Naomi Lokalia Reeves Correa, affectionately known as "Auntie Sister," longtime vice chairwoman of the Hawaii Democratic Party, died Wednesday. She was 80.

"She was a pillar of strength: ever-reliable, ever-willing to help," said Walter Heen, a trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and a former state Democratic Party chairman. "She gave of her efforts physically, emotionally and intellectually to the fullest extent.

"She never asked for compensation or recognition of any kind, nevertheless people recognized her for everything she did."

Correa, mother of 14 and grandmother of 51, was a delegate at the national convention during the 1988 presidential election and served on the steering committee of candidate Richard Gephardt's local campaign that year.

"Sister was one of the very last founding matriarchs of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i," said Scott Foster, a member of the Oahu Kupuna Caucus, which Correa helped establish.

Correa was an advocate for the needy and dedicated every Sunday to feeding hot meals of stew or long rice to homeless families living on Sand Island.

"When I take the food, I take my grandchildren along to help," she said in 1992. "It's their way of learning that they have to help and participate in the community."

She even offered a spare room in her home to two homeless men.

Correa is survived by her husband, Edward; sons, Edward Jr., Nowlin, Weston and Cody; daughters, NaniFay Paglinawan, Henrietta, Nohea Colton, RoseMary Duarte, Elizabeth, Keolani Noa, Laanui Johnston, Leialoha Patao and Malia Isaia; brother, Charles Reeves; sister, Bunchie Bandermann; 51 grandchildren; and 44 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is Friday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church starting at 6:30 p.m. An all-night vigil starts at 9 p.m.

A second visitation is Saturday at 9 a.m. Mass will start at 11 a.m. and the burial is at 2 p.m. at Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Funeral arrangements were made by Borthwick Mortuary.