Nellie Martin of Kihei died at age 92 on May 21st, 2026.
Born in San Pedro, Cailfornia to parents Giovanni Durante and Isabella Cafaro.
She is survived by children Chuck and wife Joan, Shirley as well as Louis and wife Kat Martin. Grandmother to Makoa, Shawn, Ian, Drew and 2 great grandchildren.
Kihei lost one of their brightest spirits of Aloha. For 50 years Nellie has spread her enthusiasm for life and love of community through teaching water aerobics,
community theater, ukulele and playing the spoons.
She has won numerous community volunteer awards for teaching water aerobics at the Kihei community pool since its opening. She basically created the fun in pool
vibe by combining singing along with exercises in her water aerobics classes three times a week with attendance of up to 60 people.
In her 60's Nellie joined Iao Theater, performing in 5 musicals under the director Michael Snider.... A dream come true!
Her love of ukulele involved playing with the "Kihei Strummers" as well as volunteering to entertain the residence at Kalama Heights with sing-a-longs.
But most importantly, her biggest thrill was to become known as "The spoon Lady of Kihei". Nellie at 92 could knock it out of the park with some of Maui's finest musicians. Including Eric Gilliom, Danyel Alana, Vince Esquire and Kanekoa.
Nellie's love and expertise of music started at the age of 5 with her 3 sisters entertaining themselves with perfect 3-part harmony mimicking the then popular style of the Andrew Sisters.
Her greatest gift to everyone who knew and loved her was her sense of humor and positive outlook. Nellie was always excited to meet new people. She warmly
shared her aloha and considered all who met her family.
