Wendy J.M. Torres Akana

WENDY J.M. TORRES AKANA, 58 of Ewa Beach, HI, passed away in Ewa Beach, HI.  She was born in Honolulu, HI.  She was a 1977 graduate of Pearl City High School and was formerly employed by Dollar Rent a Car, Mr. Sub., and Costco Wholesale.  She is survived by husband Charles M. Akana III; brothers Bill Torres, Dennis Torres; sisters Diane Torres, Momi Talbert.  Visitation 9:00am Friday August 18, 2017 at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel.  Funeral service 11:00am.  Burial 9:00am Saturday August 19, 2017 at Mililani Memorial Park. 

WENDY JOY MAHEALANI AKANA

“Fought the Good Fight”

January 20, 1959 to July 14, 2017

Wendy Joy Mahealani Akana of Ewa Beach died peacefully at her residence with her loving husband Charles at her side on the morning of July 14, 2017 at 0540 am.  Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary Mauka Chapel.  Viewing begins at 9 am and services at 11am.  Burial will be on Saturday at Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary graveside at 9 am. 

Wendy was born in Honolulu to William and Julia Torres.  She attended Pearl City High School and graduated in 1977.  She had worked for Dollar Rent a Car and Mr. Sub before starting her long career with Costco Wholesale in September of 1991. She did everything from stocking to cashier before ending as the business delivery clerk for the Honolulu store with over 25 years of service.  Costco became a close family to her with many friends that were not just coworkers.

On July 7, 1984 Wendy and Charles got married in Waianae and began their life together as husband and wife.  Together they lived in various locations like Kakaako, Maile and Makakilo before finally buying their dream home at Ocean Point in Ewa in 1999.  Their home was Wendy’s pride and joy.  ‘Til today, the house is spotless and decorated with beautiful furnishings and belongings that resembled their deep Hawaiian and Christian lifestyle.  Wendy enjoyed cars, dirt bikes, and church.  But her family was the most important.  She was a very active member in her church, Lamb of God Church & Bible School.  She enjoyed her family very much and was a hard worker. For years, Wendy and Charlie would go to work, come home, sleep, enjoy family moments, go to church, then do it all over again.  Life was simple and fun.   

Then on December 1, 2015, Wendy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  She began treatments here in Honolulu but in March of 2016, Wendy got approved for treatments at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Arizona.  With her husband by her side and the blessings from both employers, they spent the next year living the miracle that Arizona offered.  It was there that many new and wonderful relationships were formed by so many beautiful people and they magnificently “feed off” one another.  It was during this time that the treatments and the Christian faith gave Wendy and Charlie the strength to enjoy life and one another.  They took three trips to Disneyland and visited places like Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Colorado.  They attended their first NFL and MLB games and were able to take road trips and experience many adventures.  This was also the time that Wendy and Charles got to enjoy each other and really appreciate and accept each other’s love unconditionally.

They returned to Honolulu in February of this year and it was during this time that Wendy’s health took a turn for the worse.  She was getting sick more often and became weaker with daily functions.  However, with her husband and family by her side, she fought this disease until the bitter end.  For a small stature woman, she fought harder than most large burly men would have.  Even when she was given a short time left here with us her faith and will to live astonished many.  Then on the morning of July 14, 2017, with Charlie holding her hand, she fell off to sleep one last time into the hands of our Lord. 

Wendy was survived by husband of 33 years Charles M. Akana III, brothers Bill (Donna) and Dennis, sisters Diane Torres and Momi (Gary) Talbert.  There was numerous nieces and nephews who also stayed with them at some point and was deeply touched by “Aunty Wendy” and “Uncle Charlie”.

 Service Information