Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 11, 1 November 2001 — ʻAluli's passing a great loss for island community [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻAluli's passing a great loss for island community

By Manu Boyd Hawai'i lost an invaluable treasure with the Oct. 4 passing of Irmgard Keali ' i wah i neal ohanohokahaopuamana Farden 'Āluli. Born at Māla, Lahaina. Maui, Oct. 7, 1911, 'Āluli's illustrious life as a composer, musician, family matriarch and businesswoman ended three days

shy of her 90th birthday. Former OHA Trustee Gladys Brandt summed up 'Āluli's kulana (character) saying. "She was a wonderful example of a kupuna. She raised and served her people, and she was loved by them." Best known for such compositions as " Puamana ," "£ Maliu Ma'i" and "The Boy from Laupāhoehoe," "Aunty Irmgard" as she was known

to just about everyone is credited for penning hundreds of tunes. 'Āluli also collaborated with Mary Kawena Pūku'i, a dear friend largely responsible for the revitalization of the' Hawaiian language. Aunty Irmgard is remembered for her gracious smile, raspy alto voice, sweet guitar playing and impeeeahlp annparan e.e Hpr trarlp-

mark lei po'o of multi-col- [ ored flowers and designer L mu'umu'u is also the look I she imparted on her own I musical group "Puamana" L whieh includes daughters I Aima McManus and f Mihana Souza, and nieee r ī imnM MrKpnnpv

In services fit for an ali 'i, thousands eathered at

St.Anthony's Church in Kailua. Music from family and friends filled the air mingled with the fragrance of maile, ginger, pua kenikeni lei and stately floral arrangements. Ritual services were conducted by two of the many organizations she was affiliated with — Hale O Nā Ali'i O Hawai'i and the Ana Mālia Catholic Society. For the latter, she composed a song immediately after joining the group in the 1960s. 'Āluli has the distinction as the first inductee to the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame during her lifetime, as previous inductees had been honored piosthumously.

Irmgard 'Āluli was one of 13 children of Charles Kekua and Annie Shaw Farden of Lāhaina, and grew up at the family home on Front St., Puamana, known for its hospitality, music and comfort amidst swaying eoeo palms. Two brothers, Rudolph and Buddy, and a sister, Edna Bekeart are the remaining members of the Farden

elan. The widow of the late Nāne 'Āluli, Aunty Irmgard is survived by her children, Nāne, Kale, I Inoa, Kimo, Mihana and I Aima; 18 mo'opuna and I five mo'opuna kuakahi J (great-grandchildren).

Hakuko 'i mai 'o Hālona i ka ua nui. Lu 'ulu 'u nā lihilihi loke puakea o ia uka. Ua hala 'o Keali ' iwahinealohanohokahaopuamana i ka moe kau keha o Niolopua ē. Auē ku'u aloha i ho'i aku ē. Hālona stream inlanā of Lahaina rushes forth in the heavy rain. Burdened are the petals of the while rose blossoms of that upland region. Aunty Irmgard has passed into the lofty repose of Niolopua. Alas, our dear one has departed. ■

^ Nū Hou ~ P tjf 1 1 i «««* 11

PUAMANA - Aunty lrmgard Farden 'Aluli, center, surrounded by daughter Mihana Souza, nieee Luana McKenney and daughter, Aima McManus.

lrmgard 'Āluli 1911-2001