Florence Mildred Minvielle made music sing for the children at Holy Nativity Church, said friend Beryl St. Sure. Isle music teacher gave
her love of song to allFLORENCE MILDRED MINVIELLE / 1907-2001
SEE ALSO: OBITUARIES
By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com"She did so much for the children" in the church choir, disciplining them as well as instilling a love for music, said St. Sure.
Minvielle died Monday at her home on Wilhelmina Rise. She was 94 years old.
Minvielle was the wife of A.E. "Toots" Minvielle, founder of the Molokai Canoe Race and builder of the first fiberglass canoe.
"She adored Toots. ... He was her life," said Dolores Sandvold, who took lessons from Minvielle as a youth.
Minvielle was born on Sept. 8, 1907, in Tacoma, Wash.
"She was very disciplined and so organized," said Sandvold.
During World War II, she served as an official concert pianist for artists entertaining troops at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Arriving in Hawaii in 1948, she had a private studio in Honolulu where she taught piano, organ and voice lessons to adults and children.
Also, Minvielle was the music director for the choir at Holy Nativity Church.
Her last piano performance was at the Kahala Hilton Hotel when she was 80 years old.
Minvielle's friend the Rev. John Morrett said, "She brought a personality full of enthusiasm, sensitivity and personal discipline."
A memorial service will be held at Holy Nativity Church at 5286 Kalanianaole Hwy. in Aina Haina at 4 p.m. on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to International Hawaii Canoe Association, Dr. Phillip Foti, P.O. Box 1551, Kailua, HI 96734; or Hawaii Sport Hall of Fame, Larry D. Price, 2222 Citron St., Honolulu, HI 96826.