Annabelle Kenessey

Annabelle Kenessey ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by O'ahu Mortuary on Mar. 17, 2026.Annabelle KenesseyApril 6, 1933 – February 11, 2026Born in Pape'ete Tahiti. She immigrated to Hawaii for a better life. She once told me that she was the first Tahitian dancer in the islands and performed at Don the Beachcomber and even had a part in the original movie "Mutiny on the Bounty" with Marlon Brando. She was blessed to have met many famous people in her life time; many who became lasting friends. She then settled down in Ewa Beach and raised 4 kids. You would never know she raised 4 kids because at the dinner table there were always 6, 8 and sometimes 10 kids. She literally raised the entire neighborhood. My mom was old school. Nina, my brother's daughter said, "At Grammys house it was wake up early, eat breakfast & sing! Then work hard & play hard! The yard had to be spotless, no sand in the house, and don't use too much water! Played in the ocean and picked flowers all day, keeping the yard & house clean. Then it was rest. Every day-take a nap after lunch and shower before dinner." My son Payton said at Grammy's house he ate all the time and that Grammy always had something for him to try be it Tahitian raw fish or pizza pockets lol.My mother's house was never boring, and her story was a difficult one. She grew up making her way as best she could. Back in Tahiti at the age of 13 she quit school and became a teacher. She ruled like a true Polynesian women; with an iron first. I remember my brother Tani was playing hooky from school to go surf and my mom saw him at the canal with his friends and surf board in hand and she booked down the beach and chased him into the Keawe grove lol. I think my brother saw God then. She raised a neighbored of kids and it was her way or the highway. She was not afraid to tell you what she was thinking as she had no filter. However, she loved us until the end, she would give the shirt off of her back for you, she would put a roof over your head, she would give you her last dollar, she would pay your bills, she would put you back together again after being broken and she made sure you were always fed. You never went hungry at my mom's house. You were always welcomed and you left with more than you came with. She loved the Lord and was a devout Christian until the end. She is with God now; at peace. She leaves us with 2 sons, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.- Tumoana KenesseyTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.