Eliza Kahalewai Morrow's Obituary
ON-LINE TRIBUTE: ELIZA MORROW (OCT. 06, 2016 - VERSION)
Eliza Morrow, who walked in grace and beauty all her days, was born July 12, 1935 in Opihihale, South Kona, Hawaii to Eliza Kahalewai (Puou) and Alfred Kelii Kahananui, Sr. She grew up surrounded by her brothers and sisters, who with her, at an age when today’s children are in preschool, all worked together with their parents on their taro and coffee farms.
The closest school was miles away and she walked there with her brother’s and sister whenever they could be spared from the farm. She prized education to such a degree that she eventually achieved her Masters Degree in Education.
As a young teacher, she met and married Michael J. Morrow and proceeded through life, joined by her beautiful and beloved daughter Malia, amazing grandson Kona and Malia’s charming husband Sean.
She is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many leadership positions in the Relief Society, Young Women’s, and Primary Organizations. She loved the church and grew in her membership, often by her own determination. As a pre-teen she taught herself piano as there was often no pianist available for services; and having accomplished that she saw the need in other branches and wards for a pianist and spent her time after church on the Sabbath teaching others. She was renowned for her heartfelt rendition of Aloha ‘Oe and was sought out by many to play at their important occasions. She connected countless families through her dedication to genealogical work and as a gifted historian, she has left her family a pictorial cornucopia. Her spirituality showed in her countenance, obvious to all, even government officials, as she was twice asked to give the opening prayer at the State Senate.
She retired, after teaching in the public schools for over twenty years but her love for the children and the Hawaiian Culture, led her to be a full time Hawaiian Studies teacher, Kupuna, for over 35 years. Although she received many awards and special recognitions, like the Hokule'a Award, they were secondary to her as a measure of her success. What meant the most to her, were her prior students sharing with her how they were now teaching their own children the knowledge and values she had instilled in them. Her legacy among those she touched was also made manifest in a student essay written for the Boys and Girls Club "Kupuna Essay Contest”. This student wrote, "Kupuna Morrow doesn't just teach the Hawaiian culture, she lives the culture”. That essay won the contest that year!
Her favorite saying was “If you see it needs to be done, do it! Don’t wait to be told, and remember, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” She also often reminded us, “Don’t look for your rewards on Earth because they will be greater in Heaven.” She lived this motto all her life. In any area where something was needed she would be the first to volunteer her gifts and services, never needing to be asked twice. One of her most beautiful gifts was her voice. She loved to sing anywhere and in anyplace and her voice flowed from her in its perfection, effortlessly. One of our favorite memories is of her singing with Aunty Genoa Keawe at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel in Waikiki.
Although she was always ready to give, she was never weak or a pushover. This is demonstrated by her certified accomplishments in “Pa Ku‘i a Lua” (A Hawaiian Martial Arts group headed by Olohe Richard Kekumuikawaiokeola Paglinawan) and Karate with Sensei Empron. She loved the martial arts as she loved all artistic pursuits because of their cultural significance, their beauty, their discipline and their empowering affects on the individual spirit.
Eliza will forever be remembered as a ground breaking pioneer for all of her tremendous accomplishments in spearheading cultural exchanges that took the Hawaiian culture beyond Hawaii’s border including Mainland colleges and the people of Tahiti, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Native American Nations and more. Some of the college students she taught during these exchanges expressed how impressed they were by how her mannerisms and calm respectful behavior, changed even the most disrespectful student’s. In her presence even they could not be disrespectful. That was the power for good that she had. No one could be disrespectful in her presence. And because of that, she was able to teach profound principles of the Hawaiian Culture which included love for God, all people and the land, in fact everything.
Her compassionate and unique creative teaching abilities brought her recognition among her many diverse students and respected peers, but most important was her deep love for her family, friends and all her students and their immeasurable love and respect for her. To those of her closest family and friends, Eliza was the invisible, gentle hand that lovingly guided us to the potential we have yet to realize in our lifetime.
Visitations will be held on Friday, October 14, 2016, at 5:30 pm at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 91-1154 N. Road, Ewa Beach, Hawaii 96706 with “A Celebration of Life” service to follow at 6:30 pm.
On Saturday, October 15, 2016, at 10:30 -11:30 there will be another visitation opportunity followed by a spiritual service from 11:30 – 12:30 also at the church.
At 2 pm there will be a grave side service at the Valley of the Temples.
What’s your fondest memory of Eliza ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eliza ?
Share a story where Eliza 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eliza you’ll never forget.
How did Eliza make you smile?