Esperanza “Pency” Padua Ortega

Esperanza “Pency” Padua Ortega, of Tumwater, Washington, passed away on September 19, 2026, after battling Stage 4 lung cancer. She was born on April 28, 1957, in Olongapo, Philippines.

Pency truly embodied the aloha spirit and will be remembered as a joyful, charismatic, loving, and feisty woman whose greatest pride was her family and grandchildren. She loved spending time with friends and family, and the warmth she shared with others left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was educated at Farrington High School and went on to serve her community as a paraeducator at Olympia High School, from which she later retired. In her life beyond work, Pency embraced her faith, her culture, and the activities that brought her happiness. She was involved with Sacred Heart Parish and shared her love of music through the Ukulele Club. She was also active in Moku'āina a Wakinekona Hawaiian Civic Club of WA State, Ke Liko A'e o Lei Lehua e Kapuaokalani, and Kikaha O Ke Kai Hawaiian Outrigger Club. She found joy in dancing hula, playing the ukulele, paddling with the canoe club, being involved in the Hawaiian community, and on her slow days, binge watching Asian dramas.

Above all, Pency treasured her family. She always said, “I live for my kids.” She is lovingly survived by her son, Henry Daquip; her daughters, Desiree Lipscomb, Monica Gomez, Florlinda Gomez-Vargas, and Kealani Ortega; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; and by her sisters, Carmelita “Mele” Brend and Elizabeth “Nene” Sandefer. The love she gave to her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends will continue to be felt in the lives she touched so deeply.

She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Kamealoha Padua; her mother, Adoración Alcantra Padua; and her sister, Carmencita Daquip. Their memories remained part of her life and story, and now she rests with them in peace.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Pency on October 16, 2026, at Sacred Heart Parish, 812 Bowker St SE, Lacey, WA 98503. A viewing will be held from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception to immediately follow at Hallen Hall.

Pency’s life was marked by love, laughter, faith, and deep devotion to family and community. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.