Page created by: Helen Tay

Helen Heng Tay passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 70 on August 16, 2016 in Hanapepe, Hawaii after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Singapore, one of seven children, she immigrated to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii to be with her high school sweetheart Tony (Tee) Tay in 1972. They moved to Kauai in 1976 and built a life there at first operating a restaurant in Lihue while operating a tourist stand at the Spouting Horn in Poipu. A few years later they made the plunge into opening a brick and mortar retail business in Hanapepe called Mariko's.

Helen was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2001 at the age of 55. She never let it get the best of her, she was determined to carry on with her life as much as she could. You would always see her trying to dust the shelves, restock inventory or help to customers. Enduring many painful falls from the disease she never cried once. Through the love of her husband Tony she kept physically active as much as possible to stave off the progress of the debilitating disease. She will always be remembered as a talented seamstress, savvy businesswoman, loyal friend, proud mother and loving wife.

She is survived by her husband Tony and sons, Elroy and Clifton and daughter-in-law Annie.