Beverly Maldonado, “Cookie”
Beloved Wife, Mother, and Mana, Beverly Dean Kahemalani "Cookie" Kunewa Maldonado, entered into the presence of our Lord on January 26, 2021 surrounded by her husband, children, & grandchildren. Cookie was born on February 4, 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Allan & Blossom Kunewa. She was born into a family of entertainers; both her grandmother, Rose Joshua and Mother, Blossom Kunewa, were renowned Kumu Hula. She traveled the world dancing hula; California, Germany, Europe, and Japan to name a few and also enjoyed her time as a member of the Hawaiian Airlines Promo team. Cookie married the love of her life, Reginald Maldonado in July 1974. Together they raised three beautiful children. After receiving her bachelor's degree in Japanese Language from the University of Hawaii, Cookie began working at Western Airlines in 1976 as a customer service agent. Cookie loved her time volunteering as a docent at Iolani Palace in the late 90's and most recently looked forward to Monday nights at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel where she portrayed Queen Lili'uokalani at Tihati Productions Aha Aina. She was also a proud member of the Ahahui Kaahumanu Chapter 1. After 44 years of sharing her aloha with the world, Cookie retired from Delta Airlines in November 2020. "Your smile should be the last thing people leaving Hawaii should see" a passenger once told her, we could not agree more! Cookies smile lit up every room she walked into. Cookie is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Reginald Sr., Daughters Nicole Thompson (Afatia), Tasha Tuiasosopo (Zach), Son Reggie Jr.; grandchildren - Tyrus, Matagi, Bella, Afatia Jr., RJ, Loa, Emelia Kahemalani, Amani, & Tihati; proud father Allan Kunewa Sr.; sisters Alohalani Jones, Twin Barbara "Candy" Seleni (Malo), Rosemary "Michelle" Randazzo and brother Allan "Jr." Kunewa (Laura), many beautiful nieces and nephews and amazing friends. Our ohana would like to thank the family and friends who have shared their love and aloha with us during this time. A public Catholic Mass to honor Cookie will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:30pm at Mary, Star of the Sea Church. A Celebration of Life Luau will be held once covid restrictions are lifted.
Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased