Eugenie May Iwalani Keanu, the daughter of Frances Moi Keanu and Henry Kelii Keanu, was born November 29, 1949 "Genie" graduated from Punahou School in 1967 followed by studies at the University of Hawaii, earning a Bachelor's Degree of Arts - Psychology in 1973 and a Master of Social Work Degree in 1976. She took a position with the State of Hawaii Judiciary in the Juvenile Court system where she was part of the formation of the Hawai'i Girls Court. Eugenie served in the Judiciary, with a compassionate heart of caring for troubled keiki in Hawai'i until her retirement in 2014.
Genie was raised in a devout Christian household: "Both morning and evening 'ohana included memory verses mostly in Hawaiian and prayer ending with the Lord's Prayer in English." She was very involved in Christian Endeavor and involved with the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ. She also was an avid Bible scholar and attended many of the Hawaii Bible Institute courses over the years. Genie was quite an active leader at the Kalihi-Moanalua Church and served in many leadership positions.
Eugenie moved from her Honolulu home in 2015 and became part of the Hawaii Kai Retirement Community leading lessons in crafts and ukulele. She was an active part of the resident's council at the Community and encouraged others to be as active as possible. Eugenie's health became a limiting factor for her, eventually limiting her activities. Following a series of hospitalizations, Eugenie passed away at the Maunalani Nursing and Rehabilitation facility in Kaimuki on November 23, 2022.
Services for Eugenie M.I. Keanu are planned for January 10, 2023, at the Kalihi and Moanalua Church (1313 Kamehameha IV Rd). Viewing: 9:00 a.m.; Services: 10:00 a.m. Burial at Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe at 1:00 p.m.
