We were extremely saddened by the loss of our precious wife, daughter, mother, and friend. Carlene Eiko Okimoto Mossman (age 40) died on March 27, 2007 after giving life to her sweet baby daughter, Carly.

Carlene was born in Whittier, California, on February 3, 1967 to Howard and Jean Haraguchi Okimoto. She, like her parents, was an educator and loved teaching children. She grew up in the Laie community where she established a foundation of love and life long friendships that she cherished throughout her life. She graduated from Kahuku High School in 1985 as the salutatorian and received the David O. McKay Scholarship to attend Brigham Young University Hawaii. While in high school, she participated in the Red Raider Marching Band and National Honor Society.

Carlene served in the Sendai, Japan Mission from 1988 to 1989 and loved the people she served. Her service there is still felt in the lives of those she taught the gospel. After returning from her mission, she graduated in 1991 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Carlene was a beautiful hula dancer and performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center night show while attending BYU-Hawaii.

Carlene was married and sealed for time and all eternity to Vaughn L. Mossman on August 31, 1991 in the Laie, Hawaii Temple. They made Laie their home where Carlene enjoyed teaching at Kahuku Elementary School. Five of Carlene's children were born in Laie - Valen, Clint, Vaughn, Caylee and Caily. Cole and Carly were born in Sandy, Utah where the family currently resides.

Carlene was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her life was filled with compassion and charity. Her ability to nurture, care for and love people touched the lives of so many including her children to whom she dedicated her life. Her loving smile, warm embrace and soothing voice will be sorely missed. Her memories will be cherished and treasured.

Carlene leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Vaughn; seven beautiful children; her parents, Howard and Jean Okimoto; brothers, Cary (Noriko) Okimoto and Curt (Ramona) Okimoto. She is also survived by her father-in-law, Bruce Mossman Sr. (Pam); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful care that Carlene received at the University of Utah Critical Care Unit. The family is also grateful to the members of the Mesa Park Ward and the many friends and family that have given so much of their time, service, love and support to Vaughn and his family. Your prayers and expressions of love have blessed and touched our lives.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sandy Alta View Stake Center, 1850 E. 8600 So., Sandy, UT. A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday, April 2nd from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Stake Center. Carlene will be buried in the Laie, Hawaii Cemetery. A "Carlene Mossman Memorial Fund" has been established at America First Credit Union (account no. 9031840).