Lana Sue Kaopua
EMILY ALANA KAOPUA: RECIPE FOR A GREAT LIFE
Excerpts from eulogy shared at Aunty Emily’s celebration of life. ~Lana Sue Ka‘opua
Emily was a remarkable woman, a role model to me and to so many others. She was wife to my father’s older brother George, sister-in-law and friend to my parents, and Aunty Emily to me. Aunty and I last spoke in March. She told me of her blessings:watching her great grandchildren grow her four generations of descendants, a visit from her niece/my cousin Avis who brought her Vienna sausage and other mea ono. And she spoke humbly but with pleasure that the PCC had honored her service by naming a bakery after La‘ie’s two famous Emilies-- Emily Enos and Emily Kaopua. The bakery features her time-honored recipe for lemon bars. I chuckled when she spoke of that recipe. Ku’ulei ---Emily’s eldest child -- once mentioned that her mom could figure out a recipe just by tasting something. She would taste something ono, figure out the ingredients, and then, go home to try it out. In the rare instances when what she prepared wasn’t quite right—she tried again. She certainly could “do” a good recipe though in my opinion, her best recipe was not the one for lemon bars—it was her recipe for a “great life”. The way I see it, this recipe had 4 ingredients—the first two were mentioned in our last conversation--#1: If something doesn’t work, try something else—don’t give up…this applies not just to food, but also to helping people get through challenging times. #2: Take time to enjoy the company along the way…it keeps you “young at heart”, hopeful, and moving forward.
In 1922 Joseph and Annie Alana gave birth to their third child--Emily. They provided ingredient #3 in her recipe for a great life: solid training in the value of hard work, grounded in faith. Emily’s parents Joseph and Annie taught their children to be industrious by being industrious themselves! At their home along the Nu‘uanu Stream, they raised their own food. Joseph worked at the Honolulu shipyards—this was the family’s primary source of income. But he also kept a milk cow and for many years was a small businessman. Back in the day milk was delivered to one’s doorstep and Joseph delivered milk each day to those who lived nearby. Money earned was earmarked specifically for their children’s education. Emily was sent to the Sacred Hearts Academy.
Emily was 19 years old in 1941—the year she met George Kaopua. He introduced her to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their membership set a course for their life. Together they raised their children—Kuulei, George Jr, Anthony “Muni”, Matthew, and Sally. During part of that time, they cared for Papa Joseph who by the 1950s was aging. Some years later, Emily and George took as hanai their grandchildren Jesse and Maka‘ala Kaopua. By this time, the family had moved to La’ie where George and Emily worked with other pioneers to establish the Polynesian Cultural Center. Emily managed the restaurant and snack concessions. Meals were served to millionsof PCC visitors. Because the PCC valued her leadership, she was sent on global assignments. Ingredient for a Great Life #4: Life happens and there are good,happy times and in sad, challenging times. Among my most prized photographs is one from 1954. My father is returning from duty in Johnson Island. It is happy time. Beside my mother is Emily and with her are her sons/my cousins Matt and Muni. Emily shows up beside us in happy times. Fast forward to 1956: Emily is with my mother and other family members at Tripler Army Medical Center. My dad is dying. I remember the years that followed and the many efforts Emily and George made to ensure that mother and I knew we were still part of the Kaopua family. The close connection with her family goes on. Mahalo Aunty for teaching faith, hope, and love that is patient and kind. We will remember! (for full eulogy contact: [email protected])