Antoinette Maile Leahey

Antoinette "Toni" Maile Leahey, 81, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, Toni's warmth, generosity, and bright spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on June 2, 1944, in Honolulu, Toni grew up in Waialua, Oahu, and attended Maryknoll High School and later earned her degree from Chaminade University, majoring in British Literature and minoring in French. A lifelong learner and lover of words, Toni spent more than 40 years as an educator with the Hawaii State Department of Education, teaching English at both the middle and high school levels and serving as a dedicated resource teacher who inspired countless students. Toni married the love of her life, Jim Leahey, and together they shared a marriage full of love, laughter, and partnership that spanned 56 years. They raised three children?Kelly, Katy, and Kanoa. Toni loved reading, writing, traveling, and listening to Hawaiian and oldies music. She took great joy in "talking story," cheering for University of Hawaii sports, and sharing good food and laughter with her extended family and dear friends. A faithful member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Toni volunteered with Catholic Charities, cancer support groups, alumni associations, and the Portuguese Culture Festa, giving selflessly to her community. Toni is survived by her children Kelly Leahey, Kanoa Leahey, Kathryn Meza, and granddaughter Malia Meza; her brothers Woody Vaspra, Steven Vaspra, and Charles Leahey (brother-in-law); her sister-in-law Charlize Leahey; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Honolulu on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by eulogy/services at 10:00 a.m.