Honoring Christian's Legacy: A Life of Independence and Giving

Written by Barbara Bumatay, with the help of Priscilla Liskey and Charlene Bandurraga-Hole

Born in California in the 1920s, Christian could have followed the traditional path expected of women in her era. Instead, she forged her own path and broke conventions of the time. After earning a B.A. in Economics from USC—a field few women dared to enter—she studied philosophy at Oxford and spent several years adventuring around the world as a single woman. In 1955, she discovered Hawaiʻi and made it her home.

Christian and her mom, Flora, in 1952Christian believed that behind every successful woman is herself—and she lived that truth every single day.

A straight-A student who participated in gifted programs and excelled in poetry, Christian brought that same excellence to everything she pursued. She worked for the FAA inside Diamond Head Crater, navigating a male-dominated aviation industry with confidence. She became Vice President of Surf N' Sea in Haleʻiwa. She bought property on her own and supported herself through sheer determination—at one point juggling seven jobs simultaneously. When she found a condemned shack in Kaʻaʻawa, she renovated it, much of it herself. At 56, she married for the first time, a woman ahead of her time.

L-R Christian, Charlene, sister Maury, and Priscilla at Kapiʻolani Park, Celebrating Statehood Day in 1959 

Christian's fierce independence was matched only by her generous heart. She championed causes that mattered deeply to her: supporting deprived children in India, protecting animals, and advancing women's rights. In addition to AAUW Honolulu, she gave major bequests to Doctors Without Borders and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, and donated to hundreds of charities throughout her lifetime.

If Christian were here to advise women today, she'd share the wisdom that guided her own success: save money early to buy property, harness the power of positive thinking and prayer, and write down detailed, specific goals. She understood that dreams become reality when backed by both faith and a concrete plan.

Christian and Bob's wedding in Honolulu, 1952

Christian envisioned a world where all children and animals receive care and compassion, where women have full autonomy over their bodies and decisions, and where the United States would finally elect its first woman President. Though she didn't live to see Though she didn’t live to see all of her dreams realized, her legacy continues to open doors for the women who will make it happen.

A remarkable gift was made possible through the dedication of Christian's sister, Priscilla, and niece, Charlene, whose integrity and perseverance ensured Christian's wishes could be honored. Their commitment reflects a family tradition that spans generations: Christian, her mother, sister Priscilla, nieces Lesin and Maury, and great-niece Madeline are all AAUW members scattered across the country, united in their commitment to advancing opportunities for women.

Christian became an active member of AAUW's Diamond Head, Honolulu, and Windward Branches, and was a member for about 60 years! Through her extraordinary foresight and generosity, we carry forward her legacy of breaking barriers, continuing our shared mission of empowering women and opening doors of learning and opportunity for generations across Hawaiʻi.