Catherine Ewalina Hoopai Tanoue's Obituary
Catherine Ewalina Hoopai Tanoue, 85, of Wailuku, passed away on April 14, 2020. She was born in Honolulu, Oahu on March 10, 1935 to Solomon Kahalewai Hoopai and Beatrice Kalunu Piilani Pila Hoopai, both predeceased. Cathy (or Lina as she was affectionally called by her ohana) was the eldest of eleven (11) children, all who were born in Hana, Maui except for her. She lived in Honolulu with various ohana until she was 12 years old. She is most remembered as the long-time crossing guard at Wailuku Elementary School. She was the kupuna with all white hair that managed traffic with a flick of her wrist and a blow of her whistle. She loved the students, their parents and greeted everyone with her big smile, a wave of her hand or a hug if she had the chance. She retired from this job after 18 years in May 2015. She was also a member of Na Hula Kupuna O Kaunoa, dancing under the direction of Kumu Hula Lucky Cabral, for over 10 years. She loved her kumu and hula sisters.
Cathy is also predeceased by her husband, Henry Masato Tanoue. Cathy and Henry were the owners of a small laundromat in Happy Valley from 1969 to 1998. She is also predeceased by her sisters, Virginia (Blondie) Kuaana and Maizie Manaois; her brother, Kenneth Hoopai; and her grandson, Keylan Sato.
Cathy is survived by her 7 children: Henry/Hanky (Doreen) Tanoue, Wesley (Carole) Tanoue, Jeffrey Tanoue, Dana (Carol) Sato, David Tanoue, Glen (Mary Ann) Tanoue and Dale Tanoue. 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her 7 siblings: Solomon (Bully) Hoopai, Jr., Melanie Jean Hoopai, Louis Anson Hoopai, Sr., Lynette Malaikini, Barbara Ann Benton, Robin Sylva, and Martha Mizner. She loved her entire ohana and prayed for all of them every day.
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