Wanda Kulamanu Au's Obituary
Wanda Au, 85, of Honolulu, passed peacefully on January 7, 2020. She was born on August 8, 1934 in Kapaa, Kauai. Her parents were Ellsworth Phillip Ellis and Annie (Kam) Ellis. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in 1952. After graduating from the University of Hawaii in 1956, she obtained her Professional Teaching Diploma. At age 23, she became the youngest intern teaching supervisor in the State. Wanda met the love of her life, Gilbert Kwock On Au (“Onnie”) one New Year’s Eve at a party he was hosting and they were married for 62 years. She decided to devote her life to being a homemaker to raise her five children — identical twins Kevin (Lilian) Au and Brian (Irene Choy) Au, Cecily (Victor) Ching, David Au, and Kimberly (Karlton) Kau — all graduates of Punahou School.
As a stay-at-home mom, Wanda started a successful home-based real estate investment business with Gilbert. She had a remarkable talent for preparing homes to showcase for rent and eventual resale. In the early 1980’s, Wanda published a real estate investment book.
Not only was Wanda creative as a writer, she was also an accomplished seamstress and artistic crafter. She sewed her own clothes from an early age. She enjoyed collecting teddy bears and sewing clothes for them. She designed her own t-shirts and jewelry. She and Gilbert loved to travel and took their children on numerous trips starting with cruises on the SS Constitution, Lurline and Mariposa. After the children were grown, she and Gilbert were worldwide cruisers. As a person, Wanda had a wonderful sense of humor and was an engaging storyteller. She was enthusiastic about mentoring her children and participating in all of their activities.
Wanda is survived by her husband, children, 8 grandchildren (Aron, Andrew and Ethan Ching, Brandon and Justin Au, and Kaitlin, Kristina, and Kenneth Kau), 2 great grandchildren (Caleb and Daniel Au), sister Annette Chun-Ming, and nieces and nephews. Wanda’s life will be celebrated on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Diamond Head Mortuary. Visitation at 5:30 pm; Service 6:00 pm with dinner to follow. Private burial.
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