February 14, 2025

Funerals for Two Significant Lay Leaders of the Diocese of Hawai'i

In recent months, the Diocese of Hawai'i has lost several lay leaders whose contributions had a great impact in our communities and the national stage. Funeral services have been confirmed for Bettye Jo Harris and Cecilia Fordham as follows:

Canon Bettye Jo Harris died on January 6, 2025.


A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated in remembrance of Bettye Jo on Saturday, February 22, in the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, at 11:00 AM. 


An Honorary Canon of the Cathedral, Bettye Jo was an active member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Kailua, a nine-time Deputy to the General Convention, member of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, and leader of many Church and community organizations. 


Donations in her memory may be made to her beloved Parish: St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 93 North Kainalu Drive, Kailua, HI 96734. 

Cecilia Howe Fordham died on January 2, 2025.


A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated in remembrance of Cecilia on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Episcopal Parish of St. Clement, Honolulu, at 9:00 AM.


An active leader of the Diocese, Cecilia served on the Standing Committee, Bishop Search Committee, and Camp Mokulē'ia Board. She was the Senior Warden of her home Parish and served as the Parish’s school director. An educator, she taught for many years at ‘Iolani School.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Episcopal Parish of St. Clement, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96822. 

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Contact Information
Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Specialist
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776