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Lillian Ewalani “Lani” Kanui
Lillian Ewalani “Lani” Kanui, 75, of Mansfield passed away on May 23, 2020. Born in Brooklyn, New York to David and Evalyn Kanui on 10/20/1944. Lani loved music, sang beautifully, and played bass guitar. She held great pride in her Hawaiian heritage and the fact that her family entertained in New York city. For greater than 10 yrs., she performed with the Kass Kanui Kombo in Arlington at the Cibola Club. She was a founding member of First United Methodist Mansfield Church’s praise band. She acted as president of the Mansfield Literacy Program and collaborated with the church in serving the community through Meals on Wheels and teaching ESL. Lani never met a stranger. She was gifted at socializing and making everyday encounters fun and light-hearted. Ewalani was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David. She is survived by sister, Davlyn Jones; brother, Henry “Kass” Haleniau Kanui and wife, Jan; nieces, Mailyn Kanui-Currie and husband, Michael, Bethany Kanui, and Tara Parsons; nephews, David Charles Kanui, and Kevin Jones. The family wishes to thank Lani’s friends: Donna and family, Jo Anna, and members of First Methodist for all the ways in which they extended the hands of Christ to Lani. A private family memorial will be held. Contributions may be made in her name to First Methodist Mansfield, 777 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Mansfield Tx 76063.
Condolence Messages

11 Responses

  1. Ewalani & I were class mates in school. Graduated together from Butler High School, Butler, PA. We always got along & were friends. She was a very likable & friendly person, beautiful inside & out, plus a good sense of wit! I am so sorry hearing about her death! I know she is at peace & singing in Heaven! God bless you Ewalani. I will remember you always! Rest in peace!

  2. Lani and I were married and we worked together in The Kass Kanui Kombo for over 10 years. She was a very knowledgeable musician, self taught, but knew what she was doing. I learned more about music and harmonies from her than I ever did by myself. Although we divorced, she was always in my thoughts and prayers. I always respected her in all ways. For those who knew her, I know that you will miss her. I have been missing her for some time, always hoping to reconcile our differences. I still hold love in my heart for Lani. My wish and prayer are that she is with God now and her suffering is over. May she rest in the peace of our Lord and Savior.

  3. So sorry to hear Lani has passed. I had the great pleasure of listening & dancing to her music at Cibola Club many yrs. Lani was always a very sweet,friendly,nice person. God speed Lani & prayers for comfort to Kass & the rest of the family.

  4. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved family member. “Aunt”
    Lani was a very special part of our family. I have such wonderful and happy memories of her that I will always cherish. May she Rest In Peace. Love and hugs for all.

  5. Lani was the bass player in my first band ( Mixed Emotions) with her then husband Red McWilliams. I was about 14 at that time. Her husband use to drive me back and forth to my house to their place for rehearsal. Some of my earliest musical memories were with hercc V at their house in Renfrew, with Birdie, Edie, Deb.. My first gig ever was with Mixed Emotions at Joes Bar in Curtisville. Lots of gigs with that band at the Slippery Rock VFW. Lani could really sing well. She always smelled good, always had perfect hair, and flowery dresses. When the moved to Texas I still maintained some contact. We called each other ‘poop heads!’
    Until we meet again, poop head! Love you!

  6. i lived in meridian when i was young and knew ewalani growing up and then we graduated from high school in 1962 still keep in touch with karen parr and heard about her passing she was a very sweet person my condolences to the family

  7. (I am posting this for my friend, Karen. She does not have a computer. I was also a high school friend of Ewalani and she was always a lot of fun)
    Ewalani and I were friends thru school. At age 44 we took a trip to Hawaii. That will be my fondest memory. I have so many more in the back of my mind that always keep her in my memory.
    We always called each other sister. Aloha, my sister, until we meet again.
    Karen Marchyshyn, Butler, Pa.

  8. Lani was a friend from school, we had lost touch for a few years and found each other again. Talked to her in May, she was going into a home because she had injured her knee and needed some help for awhile. Going to miss you my friend and our long, long talks. Rest in Peace dear friend.

  9. Lani was a friend from school, we lost touch for a few years and found each other again. Talked to her first part of May. Going to miss you my friend and our long, long talks. Loved listening to her sing when they had the band. Heartfelt condolences to all the family for your loss. Rest in Peace my dear friend, now you can sing all you want to.

  10. Sorry to hear, I enjoyed talking to you on the phone. And looked forward to coming to talk story with you and kanikapila when I had the chance but never was able. Auntie margret loved talking with you, so much in common. Until next time aunty Rest In Paradise…

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