Amelia Topacio Bautista

Amelia Topacio Bautista, lovingly known as "Mely" or "Mama," passed away on February 3, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 88.
Born on February 12, 1936, in Imus Cavite, Philippines, Mely was the daughter of Vivencio Medina Topacio and Concordia Cabrera Orcullo Topacio. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who touched the lives of many with her unwavering love, selfless acts, strong-willed nature, and generous spirit. She was a remarkable woman known for her kindness, candid opinions, and sense of humor, who brought warmth and laughter to those around her.
She lived in several states-including Hawaii, Georgia, Missouri, Kentucky, Alabama, and California-raising three daughters while her husband, Antero "Teroy" Cruz Bautista, served in the Army for 20 years. Eventually the family settled in Kaimuki, Hawaii, a place Mely cherished deeply for over 45 years.
Mely graduated with a degree in education and taught third grade and high school in the Philippines and Fort Knox, Kentucky. She also worked at Dole Cannery and Ed & Don's Hawaii.
In addition to education, Mely shared a love of sewing and cooking with those around her. She had a gift for sewing, which was used to expertly craft formal wear, such as prom and bridesmaid dresses with no pattern at all, or simply mend clothing for family and friends. She turned her talent into a profession, sewing aloha wear at Bebe Tahiti and Dael's Casuals.
An exceptional cook with culinary skills since she was 10 years old, Mely took pleasure in preparing delicious meals for her family and friends, bringing people together through her love of food. While everyone had their own favorite dish-whether it was her famous vegetable lumpia or a feast with pancit, pinakbet, or barbecue spareribs for a special occasion-Mely poured her love and creativity into every meal she made.
Mely found joy in the simple pleasures of life and was strong, active, and independent until the very end. She loved the beautiful weather and beaches in Hawaii and often kept busy tending to her fishpond and plants, taking long walks enjoying the scenery, and driving
around the island soaking in the spectacular landscapes. She also enjoyed watching The Filipino Channel, which provided a connection to her heritage, and wrestling, just for the fun and entertainment of it.
Mely is survived by her daughters Lanie (John) Godesa, Lynette Roxas, and Lynna (Lito) Bautista-Duldulao; grandchildren Courtney Roxas, Troy Roxas, Logan Duldulao, Brielle Godesa, Lexi Duldulao, and Chloe Godesa; siblings Renato (Teresita "Tessie") Topacio, Susana "Sany" Sauler, Rosalinda "Rose" (Rene) Agustin, and Efren (Ruth) Topacio, and brother-in-law Miguel "Jerry" Alarcon. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Teroy Bautista; parents Concordia Orcullo Topacio and Vivencio Medina Topacio; siblings Concepcion "Empion" (Candido "Didong") Lapidario, Vicente (Marlene) Topacio, Rosario "Baby" Alarcon, and brother-in-law Ismael "Maning" Sauler.
Mely enjoyed 38 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life and soulmate, Teroy, until he passed in 1998. He patiently waited 26 years for his dearest wife, whom he affectionately called "Angchung". They finally reunited in heaven on his birthday, February 3, 2025.
Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Mely's life at a series of services in Honolulu. A viewing will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (770 Auloa Road, Kailua). Another viewing will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick Church (1124 7th Avenue), with a eulogy from 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by mass from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Mely will be laid to rest at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery (45-349 Kamehameha Highway) in Kaneohe at 1:00 p.m., with a butterfly release to conclude the service.
Though Mely may no longer be with us, her legacy of kindness, strength, and generosity will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Mely will be dearly missed and forever remembered. May she rest in peace.