Noreen Marie Awong

Noreen Marie Awong was born in Honolulu on July 14, 1949 to Edward Awong and Mary Gertrude Correa Awong. She was born in Kalihi then moves in 1955 to Nanakuli. Noreen attended Nanaikapono Elementary School, Kamehameha School for her freshman year, then went to live with relatives in California. Due to her uncle being transferred often while being in the military, Noreen finished up her junior year at Farrington High School for her senior year, graduating in June 1967.

Noreen worked first in the meat/fish department of Cornet Store in 1967, then worked as an accountant for Dr. Edwards from 1975-76 and in June 1977, worked as a health aide at Nanaikapono Elementary School for the Department of Health, retired in June 2005. Noreen was loved by both students staff members, using her expertise as an LPN to care for them. She was a vital member of the Nanaikapono Ohana volunteering on the social committee to bring joy to the staff members with social gatherings and fun events.

Noreen was musically talented, teaching herself to play a left-handed guitar and became the lead guitarist and song leader and song leader for the 7:00 a.m. Sunday Morning mass at St. Rita Catholic Church in Nanakuli, as well as playing for funerals and weddings. Noreen was actively involved in the life of the parish, participating in the liturgy committee, decorating the church for the religious education program as well as social aspects of parish life. Noreen was known for her cheerful, giving nature and readily volunteered to assist in transporting people to church.

Special Achievements: On Dec. 22, 1983: Licensed Practical Nurse with the Board of Nursing of the State of Hawaii. In 1995 Noreen received and Outstanding Employee of the Year Award as a Health Aide with the Department of Health. In 2002-04, completed instruction in Hawaiian Lomilomi, 100 hours.

Outgoing, Fun Loving Personality: Noreen readily gave of herself, putting others first and assisted using her time, talent and treasure. She loved to cook and bake making her famous Portuguese bean soup, banana bread, prune mui and pickle mango to share. Gatherings included bowling, movies, playing cards, pokeno and Texas hold 'em & pot lucks with friends!

World Traveler: Noreen and I (Kathy) have traveled together since 1980's throughout various continents. Noreen's favorite places were Japan, for the food, culture & famous onsen, hot springs & Alaska, for the majestic glaciers, snowcap mountains & wild life. Cruising was the best...ono food, entertainment & fun!

Transition to Eternal Life: Sunday, October 18, 2020, 9:25pm

God was so faithful in His love, allowing Noreen to have a smooth transition after severe suffering at the end with multiple myeloma. A joy filled me (Kathy) the moment Noreen passed & I knew the Lord came to take Noreen to heaven! Dream: Sr. Betrina Kirway, Maryknoll sister, had a dream of Noreen on Sunday, October 18th without knowing that Noreen had gone to the Lord. "Last night in my dream I saw Noreen was gone, we were all there preparing a PATH, a wider and smoother for her to go through. We put green grass around the path. Then I saw someone bigger and brighter than anyone of us there came through that path and took Noreen. We were rejoicing and singing ALLELUHA!"

Names of Immediate Surviving Relatives:

Brother: Edward Awong / Wife: Margaret

Hanai Sisters: Kathy (Kathleen) Paishon, Patricia Yamane & Bernadette Kealoha

Nephews: Edward Henry Kalani Perry & William Ryan Kaikaina Awong

Memorial Services: Held at the Hawaiian Memorial Chapel on Monday, November 16, 2020.

Presider: Fr. Alapaki Kim.