Our Founder
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Mary Cooke
Mary's passion for historical preservation was most vividly demonstrated through her work with her husband, Sam Cooke. Together, they restored Kuka‘o‘o Heiau and co-founded the Mānoa Heritage Center (MHC) in 1996, a cultural and educational institution dedicated to sharing the rich history of Mānoa Valley. Mary was also importantly the founder of our beloved organization Mālama Mānoa.
Those who knew Mary describe her as gracious, charming, and tenacious, with an unmistakable sparkle in her eye. She was as passionate about sharing her love for history as she was about the Hawaiian culture and community she cherished. Friends and colleagues recall her as a "force for good," whose kindness, warmth, and resilience left an indelible mark on Mānoa and beyond. Mary was also known for her humor and her storytelling, qualities that endeared her to all who had the fortune to work with her.
A member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and past President of the Garden Club of Honolulu, Mary’s leadership extended to multiple areas of public service, always driven by her desire to make a positive difference. Even after Sam’s passing, she carried on their shared legacy with grace, ensuring that their vision for Mālama Mānoa continued to thrive. As one colleague noted, Mary’s life embodied the spirit of aloha, and her legacy will be felt for generations to come. Not only for her significant contributions to Mālama Mānoa, but for her warmth, humility, and the lasting sense of aloha she instilled in those around her.
Mary Moragne Cooke (1936–2022) was a beloved advocate for historical preservation, Hawaiian culture, and education. Born and raised on Kaua‘i, she developed a deep connection to the heritage of Hawai‘i, which informed much of her life’s work. A graduate of Punahou School (Class of 1954) and Cornell University, Mary dedicated 43 years to serving on Punahou's Board of Trustees, leaving a lasting impact on her alma mater. In recognition of her decades of service, she received the prestigious “O” in Life Award in 2014, honoring her enduring commitment to the school and community.