by Heaven’s Newest Angels
Audrey Iwalani Yuk Lin Ho was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 27, 1927 to Alice Nailiuluikalani Woodward Ho and Alexander Yuen Sing Ho. They had five children of their own and adopted two children. Audrey grew up in Pauoa Valley with her siblings and attended school at Sacred Hearts Convent and graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy, Class of 1945. After graduating, she danced hula professionally with her friend, Maiki Aiu, for several years.
Audrey married Albert Pacheco in 1947 and raised her two sons and daughter while working for the Federal Government at Pearl Harbor in the Educational Services Division, Advancement Branch. She later went back to school to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hawaiian & Pacific Island Studies from the University of Hawaii. After retiring from work, Audrey successfully returned to the University of Hawaii to further her educational goals and obtained a Masters degree in Pacific Island Studies. She was also involved with and committed to the Iolani Palace and its restoration and development of the docent program. Her favorite past time was gardening. She enjoyed studying indigenous and endemic plants. Audrey was also an avid traveler, both domestically and internationally.
Our beloved Mother taught us many of life’s lessons and instilled in us an appreciation for principles and values which our family has held in high regard for generations. She often reminded us “to always be kind”; “to grow old gracefully”; and for her that meant to be your own person, be independent, be positive with the attitude of gratitude, be self-sufficient, and a good, skilled listener. She would often tell us of how important it might be to mimic a willow and that survival by bending with the wind was key to successfully living life. Whenever she saw any of her children struggling or challenged, she would remind us of how that obstacle would make us stronger when we resolved the issue and saw it as an opportunity for growth and change.
Our Mother would often repeat inspirational quotes like: “…real change happens one step at a time” OR “…when one door closes, another will open”… if you keep your mind focused! She spoke often to us of the importance of education and that this was the best gift you can give anyone, for in the acquisition of knowledge, it will build character and respect, gives you the power to make informed decisions, and boosts your confidence. Audrey was more than our Mother, she was our cheerleader, our mentor, our confidante and more. She would tell us of how her children were her source of pride, and in the same breath remark, “…so don’t forget which family you come from”. Audrey lived by her beliefs. She lived a full life surrounded by those who loved her so dearly to the end. And she is missed immensely.
Alexa Kehaulani Ho Ohta Hashimoto was born on September 29, 1941 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy, class of 1959. Alexa worked 26 years for the State of Hawaii as an Account Clerk for the Department of Public Safety and also worked for Macy’s department store for more than 16 years.
She was adventurous and loved to travel but was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. Alexa was a loving wife, devoted mother, fun auntie, and loyal friend.
She passed away at home surrounded by her family at the age of 79.
With profound appreciation our ‘ohana wishes to thank you for your presence with us today to honor our Mothers. We are grateful for the many expressions of loving support, concern and kindness shown to us during this time of bereavement. Your prayers and thoughtfulness have touched our hearts.
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