Nona Beamer celebration set for June 14
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A lu'au and a celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14 at Kamehameha Schools to honor the memory and achievements of the revered Hawaiian treasure, Auntie Winona Kapuailohiamanonokalani Desha Beamer.
"My mom did not want a public funeral, but she didn't say we couldn't have a party," said son Keola Beamer, the award-winning singer, composer and musician, in announcing the community tribute honoring his late mother, who died peacefully in her sleep last April 10 at the Beamer home in Lahaina. She was 84.
"We had a beautiful scattering of the ashes," he said of the private services on the family's Kamuela ranch. "That was our obligation to mom."
The celebration will feature Island music and memories, and a traditional Hawaiian menu. A calabash will be at the entrance of the gym to accept donations.
In honor of Auntie Nona, guests are asked to wear the color orange or don a pulelehua (butterfly).
CELEBRATION: NONA BEAMER
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
HONORING AUNTIE NONA
10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 14
Kekuhaupi'o Gymnasium, Kamehameha Schools
Information: Kaho'onei Panoke at 224-8068
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.