Moira G. Vander Woude

Moira G. Vander Woude (Moya Lani) September 1932 - May 20, 2021 Of Redlands, CA, passed away peacefully on May 20 surrounded by family. Moira was a gifted Tahitian dancer and instructor, and owned and operated Moya Lani Polynesian Dance Studio in San Bernardino and Redlands for over 30 years. She was warmly and lovingly adored by her close-knit family and friends as well as her students, along with the internationally renowned performers who appeared with her for years in California, and in Papeete, Tahiti, and Huahine, Tahiti. She was honored for her never-ending support for the people of Polynesia and their ancient culture, by being awarded by native islanders the title of "Honorary Queen of Huahine." Moya was born in England and spent the first 20 years of her life in South America, first in Salinas, Ecuador, and later in Lima, Peru, where she met and married her husband of 69 years - an American named Jack. Shortly thereafter they moved to Boston, MA, and then on to Southern California, where they raised their family. Above all else, Moira adored her loving family, including her husband Jack, her four children, David, Bruce, Teresa and Vikki, her seven grandchildren, Reuven Hurwitz, Mark and Alisha Vander Woude, Lauryn and Sarah Lucca, and Ben and Rachel Palajac and her eight great-grandchildren. Moira was a deep believer in Jesus Christ and joyfully joined in her passing with her father, mother, sister Sheila, brother Terrence and her friends and Guardian Angels who passed before her.