Rose Helen Kewlani

In loving memory...

Rose Helen Kewlani ("Rosinha"), 52, passed away on August 18, 2025. Her life was stolen by her ex-boyfriend after she left him, having endured years of abuse. While her life was taken, her impact on her loved ones and community remains. She was the best mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Throughout her entire life, she committed herself to helping others, a mission she continued until her last breath. Loved ones remember her as a resilient, loving, beautiful light in their lives, one that will never truly fade.

She was born in Caiçara, Brazil, the daughter of Severina Marta de Oliveira and Francisco Alves de Souza . At 15 years old, she immigrated to the United States with her adoptive parents, Risolene and Anthony Leal, where she graduated high school and began pursuing a career in retail business. Later, she became a business owner of various men's retail locations alongside her ex-husband and father of her children, Manoj Kewlani, with whom she co-parented. Following this, she ventured into the jewelry business, founding MKB Jewelers, named after her late mother, Marta, and her daughters, Karina and Bianca.

Over her 30 years in retail, she served the community not only as a business owner but also as a friend to everyone she encountered.

Rose was a lover of nature, enjoying the beach at every opportunity, tending to her garden, feeding stray animals, and treating her late dog, Brownie, as her baby. Her favorite things to do were singing karaoke, dancing, and drinking her morning coffee with her sister and best friend, Elisangela Zorn, much to their children’s disapproval, as they weren’t supposed to have caffeine. Only two days after she passed, she was scheduled to move into a home down the road from her sister and “partner in crime” so she could spend more time with her family.

A spiritual woman, Rose always had faith that God had a plan to guide her on the right path. In Brazil, she became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite the hardships she faced, her positivity and resilience always shined through. Her daughters and nieces often joked that she was almost invincible and could persuade anyone to do anything, because she always bounced back from any setback. If you asked anyone who knew her, they would speak of her strength and kindness. The number of hearts she touched through her generosity, resilience, and altruism is immeasurable and will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her daughters, Karina and Bianca Kewlani; her sister, Elisangela Zorn; her nieces, Samara, Sasha, and Brittney Zorn; her adoptive mother, Risolene Leal; her siblings, Ana Paula de Oliveira and Ronaldo Alves Souz; and everyone who loves her and will carry on her mission.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on August 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1330 Whippoorwill Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at the service.