Leemoi Chu Bekey

Leemoi was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love, laughter, and an unquenchable curiosity about the world. After graduating from USC with a degree in Business, she broke barriers by graduating law school–a significant achievement for a Chinese woman in the 1950s. Ultimately, she chose to follow her passion for the performing arts, flourishing as an actress, dancer, and singer.

Her impressive career included memorable roles in the TV show Hawaiian Eye, the film Blue Hawaii where she sang alongside Elvis Presley, The King and I with Yul Brynner, One-Eyed Jacks with Marlon Brando, and Bachelor in Paradise with Bob Hope. She contributed her talents to Around the World in 80 Days, Operation Bottleneck, and numerous movies and commercials.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Leemoi made history in 1974 as the first woman to bowl a perfect 300 game in Marin County, continuing to bowl on leagues well into her 80s.

Leemoi’s love for her family was evident in every conversation, always ending with an “I Love You.” She cherished her husband, Peter Bekey, with whom she celebrated 60 years of marriage, and their children: Jon (Andrea), Jacqui (Rich), Lin (Vince), Kim, and Richard. Her twelve grandchildren–Devin, Brandyn, Danny, Nicolas, Loet, Isabella, Sofia, Kaia, Koa, Malia, Ava, and Kona–would line up for hugs and kisses at family gatherings. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Theo and Rowan.

An avid traveler, Leemoi explored the world, navigating treacherous mountains on a scooter with Peter in the South Pacific and visiting the Galapagos Islands, South America, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Asia. Her favorite destination was Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, where she became a beloved member of the community in Little Apple Bay. She instilled in her family the importance of learning about different cultures, encouraging them to try local foods and learn a few words of the local language.

Leemoi’s adventurous spirit was matched by her profound love for music and the arts. She often horrified her children with her operatic renditions of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and her spontaneous appearances on stage singing and dancing with any band that struck her fancy. A talented musician, she played the piano, guitar, and ukulele, and had a deep appreciation for classical music. Her performing career began at just eight years old when she became a member of the hula dancers who greeted cruise ships arriving in Honolulu.

Her creative pursuits were vast, including crocheting, knitting, macrame, beading, and crafting miniatures. She even knitted over 500 tiny nests for orphaned birds, generously donating them to a rescue center. Leemoi also snow skied and dabbled in unique activities like fencing and bullfighting, embodying her zest for life and adventure.

Growing up in Hawaii, Leemoi developed a love for water activities, from surfing and swimming to skin diving and fishing. She taught her children how to crab off the pier under the Golden Gate Bridge, dig their heels into the sand for clams and how to forage for mussels. She also dove for abalone off the California coast. Her light-hearted mantra, “Carry your own surfboard,” reminded her family of the importance of responsibility and her playful spirit.

Leemoi Bekey and her beautiful smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.