Margaret Awamura Inouye

Margaret “Maggie” Awamura Inouye was a charter member of a post-war generation of women who, through the force of their example, ushered in an era of greater equality and opportunity for all.  After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, she was awarded a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  She next earned a master’s degree in education from Columbia University in New York, put to use when she returned home to teach speech and linguistics at the University of Hawaii.  It was there that she met University of Hawaii student Dan Inouye, one of a host of suitors.  On their second date, the soft-spoken yet determined future senator proposed.  The couple was wed on June 12, 1949.

The couple soon relocated to Washington, D.C., where Dan pursued a law degree at the George Washington University (GWU) Law School, while Maggie worked first as a file clerk and later as administrative secretary at the Department of the Navys Bureau of Yards and Docks.

After Dan’s graduation from GWU, they returned to Hawaii.  Dan began his career as a public servant, working for the City and County of Honolulu as an Assistant Prosecutor.  Maggie returned to the University of Hawaii, where for the next six years she taught classes in education.

As Dan’s career in politics was launched, first in Hawaii and later in Washington, DC, the couple operated as a team.  During his first race for the U.S. Senate in 1962, Dan remained in Washington to tend to his congressional duties, despite being involved in a contest against a formidable opponent.  Back home in Hawaii, Maggie campaigned daily for her husband, visiting every island on his behalf.  Dan won the raceand won by a large margin.  To this day Dan gratefully acknowledges the pivotal role Maggie played in his political career.

Dan talks about Maggie.

In their nearly 57 years together, Maggie encouraged and supported Dans professional ascent.  She listened carefully to his ideas.  And she offered invaluable insights and suggestions that helped Dan hone thousands of public policy solutions for Hawaii and all Americans.  The couple could often be seen standing side-by-side, greeting and thanking constituents for their support in Washington, D.C. and throughout the State of Hawaii.

The couples union was further solidified when in 1964 Maggie gave birth to their son, Daniel Ken Inouye, Jr.

On March 13, 2006 Maggie passed away due to complications resulting from colon cancer.  Upon her death, Dan stated, “She was a most special woman, and she will always be in my heart.”