LAHAINA – Edna Pualani Farden Bekeart passed away on Monday, June 17, 2013 at the age of 95 in Kaneohe. She was the last surviving sibling of the distinguished Farden family of Lahaina.

While attending the University of Hawaii, she met, then married, Californian Robert Edward Bekeart.

After W.W.II, Edna dedicated her life to education, teaching at the Royal, Kamehameha and Holy Nativity Schools.

Edna was a member of the Honolulu Chapter of Hale o Na Ali’i, The Daughters of Hawai’i, The Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club, Maunalua Civic Club and Delta Kappa Gamma.

At Holy Nativity School and the Department of Education, she created the Hawaiian Culture Education programs. She is also credited with establishing the May Day and Pa’ina events at Holy Nativity.

She taught ukulele and hula to scores of summer coeds at the University of Hawaii.

Edna was an accomplished Hawaiian music composer and a 2008 recipient of the Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. She will be remembered for songs such as “Maunalua Bay,” “Christmas Love,” “Ginger Memories” and the 1960s children’s hit “Sassy Little Mynah Bird,” which she co-composed with sister Irmgard Aluli.

She was inducted into the National Organization of PEN Women for her musical compositions.

Edna is survived by children Bastel Francois Bekeart (wife Gloria Evans), Dana Bekeart (wife Dorothy Roberts) and Marquita Denison (husband William) and four grandchildren.

Memorial church services will be held Friday, Aug. 16, at 4 p.m. at Holy Innocents Church in Lahaina, and Monday, Aug. 20, at 9 a.m. at Holy Nativity Church, Aina Haina, Honolulu.

Edna’s ashes will be interred next to her husband at Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery.