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Was born on June 19, 1914 to Naoyo and Kichinosuke Kaya, the eldest of five children. She passed away on August 29, 2022 at the amazing age of 108 years.In ninth grade, she went to work in Waikiki to help support her family as a live-in nanny, cook, and maid. It was there that she met Robert Susumu Muranaka, the love of her life, when he delivered the weekly groceries from Aoki Market.
In 1937, they settled into a two-story duplex on Algaroba Street, where they would live for 30 years. Inspired by Ladies Home Journal and Good Housekeeping magazines, her eye for home decor was unerring. Though average in circumstances, she made the most of what was readily available: framed magazine photos and fragrant flowers from the yard created beauty and aromatherapy before the term was popularized. Beatrice sewed yellow checked curtains for the kitchen and later branched out into ruffled dresses for their daughter Gail, born in 1940.
A self-taught and inspired seamstress and flower arranger, she created beautiful and elegant outfits and cultivated orchids for her simple yet eye-catching displays. These interests continued throughout her life.
She would be hard-pressed to describe what factors led to her longevity. Suffice it to say the following: fruits, coffee, bacon, chocolate, walking, McDonald's Filet-o-Fish, french fries, and shrimp tempura. Above all, being well-loved.
Grandma Bea was fortunate to spend her final years at Elsie Estalilla's Adult Foster Home. Her survivors include one daughter, Gail (Robert) Woliver; three grandchildren, Douglas (Mary) Kiang, Erin (Michael) Furuya, Keiko (Derek) Koki; and six great-grand- children, Michael and Malia Kiang, Aidan and Brady Furuya, and Timothy Joseph and Grace Koki.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
