new facilities on Grand and Harrison in downtown Oakland.

Mom was deeply involved in all things Hawaiian: dance (Hula), music, food, customs, culture, history, and spirituality, resulting from being raised on Hawaiian Home Lands at Ho’olehua, Moloka’i. She was a founding member of the “O Ka’ahumanu Wahine Ali’i’ Ahahui” of the Bay Area, a cultural heritage preservation ladies’ society. Frances believed in the power of pursuing education, especially for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Frannie’s Catholic faith was the center of her life, and her trust in the Lord Jesus and the Blessed Mother was deep and profound. She embodied and lived her faith in a practical way by being full of aloha - mom was known for her upbeat and positive personality, garnering the nickname “Miss Sunshine” by her coworkers at the Diocesan Chancery.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing, visitation, and vigil at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church (Divine Mercy

Parish), at 3725 High Street, Oakland, on Sunday, March 5, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the vigil beginning at 5:30 PM. Hawaiian “aloha” attire welcome.

Frannie’s funeral will be held the next day, Monday, March 6, at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison Street in Oakland. Her private interment will occur immediately at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Howe Street in Oakland.

After the funeral service, folks are invited to go directly to the reception at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church (Divine Mercy

Parish), 3700 Dorisa Avenue, Oakland.

Our Landeza ‘ohana is deeply grateful for our mother’s care at Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland. We are also thankful for her coworkers’ love and prayerful support at the chancery office of the Diocese of Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, we are accepting donations to help defray funeral expenses.