Beatrice "Bea" Donayri Hirahara

Beatrice “Bea” Donayri Hirahara, 70, of Astoria, passed away peacefully October 24, 2013, in Portland surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 24, 1942, in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, to Guillermo and Leona (Paler) Donayri.
Bea was raised and received her education in Anahola and Kapa’a Kauai, graduating from Kapa’a High School in 1960.
Bea married Melvin Hirahara in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 23, 1964. She was looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary this coming June. Bea and Mel left Hawaii for the mainland in 1965, landing in Astoria in 1969, where they have resided ever since.
Bea was a cannery worker by trade, starting with Bumble Bee Seafoods and later retiring from Ocean Beauty Seafoods. She also worked for a few local motels in her “semi-retirement.” Bea was an active member of many organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles, for many years.
Bea was an avid sports fan, loved her gardens and loved traveling with Mel. Over the past several years they had taken several cruises and a couple of trips to Japan.
Bea’s passion was her family and friends. She doted on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren endlessly. She was a kind, humorous and generous woman with an infectious spirit and was always the life of the party.
In addition to her husband, Mel, she is survived by:
Children: Dale Hirahara, Ken and Amy Hirahara of Astoria, and Ryan and Alma Hirahara of Sasebo, Japan.
Grandchildren: Darin Hendrickson, Andrew Hirahara and Taryn Hirahara of Astoria, and Yumiko, Yurika, Yuma, Yui, Yurisa and Yua Hirahara of Sasebo, Japan.
Great-grandchildren: Carter Burd and Malia Hirahara of Astoria.
Nephew: Ivan Donayri. Nieces: Hannah Donayri, Danielle Donayri and Malia Omo Austin.
Siblings: Ray Donayri, Frank Donayri, Naty Caminos, Gil Donayri, Richard Donayri, Barbara Soto, Darlene Donayri, Charlie Omo, Pat Omo, Joyce Vidinha, Mercy Youn, Freddie Omo and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by a sister, June Dale Donayri.
A memorial service will be held at Caldwell’s Mortuary in Astoria at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. A reception will follow at the American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Oregon Disabled American Veteran (DAV) fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Please sign our online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com