Myrtle Choan remembers the stern lessons she learned from Barack Obama's grandmother 48 years ago that helped give Choan success in her own career.

"I was taught by Madelyn Dunham and I am what I am today because of her," said Choan, who is now a realtor for Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. "She was a tough woman, but I am thankful for what she taught me."

Obama is on his way from Indianapolis today to visit Dunham, his maternal grandmother whose health is deteriorating. Obama abruptly rescheduled his campaign appearances two weeks before the Nov. 4 presidential elections after Dunham fell and broke her hip in early October, setting off a series of complications.

Today, Choan sent her good wishes for Dunham's health while remembering her years serving under Dunham in the fledgling escrow department that flourished under Dunham.

Choan was a 23-year-old named Myrtle Yuen when she began at Bank of Hawai'i in 1960, then Hawai'i's largest bank in terms of assets.

"She was well known because she was a tough woman," Choan said. "Bank of Hawai'i was known for escrow because she was the one. She was no nonsense."

Choan remembers seeing Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, in the bank, as well as Obama's grandfather, Stanley. But not Barack Obama, who would have been a toddler.

"When Ann was young, Stanley was always waiting to take Mrs. Dunham home," Choan said. "She didn't drive."

Toward the end of the work day, Madelyn Dunham often unapologetically loaded Choan up with work.

"I was a single girl and she would give me 10, 12 folders (of escrow work) to take home to do as homework," Choan said. "Mrs. Dunham said, 'Myrtle, you can do it.' I was a nice girl from Sacred Hearts Academy and wouldn't answer back. No more playing around, with Mrs. Dunham. She would scold you."

Choan sometimes caddied for Bankoh's president during her four years at the bank. But Choan credits her time with Dunham for the subsequent success she's enjoyed.

"Mrs. Dunham started the escrow company," Choan said. "She was a smart woman. This is what I am today from what I learned from her."

In December 1970, Bankoh named Dunham was one of its two first female vice presidents.