Holy Nativity mourns music lady
Antoinette Leong / 1952-2006
The Holy Nativity School's May Day pageant might never be the same without Antoinette "Toni" Leong, but her spirit always will be with the occasion, her close friends say.
Leong, who died last Friday, was the music and Hawaiian studies teacher at the Episcopalian school for 30 years. Although she did not start the long-standing May Day tradition, it might as well be hers, said Cindy Fainberg, physical education teacher at the Aina Haina school.
"To come and watch them, they're spectacular," said Fainberg, a friend of about 20 years. "She had a real eye for detail."
Leong, of Honolulu, died at 53 at Straub Clinic & Hospital, after fighting an illness. Her departure means the loss of a beloved nurturer and talented educator.
"When I hired Ms. Leong in 1977, I had no idea that I was bringing to Holy Nativity such a wonderful and talented teacher," said former Headmaster Reed Glover. "She amazed me when, despite being at the piano behind the children during a performance, she had their absolute attention."
Leong was the director, scriptwriter, song arranger, set designer, costume mistress, maestro and logistics coordinator for several events at the school, including its anticipated annual May Day pageant.
She also provided music for the chapel services and headed the children's choir.
Fainberg said her favorite memory of Leong was whenever they would visit rest homes for the elderly together. Those annual visits turned into live music performances for those who could not leave the premises.
One of her former students, seventh-grader Shea Tamura, wrote to the elementary school about her experience with Leong.
"Ms. Leong made every year so spectacular," Tamura wrote. "She was someone I could really trust. I have her to thank for all the music and Hawaiiana she taught me and my classmates."
Fainberg said although the school's music programs might never be the same without her, Leong lives on through the programs.
"Her programs will always continue," Fainberg said. "We miss seeing her every day, but I don't think we'll ever lose her spirit."
Leong is survived by sisters Becky Leong and Alberta Tang, and caregiver Sharon Ocalvey. Services begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Nativity Church.