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93, of Kuau, Maui, Hawaii, died on September 25, 2021 at her home, slipping peacefully and quietly away after a long decline. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.Mom was born in 1928, to Andy and Nina Biddle, in Jackson, California, where her parents had landed after meeting, marrying, and living in Hawaii for several years. The family returned to the islands a year later and Mom, a consummate island girl, never quite forgave them for having her while in California. They settled in Kaimuki, where Jay was taught to swim by family friend Sarge Kahanamoku at the Waikiki Natatorium, witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor, and learned that walking the length of Hotel Street was perfectly safe as long as she was with her father, who apparently knew everyone who hung out there. After graduating from Roosevelt high school in 1946, she studied history at Mills College and Stanford University where she met Paul Van Zwalenburg of Manoa. They were married in 1952 and ultimately settled in Puunene, Maui. The family moved to Honolulu in 1965 where Mom eventually returned to school for a Masters in Library Science from University of Hawaii, ultimately landing a job at Hamilton Library as Head of Circulation.
Mom returned permanently to Maui in 1974, District Librarian with her office in the beautiful Wailuku Library. Mom soon built and settled into her beloved Kuau home where she lived the rest of her long, full life. She retired in 1990, spending much of her free time continuing her volunteer work with numerous organizations including the Japanese Cultural Society, Maui Friends of the Library, the Kaunoa Senior Center, and Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. She was a long standing volunteer at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center from the day it opened through 2018.
Jay was predeceased by her daughter, Karol, and survived by her children Kim (Jim Counihan) and Paul (Marnie Foust), as well as grandchildren Maggie and Kevin Counihan, Keoni Van Zwalenburg, and Kate and Lila Van Zwalenburg. Jay also leaves behind many close friends and extended family.
A service is planned for 5.30 p.m. on June 16, 2022,
at Good Shepard Church in Wailuku.
