A funeral for Lillian Hee Herring, who died in a New Year’s Eve fire that destroyed her Palolo home, will be Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church.
Herring, 81, was home alone at her Myrtle Street house when a fire erupted near her carport. The blaze also killed her two dogs.
Fire investigators said the fire may have been caused by illegal aerial fireworks. No arrests have been made, and police said they have no substantial leads.
Meanwhile, flowers, balloons and signs in her memory have been placed along the fence surrounding the shell of Herring’s charred home.
Neighbor Wesley Young has lived on Myrtle Street since 1978, and he remembers Herring as a busy person who was always on the go. He said Herring always seemed to be either on her way to work at Patti’s Chinese Kitchen or to church.
"She would share fruits and food," he said. "And every Christmas, she would give candy to the kids."
Herring is survived by a daughter, Christine; a sister, Annie Chang; and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at St. Patrick’s, where Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts-India Mission, c/o Regina Pacis Convent, 1120 Fifth Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816.
