Henrianne "Henny" Kishie Wakefield's Obituary
Henrianne "Henny" Wakefield Obituary
Henrianne "Henny" Kawano Wakefield, peacefully passed away on February 12, 2025, at the age of 82. Henny was the loving daughter of the late Colonel Henry Kawano and Doris Kawano of Honolulu, Hawaii. Colonel Kawano's family takes pride in his service in the Army's 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regiment which stands as testaments to Japanese American soldiers’ courage, sacrifice, and patriotism during World War II. These units, comprised predominantly of second-generation Japanese Americans, overcame discrimination and prejudice while loyally serving their country with honor and distinction. They are considered the most decorated unit in US military history for its size and length of service.
Henny grew up in a vibrant home filled with the spirit of aloha, along with her twin sister Joanne Seiden and younger sister Carolyn Dang. After obtaining her undergraduate degree at the University of Hawaii, Henny received a master's degree from the University of Michigan. After several years to teaching, Henny's career culminated as an Associate Director at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers in Washington D.C., where her guidance and expertise left an enduring legacy. Henny later retired from Wake Forest University after moving to Winston-Salem, NC to be close to family.
Henny's life was a testament to her Hawaiian roots, embodying the spirit of Ohana. Henny loved sharing stories of growing up in Hawaii, teaching her children and grandchild how to cook their favorite Asian dishes, as well as teaching them Japanese and Hawaiian history and culture. Her creative soul found joy in many artistic ways including handmade jewelry, washi paper Christmas ornaments and Japanese greeting cards which she enjoyed sharing with friends and family. Her passion for Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, was not just a hobby but a reflection of her life's philosophy—bringing together elements to create harmony and balance. Henny's artistic flair was an embodiment of her loving and gentle nature.
Henny is proceeded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law Myron Seiden, of whom she was particularly fond. Henny is survived by her twin sister Joanne Seiden, her son Daniel, his wife Katsumi, and their son Luka. Her sister Carolyn Dang, her husband Sherman, their children Bryson and Shelly. Her daughter Kim Coan, her husband John, their children Jessica and Duncan; and her son Christopher Wakefield, his wife Jennifer, their daughter Paige Carr, and many cousins & friends. Henny was excited to hear that she was going to be a Great Grandma. She leaves behind a family who adored her, and who will continue to honor her legacy and Japanese Hawaiian roots.
As we bid farewell to Henny, we celebrate the richness of her life and the countless memories she leaves with us. Henny's passing is not just the closing of a chapter but the continuation of a story that will be told for generations. We want to give special recognition and gratitude to her daughter, Kim, for caring for Henny with love and compassion.
Henny will have a final resting place at the Mililani Memorial Park in Mililani Hawaii. A private celebration of life will be held in Hawaii at a later date.
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