Elwyn Kan

Elwyn was born in the District of Brisbane, State of Queensland, Australia to Mary and Maurice Blemmings, of Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively. Deeply proud of her heritage, she maintained her Australian citizenship throughout her life while also embracing the United States, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1976.

She worked as a legal secretary for the District Court in Honolulu and later for Workers' Compensation in New Orleans. Beyond her career, Elwyn enjoyed supporting the arts and cultural communities she loved. She participated in Le Petit Théâtre and The Opera Guild of New Orleans and was a member of the Daughters of the British Empire, the Clan Henderson Society of the United States, and other Scottish and Irish organizations that connected her to her family's roots.

Elwyn is survived by her son, Dr. Paul Rexton Kan of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; daughter, Monique Paquita Sai Mui Kan-Souza (Kevin) of Kapa'a, Kaua'i; and two beloved granddaughters, Janae Reyna (Sergio) of Yakima, Washington, and Kiani Souza of Kapa'a, Kaua'i. She is also survived by her brother, Lance Blemmings (Desley), as well as nephews, nieces, and cousins—all in Australia.

Donations in her memory may be made to Le Petit Théâtre (New Orleans), The Opera Guild, Hawaii Theatre Centre, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tennessee).