ELLA KAUALOKU CORREAELLA KAUALOKU CORREA
Entertainer Ella Correa passed away on December 22, 2010. Born in Kawaihapai, Mokuleia to parents Hiram Kaualoku & Lois Turner, preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 yrs. David G. Correa of Hilo, Hawaii. She is survived by sons Harlen Correa of Federal Way, WA. & David Correa of Long beach, CA. & daughters Lovena West (George), T. Nalani Meyer (Francis) & Pamela Sato (Clifford), 9 grandchildren & 14 great-grandchildren, brothers John, Daniel & Abraham Kaheaku, sisters Primrose Punua, Miriam Tortollero & Evelyn Kaahanui.
In the early to mid 40's she was a reporter/entertainer with the Pearl Harbor Bulletin, The Official Navy Yard Magazine, where she Interviewed & entertained such dignitaries as Eleanor Roosevelt (President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Wife) who was visiting the Islands prior to her visit to New York to help formalize the United Nations.
Her musical career spanned over 57yrs. singing & dancing hula in most of the top showrooms in Hawaii from Kewalo Inn, Leroy's, Pago Pago, Swing Club, Club Hubba Hubba, The Waikiki Biltmore Hotel, Halekulani, Outrigger & numerous other night spots throughout Honolulu & the outer-islands. From 1955 to 1963, she was the featured vocalist on Televi Digest, a weekly musical venue live on KONA TV, hosted by Violet Niimi & Barbara Lee. In 1966 she was the grand prize winner of the 1st Rheigngold Beer island wide talent show which took her to Hollywood where she sang live coast to coast from the NBC/KRCA television studios located in Los Angeles, CA. According to news paper articles, "she was extensively entertained for 2 weeks by the executives of NBC studios & Rheigngold Beer".
For 20 yrs. she worked for Northwest & Aloha Airlines as a ground hostess & promotional & sales representative, sharing her musical talents & spreading the Aloha Spirit throughout the world promoting Hawaii & the airline Industry. She was very instrumental in the fruition of tourism as it is known today In Hawaii.
She received numerous accolades over the years, from President John F. Kennedy, heads of state, presidents of large corporations to a 5 star general for her participation in the entertainment of the troops on the front lines during the Vietnam war, to name a few.
She rounded off her career as a Kupuna, teaching Hawaiiana & music to Hawaii's keiki at various elementary schools in Kalihi & Kaneohe. She was also a lifetime member of Hale O Na Ali'i O Hawaii.
She will always be remembered for the God given voice she possessed, her beautiful smile & the caring, compassionate persona she emulated, but above all, her unwavering love for her husband & children.
Services to be held at Borthwick Mortuary, Maunakea Chapel on Saturday January 15, 2011, with viewing from 11am to 1pm, service from 1pm to 2pm & burial to follow at Hawaiian Memorial Park, Garden of Meditation at 3pm
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased