FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

Blossom Kealiiaukai Joshua Kunewa
Blossom Kealiiaukai Joshua KunewaBeloved Wife, Mother, Grandma and Puna Nui, passed away on August 28, 2017 at Queens Medical Center at the age of 91. Blossom was born on May 2, 1926 in Honolulu, Hawai'i to Isaac and Rose Joshua. She grew up in the teachings of hula with her mother, as well as with Mary Ho, Henry Pa, and Tom Hiona. Blossom would begin performing in the 1930's with her sisters Lorraine, Gladys and Tweedie. At that time, they performed with their father's group, The Moana Entertainers. In the '40's and '50's, she would go on to entertain in Waikiki and at the Waikiki Sands as one of the renowned Joshua Sisters. From the 1960's to the early 2000's, hula would take her around the world as she performed and/or taught hula throughout the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Japan and Asia. She met her husband, Allan, while he was in the Army. It was during his 3-year tour of duty in Frankfurt, Germany that she put together a group of Hawaiian musicians and dancers. They performed hula and shared the Hawaiian culture and aloha spirit throughout Europe. Blossom was a Kumu Hula with her mother and sister at their Magic Hula Studio on Kalakaua Avenue, and was a Judge at both Keiki Hula and Merrie Monarch. Her mother created the cellophane skirt which Blossom and her sisters grew up making, both to perform with and to fulfill orders from other studios. She taught at the University of Hawai'i from 1997 - 2002. She was a proud member of, and Entertainment Director and noted Kumu for, The Ahahui Kaahumanu Chapter 1, Honolulu. Blossom lived a full life of great friendships, performing, teaching and traveling, but what she held most precious was her husband and family who continue to love, admire, respect, and honor her. Blossom is survived by her husband of 67 years, Allan Sr.; Son, Allan Jr. (Laura); Daughters, Alohalani Jones, Beverly "Cookie" (Reggie) Maldonado, Barbara "Candy" (Malo) Seleni, Rose-Mary "Michelle/Shelly" Randazzo, 16 Grandchildren, 30 Great-Grand children, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, her sister, Lorraine Daniels, and many loved nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at Diamond Head Mortuary. Visitation: 3:00-4:00 p.m. Service: 4:00-5:00 p.m. Celebration and Reception to follow. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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