It is with a deep sense of sorrow and loss that the family of Kalena Kattil-deBrum announces her passing on February 15, 2024. Born on August 9, 1992, to Dolores and Paul Kattil, Kalena was a source of joy and inspiration throughout her life.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Paul Jr., Keoni, Catherine and Tony Kattil. The family will be holding a memorial service in her honor on March 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Butterworth Funeral Home in Seattle. She will then return home to the Marshall Islands for a final celebration of life with close family.

Kalena was a staunch advocate for the environment and believed in the sanctity of life. She taught others to appreciate and respect all forms of life, promoting the notion that all humans have a sense of responsibility to the people and environment around us.

Kalena's legacy is not one of sadness, but of a life passionately lived. She was intelligent, strong, selfless, genuine, caring, and the life of the party.

Kalena was a brilliant mind, earning a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2014, and later, an M.S. in Environment and Society, from the University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus in New Zealand in 2019. Kalena was a respected Chief Research Scientist at the Marshall Islands Marine Resource Authority for many years showcasing her intelligence, dedication and passion for marine and environmental conservation and sustainable living. She was pursuing her PhD in Fisheries Science at the University of Washington during her untimely passing.

Kalena was an internationally recognized scientist in the field of marine conservation. Her fervent commitment towards preserving the health of coral reefs was matched only by her dedication to educating and empowering community members to be stewards of their waters, ensuring a legacy of sustainability for generations.

Through her influential role with the Marshall Islands Marine Resource Authority, and her dissertation research on reef fishes from the region, Kalena ascended to prominence as one of the world’s authorities on the coral reefs of the Marshall Islands. Her careful dedication to working hand-in-hand with local community members, fishers and scientists represents the ethical benchmark for how environmental research should be conducted not only in Oceania, but globally. At UW, she was an inspiration for the next generation of scientists, especially young Pacific Islander women.

A lover of indie rock, HAIM, anything Beyonce, and Broadway musicals, Kalena carried a vibrancy that was infectious. She cherished the company of her friends and family, enjoying games like Mario Kart, Just Dance, SIMS, and card games. She was adventurous and enjoyed any activities outdoors from hiking up mountains to diving in the deep blue sea, even recently starting a new hobby in canoe paddling. She was a talented artist and photographer who enjoyed dancing and singing karaoke. Despite her busy schedule as a PhD student and Teacher’s Assistant, she always found ways to connect with her friends and family.

We mourn her passing, but celebrate her life, her spirit, and the beautiful impression she made on all who knew her.

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