Evelyn Sanchez Akuin

Today we are together to remember the life of Evelyn Sanchez Akuin. Evelyn was born on November 9th 1941 by Antonio and Socorro Sanchez in the Philippines. Since then she lived many roles. Evelyn grew up as the eldest sister of 5 other siblings, in 1968 she became a wife to Filepe Singson Akuin. She then became a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

After graduating with a degree in Nursing, Evelyn chose to make the courageous move to the States alone in hopes to be the start of a new and better life for her family. She resided in Chicago while her supportive husband Filepe stayed behind in the Philippines with their only daughter Leezel. After a year of hard work and sacrifices, Evelyn, Filepe, and Leezel reunited in America. She conquered the obstacles that came with being in a new country with her family while she continued to provide for her siblings and family back home in the Philippines. Evelyn held pride in the responsibilities as the eldest of her siblings Nilda, Yvonne, Roberto, Cecilia and Antonio Sanchez. Throughout her lifetime she continued her role of caring for them. Family was always of the biggest importance in her life. This showed more and more as her family grew.

She moved forward in her nursing journey and relocated to Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno, CA where she spent the remaining days of her life. She gained the role of a grandmother and continued to shine her passion of family to her grandkids. During the day she remained a large part of their life, taking them to and from school, teaching them to read, spending quality time, cooking home cooked meals, and molding them as if they were her own whilst working as a night nurse. Even after her retirement in 2011 Evelyn kept herself involved in her community. She spent hours volunteering at Valley Children’s Hospital, contributing to her Parish, and was part of multiple organizations such as the Philippine Nurses Association of Central California, FIL-Am Women’s Club of California, Lions Club International, Bicolano Association and remained in office as the President of the Penafrancia until they day of her passing.

On September 27th, 2022 Evelyn passed in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. Her compassionate, selfless, hardworking personality will always be remembered and missed. She is survived by her daughter Leezel, grandchildren Kayla-Lynn Angeles along with her husband Sebastian Reyes , Brittney-Marie Angeles, Brendon Perez, and two great-grandchildren Santiago and Leo Reyes.

A visitation for EVELYN will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A Recitation of Holy Rosary will occur Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A Mass of Christian burial will occur Friday, October 28, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit, 355 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA 93730.

EVELYN will be laid to rest in St. Peters Catholic Cemetery, Fresno, CA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Akuin family.