Guillerma Kofoed, also known as “Ginny” or “Gima,” died suddenly on April 29, 2012 at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville, at the age of 80. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Feb. 10, 1932, the youngest of 15 children. She was a Pearl Harbor survivor, when at the age of nine, she watched from the field at her home as the Japanese attacked Kaneohe Bay, Oahu.

Gima was a U.S. citizen, born and raised in Hawaii and worked in food service her entire life. As a young girl, she was working in a soda fountain in Hawaii when a young sailor stopped for lunch. He was very particular about his order and she completed his order perfectly. He was smitten with her and returned frequently. On Nov. 18, 1950, Guillerma and Marvin Kofoed were married and she became a Navy bride.

Following deployment in Hawaii, Gima and Marvin were transferred to Kingsville and Corpus Christi, Texas. Marvin received orders to the Korean peninsula and Gima went to Salt Lake City, where she lived with family. Following the war, they returned to Hawaii and in 1962, received orders to Oak Harbor, where they have remained for 50 years.

Gima worked at each of the duty stations throughout Marvin’s career and Whidbey was no exception. She worked at the Chimes Café, Steak House, Kennel, Kings’s Table, the CPO Club and the Navy Exchange. She was well known and had a wonderful reputation for her work ethic. She loved to cook, gardening, and most of all growing roses. She and Marvin were excellent dancers and seldom passed up a chance to show off their skills on the dance floor. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She always had a smile on her face, no matter what. She loved life to the fullest.

Gima is survived by five children, Debra Martel of Los Angeles, Marvin Kofoed Jr. “Buddy” of Las Vegas, Sharon Kofoed of Oak Harbor, Baron Kofoed and wife Julie of Lake City, Wash., and Theresa Hensen of Las Vegas; her grandchildren, Nicholas, Brandon, Matthew, Leilani and Tony Martel, Barry Wang, Jr., and Alana Rude, Jeremy, Justin and McKaila Kofoed, and Jeffrey Hensen; great grandchildren, Marcus, Ethan, Matthew, Addison, Kodi, Zachary, Joselyn, Li’Kiya and Aaliyah.

Her parents, her brothers and sisters and one infant daughter, Wilhelmina, preceded her in death.

Viewing will be held at Wallin Funeral Home on Thursday, May 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held May 11 at the funeral home with Rev. Jerry Kinzle, CHC, USN (Ret) officiating. Burial will follow on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Skagit Valley Kidney Center, 2008 Hospital Parkway, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 in memory of Guillerma “Gima” Kofoed. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.