Maxine Bray Obituary

MAXINE OLSON BRAY Maxine was born in Honolulu in 1925. She died at age 99 on May 26, 2024 at Arcadia. Maxine's mother Alice (Nana) Brooks nee Beerman was born in Kekaha, Kauai. Maxine's mother Nana was cheerful and much loved by her grandchildren. Maxine's step dad was George "Bapa" Brooks who managed the Waikiki Theatre in its glory years. Nana and Bapa had a cabin on the green lawn behind the theater. Maxine sometimes played the organ for the theater audience. Maxine graduated Roosevelt High School in 1943 where she was a song leader for two years. After graduation from Roosevelt High School Maxine was the leading lady of the play "Kiss and Tell". On a camp show tour on Maui, she eloped with naval aviator Lt Robert C Olson who was stationed in the Kaneohe Naval Air Station. Maxine and Bob Olson lived on Oahu, Alameida, Virginia, Florida and Glendale, California. Maxine and Bob Olson had two sons John and Stephen, who both attended Punahou School. Maxine was active in the theatre in Honolulu. Maxine juggled stenographic work with the theater and national ads for Cheer and United Airlines. Maxine was a good cook and had a keen sense of interior decorating. Later Maxine married Bill Bray who was her Roosevelt High School class mate. Maxine finally found her true mate. Maxine and Bill lived in Hilo and then to Honolullu and settled in Arcadia in the 2000's. They were not there long when Bill fell ill. He was a good husband and great friend to Maxine. Maxine lived alone at Arcadia amongst the friends she made there. She was quick to get up and do one of her graceful hula. She drew pictures for the Arcadia magazine. She entertained her friends with lunches at the Pacific Club. Maxine's sister Junedale (George, Joann, Dale and Alice) predeceased her as did her sister Evelyn Honsinger and her husband Roy (Robert, Linda, David and Richard). Ethel Kim was Maxine's hanai sister. Sandra Stoner, of Kula, Maui was Maxine's hanai niece. Maxine loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Maxines's son John (Jill) have one son Robert (Leilani) have a daughter Lehua and stepsons Kawai and Ko'iawe; their other son Peter (Kapua) have two sons Kipapa and Kamoa'e. Maxine's son Stephen (Cynthia)is a retired USN Capt with 3 children: Julie (USN Capt. Shane Marchesi, who is, as was his grand father-in-law, a Naval Aviator) Tommy, Jack and Katelyn. Steve's second daughter Erin (Leilani, James and Eleanor). Son Christopher lives on the mainland. Steven and wonderful Cynthia have a home in Watoga WV on the banks of the Greenbriar River and maintain another residence close to the Marchesis in Virginia Beach. John, Robert and Peter Olson practice law together and enjoy surfing their canoe. Maxine was a kamaaina of an earlier colorful Honolulu. A ceremony will be held at St Clements Church in Honolulu on August 13, 2024 between 3:30 and 5:30. Lei welcome. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC