Maude Leinani Awana Torres, age 91, went home to see the Lord on October 14, 2010 in Manteca, California.  Maude was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her mother, the late Mary (Hatfield) Awana was born in Spain and her father the late Herman Awana was born in China.  She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Emilio Torres; a son, Emmett Torres, and her six siblings.

Her parents met in Honolulu and raised their seven children there. Maude was the youngest.  During her high school years she enjoyed being a member of the rowing team and also loved playing tennis.  In the late 1930’s when President Franklin Roosevelt was touring the Hawaiian Islands, she was asked to dance the “hula” for him as Maude was an exceptional hula dancer.

Maude and her husband, Emilio, were living in Honolulu when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, a day she will never forgot.  Later she would go on to work in the pineapple cannery to help support her family.  In the mid 1950s Maude and her husband went on to own a candy store in downtown Waikiki.  By the 1960s Maude and her family relocated to the mainland in California and have been there ever since.
Her biggest love in her life was God and her family.  She truly was a prayer warrior.  She will be missed by all her family and friends.

Maude is survived by her children, Steve Torres of Manteca, Pamela Ghiotto and husband, Ray of Salida, and Richard Torres and wife, Linda of Manteca.  She was blessed with 8 grandchildren, Scott Torres, Brad Torres, Stephen Torres, Christina Ghiotto, Matthew Torres, Shane Torres, Courtney Jackson and Todd Torres; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements for Mrs. Torres’ services are under the direction of PL Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca.  All services are private.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA. 95204.  An online tribute wall for condolences and special messages is available at plfryandson.com.