The Garden Island
Notice #: 0001094945-01
Funeral Notices

ELLEN SKIPPER MATTHEWS

Age 70, of Alabama and Honolulu, passed away April 22, 2018 surrounded by family. With her husband and soulmate Tom she founded an import and distribution company, Nani Makana, and created the first silk flower lei in 1979. A product sold worldwide by a second company she helped create in Hong Kong, Craftstone. Ellen loved to travel and landed on all continents. Her photo above is in Antarctica. She and Tom collected 100s of winery logos as plaques using wine boxes where they both had visited and tasted the wine. Ellen lost her parents and younger brother Rick years ago, and is survived by her husband Tom, two cats Kimo and Benzy, Brother Skip, Brother Chris (Carolyn), Brother Richard (Lynn) and best friend Nina. Private services. Donations to Foundation of the Rotary Club of Honolulu.

Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC