Matriarch proved to be model for family’s women

Esther Bessa Leong, who began a four-generation tradition of family members who modeled for Liberty House, died last month. She was 83.

Following in Leong's footsteps, her daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter each modeled for Liberty House, said granddaughter Tina Bovino Agostini.

"She (Leong) was very elegant and beautiful," said Bovino Agostini, a Liberty House model for 10 years. "Wherever she went, she brought this bright energy to the space. She was always the center of attention."

Leong died after a year-long battle against cancer, Bovino Agostini said.

Born in Honolulu to European immigrant parents in 1923, Leong married George Leong when she was 18.

Leong's modeling career began in the 1940s while she was a salesclerk for Liberty House on Fort Street Mall. Management asked her to model dresses that different manufacturers brought in, said Leong, her husband of 65 years.

"She was pretty," George Leong said.

While modeling for Liberty House, she received an offer to model on the mainland but declined.

"She was very focused on her family. That was always No. 1 for her," said Bovino Agostini. "That's probably why she didn't pursue modeling" on the mainland.

Instead, Leong modeled locally. Photos from the 1950s capture her modeling Indian saris for Watumull's, Viceroy cigarettes and the Civil Defense.

"She was having a lot of fun," Bovino Agostini said. "She loved to take photos.

"She was always the cohesive force; she was the one that kept everyone together," she added.

Leong also worked as the receptionist for the Air National Guard's draft center and as an assistant for various organizations.

She loved shopping, flowers and working in her garden, Bovino Agostini said.

Leong is survived by husband George Y.O., son George A., daughter Charlotte Chang, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary on Monday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Attire is casual. Burial will begin at 1 p.m. at Hawaiian Memorial Park.