Winona Beamer, 82-year-old matriarch of a prolific Hawaiian entertainment family, is recovering at The Queen's Medical Center after a heart bypass operation. She's expecting to return home to Hilo for Thanksgiving, said son Keola Beamer.

"Auntie Nona," as she is called, is a respected authority on Hawaiiana and composer of numerous Island songs, including her trademark "Pupu Hinuhinu." A kumu hula, storyteller, author and sometimes dancer, she often tours with Keola. She taught at Kamehameha Schools for nearly four decades.

"Her spirits are excellent, and she's recovering nicely on schedule," said Keola Beamer, a musician, who has been at her bedside along with other family members. Son Kapono Beamer also is an entertainer.

Winona Beamer was on Moloka'i last week when she suffered shortness of breath. "She was rushed to Moloka'i General Hospital, but the doctors suggested that she be air-lifted to Queen's," Keola Beamer said. She underwent surgery on Thursday morning.

"She's a strong person, always fighting for everybody else," said Keola. "I told her, 'Mom, it's time for you to fight for yourself.' "

Last month, Beamer was named as one of 100 citizens who have made a lasting contribution to Honolulu's history and culture. In mid-October, Beamer won the Talk Story Festival's Tusitala Award for her achievement in storytelling, and in August, she was one of several residents earning a new He Kuleana Ke Aloha Award from the Hawai'i Tourism Authority for her work for the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.

"Even in the hospital, she's thinking music," said Keola. "She asked me for lyrics to a song."

The family requests no visitors so Auntie Nona can get some rest. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a donation to the Beamer Family Scholarships, c/o Kamehameha Schools, 1887 Makuakane St., Honolulu, HI 96817.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.