Anne Field-Gomes, a long-time Waimea volunteer and activist, died Tuesday, after battling cancer. She was 84.
Anne Field-Gomes, a long-time Waimea volunteer and activist, died Tuesday, after battling cancer. She was 84.
Field-Gomes brought the AARP’s Tax Aid program to Waimea, served on the Waimea Community Association Board, and was treasurer for the Friends of Thelma Parker Library and the South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee. She was a member of the Waimea Outdoor Circle, St. James’ Church and Imiola Congregational Church, and the Waimea Pupule Papale Red Hat Club.
She was active in her precinct club for the Hawaii County Democratic Party and a regular at County Conventions. Field-Gomes regularly volunteered at North Hawaii Community Hospital until about a year ago. She also helped found the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.
She is survived by her husband, David Gomes.
“She made things happen,” said Marcia Wood, state coordinator for the Tax Aid Program.
Wood said Field-Gomes developed the program in Waimea, one of its most remote sites, in 1993, and continued volunteering through this year.
Patti Cook, who also volunteers with and serves on many of the organizations Field-Gomes did, said Field-Gomes was a “stalwart participant” at many community events over the years.
“You can’t have a community event and Anne and David not come,” Cook said. “The world’s run by those who show up, and they show up.”
Field-Gomes didn’t just show up, though, Cook added. She worked hard for the causes she supported. And although she was sick, she continued attending events as recently as September, Cook said.
Memorial services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 17 at St. James’ Church in Waimea.