Ophelia Bautista Hodgson's Obituary
Ophelia Bautista Hodgson, born in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, on December 29, 1946, lived a remarkable and accomplished life filled with creativity, service, leadership, and cultural
pride. She truly lived a Limitless Life. She passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Hospice Maui.
Ophelia led a privileged life growing up in the Philippines, never having to want for anything. She studied from kindergarten through high school at Lourdes High School, an exclusive girls’ school run by the Catholic Religious Order Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). She was well known for her dancing prowess and her joyful, lively spirit.
For college, she attended Ateneo de Cagayan, now Xavier University, where she earned her Liberal Arts Degree.
It was her lifelong dream to come to the United States, and in 1968, she married Dennis L. Bloxham and moved to Arcata, California, where she began building both her family and her legacy in America. In April 1969, she welcomed her first child, Teresa Bloxham, followed by her second child, Tina Ili (Bloxham), born in August 1970.
While living in Arcata, Ophelia founded her first dance troupe, Maya Pacifica Multi-Cultural Dance Troupe, traveling throughout Northern California and Oregon. The group frequently appeared on local television stations, introducing Polynesian, Filipino, and multicultural performances to new audiences. It was also in Arcata that she began her early career in media, working for radio stations KFMI and KATA, laying the foundation for her lifelong involvement in broadcasting and local media.
In 1982, Ophelia met and married David R. Buchholz and moved to San Diego, California. In 1983, she was crowned Mrs. Maharlika Philippines in Hollywood, a title recognizing her talent, grace, and cultural ambassadorship. Prior to earning this honor, she worked as a concierge and professional Polynesian performer at the Hanalei Hotel in San Diego, where she was featured in the San Diego Union-Tribune and on the cover of Hanalei San Diego Magazine. She also worked as a columnist and sales representative for the Filipino Press in San Diego and Chula Vista.
In February 1985, Ophelia and David welcomed her youngest child, Kyle A. Buchholz.
She founded Hula Grams, performing at private events such as birthdays, weddings,
anniversaries, and retirements. She also performed at Miramar Naval Air Force Base,
famously associated with the film Top Gun.
Life and Service in Utah
In 1988, Ophelia moved to Utah, where she served her community through education, media, performance, and leadership. She taught nutrition classes for Utah State University Extension and spoke before numerous organizations, including Hill Air Force Base Young Mothers, Christian Women’s groups, Baby Your Baby, Head Start, YMCA, and Welfare programs. She appeared on several Utah television programs and was interviewed by various newspapers.
She also taught life-skills and nutrition classes for male and female inmates at Weber and Davis County Jails for four years. In 1994, she received a prestigious award from the National Association of Extension Home Economists – Utah State University, an honor awarded only once every ten years.
Ophelia met with Governor Levitt at the Utah State Capitol to discuss the EFNEP Program, reflecting her statewide influence. She founded the Park City Filipino Organization (PCFO) and served as its president for two years, frequently appearing in local newspapers, television segments, and Park City parades.
She worked as a manager at the Sugar House Theater in Salt Lake City and became a
respected author. Her book, “Vegetable Camouflaging – The Forbidden Knowledge (For Finicky Eaters),” was featured in Park City newspapers, on Park City Television, and at book signings in San Diego.
Her business, Kamai‘ana Enterprises, allowed her to offer private nutrition classes and hula lessons. Her dance troupe, The Wahines, performed throughout Utah, at the Grand Re-Opening of Lagoon Amusement Park in Utah, and at halftime for Rocky Mountain Raceways in West Valley City.
Life and Leadership in Maui
In Sept 1999, Ophelia married Barry Hodgson and moved to Hawaii. For the last 22 years, she resided in Maui, where she became a prominent figure in the island’s Filipino community and media landscape.
She worked as a columnist and sales representative for the Haleakalā Newspaper, Filipino Summit Newspaper, and Fil-Am Observer. She also worked in radio as both host and sales representative for KONI Radio’s “Mabuhay Radio Show” and Mix 105 Radio’s “Halik Pinoy Radio Show”.
Ophelia founded and published Hammer Magazine Maui, serving as publisher, photographer, writer, web designer, layout artist, owner, and even cover feature during her eight-year tenure. She continued her involvement with the magazine throughout her life.
She expanded her media contributions as producer, director, and host of “Halik Pinoy Maui TV,” which continues to air on AKAKU Channel 54. She also served as event executive coordinator for the Mr. Hammer Magazine Contest, with proceeds donated to Habitat for Humanity and Parents and Children Organization. She was a board member of the Maui Fil-Am Film Festival and founder of WOW Maui (Women of Worth Maui) since 2005.
Her final project was writing the screenplay, producing, and directing the first-ever Philippine film, “Mahal.”
Legacy
Ophelia is survived by her husband, Barry Hodgson (and his daughter Tahnee); her three children, Teresa Bloxham, Tina Bloxham-Ili (Samson), and Kyle Buchholz (Alexandra); her 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her strength, creativity, and limitless spirit.
Her life spanned continents and communities—rich with dance, culture, teaching, media, leadership, and service. She touched countless lives across the Philippines, California, Utah, and Maui. To all who knew her, Ophelia will be remembered for her vibrant presence, her unwavering dedication, and the extraordinary, boundless way she lived her life.
She truly lived this life LIMITLESS on her own terms.
She will be forever loved and deeply missed.
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