For decades, she was a calming, constant presence in the congregation at Sacred Hearts Mission Church at the Sunday morning mass. Letitia “Tish” Perry was always there to offer a smile and greeting to local parishioners and visitors alike during the warm and breezy services there.

Tish Perry passed peacefully away on Feb. 19, 2022, but her memory will live on.

She was born to her parents, Mary Elizabeth Lynshosky and Joseph Versace, and raised by her natural grandparents in Pennsylvania. She later moved to Detroit and attended Wayne University and worked at the Detroit News.

She later moved to California with “Mum” and worked in insurance for 12 years.

Tish moved to Hawaii after Mum passed away and became a licensed Realtor for 22 years. Here on Maui, Tish supported Meals On Wheels by delivering to 25 clients, and she was a member of the Soroptimist Club of West Maui.

In addition, Tish was a bowling coach for the Special Olympics program here, and she assisted at the Sacred Hearts School Bazaar with the famous malasada booth, where she had to learn to “shake the bag, not the body.”

Tish was voted as one of three “Women of Distinction” in 1981 by West Maui Soroptimists.

In 1995, she was honored to be a recipient of Holy Communion from St. John Paul at the Beatification Ceremony of Father Damien.

Tish Perry is survived by several cousins, namely Terri and Pilar Deportillo, Alex Brugge and Theresa Lynchosky.

She will be remembered fondly as a respected neighbor and friend to many in her church and home communities.

May perpetual light shine upon you and may you rest in peace, Dear One. (By Walter Chihara)