Mary Kawaiho`olu`uoha`ao Akoni Craver, known far and wide as Aunty Malia, quietly and unexpectedly left this life on October 3. The news of her death spread quietly throughout the community, around the state, and around the world. Sadly, although Aunty Malia's influence had a far reach, the news media took scant notice of her passing. Even her obituary, which was submitted to the daily papers along with a press release from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, was placed among the regular death notices. Thus it was that only those who had heard of her passing by word of mouth, heard the sad news. To this day, her kako`o receives phone calls from people asking, "How's Aunty?" The answer is always the same, "I'm sorry to tell you, Aunty Malia died." It is too late for those people to attend the funeral to pay their final respects. This is written for the others who still have not heard the news. "Our hulu kupuna sleeps with the ancestors. Aunty Malia Craver has died."

Born on June 18, 1927 in Ho`okena, Kona, Mary Akoni was taken as the keiki hanai of her grandparents Manu and Malia Kama. Even before her mother knew she was hapai, the grandmother knew and stated simply that this child would be special; and that she would be given to the elders to be raised and taught the Hawaiian way. Aunty often spoke of being raised with loving elders, which included her aunt and uncle; how they took her wherever they went; and how she observed the Hawaiian practice of family peacemaking, ho`oponopono. She was, from birth, imbued with the traits and characteristics that would hold her in good stead for her life.

Aunty left Ho`okena in 1946 and moved to O`ahu. There she met and married the one whom she would call, "Ku`u hoa o ka rain Tuahine," Bill Craver.

Aunty Malia's work with disadvantaged youth began at the Salvation Army Boys' Home. She was touched by the boys' stories, and although these were troubled youth, she was able to see the good in them, and encouraged them to cultivate their better traits and characteristics. While at the Boys' home, she caught the attention of Myron Pinky Thompson. He saw in her, the ability to reach into the heart and souls of others, especially the young. He invited her to the work that would eventually be her life's calling, service to the Queen Lili`uokalani Children's Center. She was the agency's first and only social work assistant, a para professional, hired because Pinky Thompson somehow knew that Aunty Malia would be able to do what so many others could not: that is, to speak directly and firmly to Hawaiian children and their parents; and they would listen and respond.

The young men who served as her pall bearers had all been "Aunty's boys." She scolded them and praised them. She was their counselor, surrogate parent, and loving aunty. She attended their graduations, weddings and baby lu`au. She named their children. She taught them Hawaiian language and values. Aunty knew that without the Hawaiian language, these young people would continue to be lost. With the language they would find the values that would sustain them and form the foundation for their lives. Each of her pall bearers proudly proclaimed, "If not for Aunty, I don't know where I'd be today." Those words are truly a testament to her life.

Aunty Malia spoke warmly of Mary Kawena Puku`i, one of her life's mentors, who helped her hone her skills in ho`oponopono. Tutu Puku`i enouraged Aunty's poetic side, and with Tutu's kokua and support, Aunty began composing Hawaiian mele. One of her most beloved compositions is "Puuhonua Nani," written for Queen Lil`uokalani and the Chidren's Center. Aunty composed oli for most of the agency's service unit. She taught agency staff ho`oponopono, and imbued for the staff, those qualities of service, dedication and commitment to Queen Lili`uokalani and her legacy to Hawaiian children and their families.

Aunty was a lifetime member of the Ahahui `Olelo Hawai`i. She was a recipient of countless honors: The David Malo Award given by the Rotary Club of Honolulu; named a Living Treasure by the Hawaii Buddhist Association. She was a recipient of the Order of Ke Ali`i Pauahi, the highest honor bestowed by the Kamehameha Schools. In 2007 she was named a recipient of the Ka Lani Ali`i Award by the Hawaiian Royal Societies. Aunty was also respected as a proponent of peacemaking and was invited to address the United Nations in 2002 where she spoke of ho`oponopono as a model for world peace.

Lest one think that Aunty only reaped awards, she was a hard worker. She helped to create the Kualoa Hula Festival which eventually became the Intermediate and HIgh School hula competition. For many years she served as a judge for the Queen Lili`uokalani Keiki Hula Competition until she graciously bowed out, wanting to make way for others to judge that event. She judged other events, mentored `opio in various programs and still found time to teach ho`oponopono to communities around the state. Aunty was a sought-after healer, a revered Kupuna, and a servant.

On the afternoon of October 3, the sad news that Aunty was failing; that death was imminent, reached the staff the Queen Lili`uokalani Chidlren's Center who were, appropriately, at a grief camp at Papawai, Keahuolu, Kona. The families who were attending the camp were having free time, so the staff was summoned. One by one, trustees, executive office staff, line staff, and support staff-Aunty's `ohana, gathered for pule. In one accord, this `ohana who loved her, offered prayer for her journey. Tears flowed for love of our beloved kupuna. It was clear we would have to let her go. Hours later, another phone call was received. "Aunty is gone." We had just sung the song composed by her uncle, Lot Kauwe, "Kupa Landing," the song of Aunty's home at Ho`okena. Aunty was gone.

In Honolulu, where she died, many gathered to whisper a last good bye.

On October 21, over 1000 people honored Aunty at her funeral service. The following day she was buried at the Hawai`i Veteran's Cemetery alongside her beloved husband. Two hundred people attended the burial ceremony then gathered for lunch afterward at the Queen Lili`uokalani Children's Center at Ko`olaupoko. A fitting celebration of life followed as music, hula and good food were shared.

Today, we remember Aunty's constant admonition: "Get a grip. Leave a legacy." At the end of her life she added, "Make changes." That is our kuleana.

Aunty Malia Craver left a legacy. She will never be forgotten. E ola mau kou inoa, e Malia Kawaiho`olu`uoha`o.