Helen "Sunbeam" Desha Beamer age 94, passed away on January 27, 2022 in Honolulu.Helen Ka'alo'ehukaiopua'ena Beamer became "SUNBEAM" when her two-year old brother, Milton Ho'olulu Desha Beamer Jr., looked at a framed picture of a darling cherub hanging above her crib and exclaimed to his mother "Look Mama, it's our little Sunbeam!"
AND THUS BEGAN 94 years of Sunbeam in our lives.
Sunbeam was gifted with a rich contralto voice. Her early stage billing read: "The Haunting Voice of Sunbeam"... she could mesmerize an audience with her beautiful voice.
Much of her young life was spent in Hilo with her grandmother Helen Desha Beamer, for whom she was named, and grandfather Peter Carl Beamer Sr. And of course brothers and cousins always by her side.
She was a 1945 graduate of Kamehameha Schools and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In 1959 brother Mahi'ai brought Sunbeam home to Honolulu from Las Vegas specifically to be on his Capitol recordings:
The Remarkable Voice of Hawaii's Mahi Beamer In Authentic Island Songs and his second album, More Authentic Island Songs by Mahi... Hawaii's Most Remarkable Voice.
Both albums showcased Mahi'ai, Sunbeam and their Aunt Harriett Beamer Magoon. The two albums were the compositions of Beamer music matriarch, Helen Desha Beamer and a collection of traditional songs.
In 1960, The Nalani Kele's Polynesian Revue premiered in Las Vegas, featuring Nalani, Sunbeam's life long friend, Mahi'ai, Sunbeam, dancers and musicians. It was a first class authentic show that captivated guests for 16 years.
She formed many lasting friendships while residing in Palm Springs for many years by bringing her Hawaii to them through her enchanting voice, her embracing welcome and her enduring generosity.
In 2017, for her unyielding support of the Aqua Caliente people, she was the honoree at the prestigious "Dinner in the Canyons" annual event of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
That same year she was honored by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts with the Lifetime Achievement award.
Through all her worldwide experiences and travels....Sunbeam was always Sunbeam...she loved her family, her Hawaiian music and honu(turtles), poi, beer with a glass of ice, pork and beans with mayo sandwich, canned salmon with sweet pickle, NO ONION and always a "PIP PIP "and "Cheering.
Sunbeam is survived by Dear life long friends Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa and Nalani Kele; Nieces - Marlowe Duhaime, Heather Duhaime, Allison Beamer, Manono Beamer and Cousins.
Visitation is 9 am to 1 pm, service at 10 am, Thursday, February 24, 2022 at O'ahu Cemetery Chapel, 2162 Nuuanu Avenue. Burial to follow at 2 pm Valley of the Temples.
Arrangements Provided By:
Oahu Mortuary
