The Garden Island
Notice #: 0001078992-01
Funeral Notices

AUDREY KIYOMO MAKAMAE ISHII FANGONILO

Surrounded by her loving family, Audrey Kiyomi Makamae Ishii Fangonilo passed away peacefully at the age of 59 on Monday, February 12, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona after a fierce battle with cancer. She was born on October 5, 1958 in Honolulu, HI to the late Richard Ishii and Betty Ishii. She is a graduate of Waipahu High School and in 1985 moved to Santa Clara, California.

She flourished her love for hula and instilled the same love into her daughters, Angela and Andrea. In 1997, she fulfilled her dream of competing in Merrie Monarch with halau, Na Mele Hula Ohana under the instruction of kumu Mark Hoomalu. In addition to being a faithful student of hula, she perpetuated Polynesian culture through Pacific Islander’s Cultural Association (PICA) as the non-profit organization’s treasurer and vendor coordinator. She has been an active board member since its inception in 1995.

Audrey Makamae could fill a room with her infectious laugh, resonate love through her irreplaceable hugs, and would be anywhere at any time if anyone needed her. She had few acquaintances, for as soon as she met you and embraced you in her famous hugs, that was it, you became ohana, and she would make sure you felt welcomed, loved, and important.

She loved to dance, loved to host, loved to organize special events, loved her family, and especially Ruben; her greatest love. Audrey and Ruben married on April 20, 1996 and they became each other’s soul mates; her greatest love story, and his most "precious girl."

She is survived by Ruben Fangonilo, her two daughters, Angela Kimiko Lee (Wakilina), Andrea Kiyoko Aulani Wakilina, grandson Bryce Lee, mother Betty Ishii, five sisters, Collen Ishii, Janis Ajimine (Nolle), Liane Ishiara (Relland), Mary Ann Bautista (Ron), and Beth Yamasaki (Boyd) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please join us in celebration of Audrey’s life at her Memorial Service on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Oahu Veterans Center, Mauka Hall, in Foster Village. Visitation will be 9:30 to 11:00am, Service from 11:00-12:00pm, and Reception from 12:00-3:00pm. Please Do Not Wear Black.