Doreene Mae Hoopiiaina

Our beautiful mother, grandmother, aunt, and dear friend, Doreene Mae Wilkinson Hoopiiaina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 21, 2026, at the age of 98.

Doreene was born on August 11, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Harry Wilkinson and Helen Florence Greenig. She attended South High School, graduating in 1945, and often spoke fondly of her school years, sharing vivid stories and cherished memories from that time in her life.

In 1945, Doreene met her sweetheart, Wilford Kalani Hoopiiaina, and shortly after her 18th birthday that August, they were married. Together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, devotion, and family. They raised five children, living in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Washington before settling in Sugar House, which became their beloved homestead. Doreene lived in that home for 60 years, remaining there until her passing. Her independence was deeply important to her - she was determined, capable, and steadfast to the very end.

Doreene loved her children, Carolynn, Patricia, Deborah, Kurtis and Cory, fiercely and individually. She said that being a mother was her most prized role, though she admitted that being a grandmother was even sweeter. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. To her grandchildren, she was their biggest cheerleader and, at times, their fiercest critic. She celebrated every victory, mourned every loss alongside them, and never hesitated to offer advice or opinions, requested or not :). She delighted in holding her grandbabies, attending sporting events, dance and piano recitals, school programs, and birthday parties. She wanted to be invited to every family gathering she was able to attend and treasured being present for both the big milestones and the everyday moments. Family meant everything to her. Doreene lovingly embraced her husband’s Polynesian heritage and treasured time spent with family in Iosepa, camping, telling stories, watching Polynesian dancing, and honoring loved ones who had passed on. Her Husband tragically passed away in 1994 but She continued making these trips well into her 90s, and those moments are deeply cherished by her family.

In her 30s, Doreene developed a passion for golf, excelling at the sport and enjoying many rounds with her husband and close friends. During Utah’s snowy winters, those same friends transitioned into a bowling league, which Doreene faithfully participated in for decades. She was also an avid bridge player, belonging to several groups and at times playing up to three times a week. She was a devoted member of Friends Unlimited until it disbanded in 2020. Her golf, bowling, and bridge friends were incredibly dear to her heart, and she spoke of them often. You know who you are - and we thank you for bringing so much joy into her life. In her later years, Doreene often spoke with gratitude and affection about her monthly Family Home Evening group, lovingly hosted by her friends and neighbors Carol Howard & Carol Stevens. She remained of sound mind with an extraordinary memory and sharp wit until her passing.

Doreene had a deep love for her Heavenly Father and her Savior, and a strong testimony of eternal families. When she lost her son, Kurtis, at the age of 26, a loss she called the greatest trial of her life, she leaned fully on her family & turned to Christ to carry her through. Wilf and Doreene were sealed shortly after Kurtis’s death in the Salt Lake Temple.

Doreene lived through nearly a century of change, challenge, joy, and growth. She was an incredible woman who shared her wisdom freely and loved deeply. We take comfort knowing she is now free from the pains of her mortal body and reunited with those she has long missed. She is survived by her Daughter, Patricia Shaw (Mark Shaw); Daughter, Deborah Bailey (Dave Bailey); Son Cory Hoopiiaina her 13 Grandchildren, 32 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild with another on the way. Her legacy will live on through them.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilford Kalani Hoopiiaina; her son, Wilford Kurtis Hoopiiaina; her daughter, Carol Lynn Redden; her grandson, Daren Redden; her parents; and her brother, George Wilkinson.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at the University of Utah Hospital for their compassionate care in her final days. We also wish to thank her loving ward family, with whom she shared over 60 years of friendship, love, and support.

Funeral services will be managed by Holbrook Mortuary in Millcreek. 3251 S 2300 E., SLC, UT 84109 A viewing will take place at Holbrook Mortuary on Friday, February 6th from 6:00–8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7th at Doreene's Church Building at 3080 S. Kenwood Street SLC, UT 84106 at 11:00. A family-only viewing at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery on Grand Avenue.

We will miss you deeply Mom and grama. While our hearts ache, we find peace knowing you are enjoying the most beautiful reunion, and we are so happy for you.

To stream services please visit https://zoom.us/j/96188812536