Rebecca Cooney

Betsy Cooney transitioned from this life on December 22, 2023 in San Diego, California. She was 76. Moving from Long Beach, California, to Lahaina, Maui in the early 1970’s, she immediately embraced the Hawaiian lifestyle–swimming and snorkeling in the warm water, paddling outrigger canoes, making plumeria leis, sitting under waterfalls, and meeting many friends who would become her Maui ohana. After being in the restaurant industry and working as a caretaker for the Dillingham estate in Kula for several years, in 2002 Betsy completed her Bachelor of Education Degree online with University of Hawaii and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Special Education from National University. Kumu Cooney used her knowledge and compassion for children to create curriculum for her primary students, who were on the autistic spectrum. She taught for the Hawaiian Department of Education for 10 years.

When Betsy’s beloved son, Steve, one of the first surfers to catch air on a small board, was tragically killed in a car accident, she established the Cooney Contest and Air Show in his memory. Because of Steve’s interest in supporting grommets, the competition held at Ho’okipa featured up and coming young surfers and was sponsored by many local businesses. The contest ran for 11 years.

Three years ago, Betsy left her beloved Maui to live at Summerfield Memory Care in Encinitas, California, and to be near her sister, Perry Colapinto. She is survived by her sister, niece Emily Latting of Santa Fe NM, nephew Joe Golden of Los Angeles, her Maui ohana–Jane and Jim Kohler, Aina and Kessa, Debbie and Tom Rosenbaum, Barbara and JJ, the staff at Mama’s Fish House, and her dear friend Dede Padgett. Her ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean.

Aloha oe, Betsy, until we meet again.