Barbara Yamasaki of the Hawaii Catholic Schools office sings at the 2015 Mass for the Annual Conference for Catholic Educators, Jan. 30, at Sacred Hearts Academy. She was honored that year for where she was honored for 50 years in Catholic education. (HCH photo | Darlene Dela Cruz)
By Anna Weaver
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Barbara Yamasaki doesn’t want us writing about her retirement. The fast-talking, jovial administrative secretary has been with the Diocese of Honolulu’s Hawaii Catholic Schools department since 1964, making her one of the longest-serving lay diocesan employees ever.
But that doesn’t mean we should make a big deal about her 58 years of service, she said.
Why? Maybe it’s because Yamasaki knows too much and wants to leave quietly with all her “secrets.” She has, after all, served under five diocesan bishops and an equal number of Catholic schools superintendents. Or maybe it’s because, although she’s retiring after 58 years, the well-loved and well-known employee still plans to volunteer in the HCS offices from time to time.
“Barbara has been an integral part of Hawaii Catholic Schools and the diocese as a whole,” said Llewellyn Young, Hawaii Catholic Schools superintendent, in a Feb. 22 email announcement of Yamasaki’s retirement. “Her work and ongoing efforts have been vital to the success of our office and all Catholic schools in Hawaii. Her historical knowledge was unmatched, and her strong faith shined in everything she did. She was always ready to help and always showed tremendous enthusiasm and passion for Catholic education.”
Young said that right after sending out the retirement announcement, he “received a barrage of responses unsurprisingly filled with gratitude and warm affection toward this extraordinary lady.”
During her almost six decades in the department, Yamasaki has worn many hats under her official title of administrative secretary. She has handled everything from arranging details of large diocesan events to breaking in new bosses.
Her longest serving superintendent was Msgr. Daniel Dever, who was in the role for four decades. Towards the end of his life, Yamasaki also acted as a personal aide for the priest and friend.
Mike Rockers, who retired from the HCS superintendent role in 2020, singled out Yamasaki in his exit interview with the Hawaii Catholic Herald. “I will never forget Barbara Yamasaki’s consistent kindness, support and sense of humor,” he said.
As the newest superintendent, Llewellyn Young said Yamasaki was a tremendous help to him as he settled into the job.
“Barbara shines with positive energy all the time!” he said “Her smile is genuine and contagious, and when she does something, she does it to completion and she does it well.”
The diocese plans to honor Yamasaki’s record years of service at the diocesan Christmas party this coming December.
