Alice Chiyeko Shiosaka was born in Seattle, the second of four children to Yoshio and Aiko Shiosaka. Her extended family moved to the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles near the end of the Great Depression.

Her family was uprooted by the death of her Uncle in 1940, interrupting her senior year at Roosevelt High School. On the ocean journey to Japan in 1941, her family was stunned by the death of her Grandfather. That fateful trip stranded the family in Japan by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. They spent the duration of World War II in Japan.

After narrowly surviving a firebombing, the family posted messages on nearby structures that survived. She recalled reuniting with her father amid the ashes of the neighborhood with tears of happiness streaming down his face. Upon the surrender, her English skills became valuable in securing a job at the Supreme Allied Command Headquarters near the Imperial Palace. During occupation, she worked for the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal where she met and married Kenjiro Akune in 1948.

While raising 5 children in Gardena, Alice wore many hats. She was active in the PTA, served as a Cub Scout Den-mother, developed a brilliant career at Gardena Memorial Hospital, and in retirement, volunteered at Kaiser Permanente, had fun ballroom dancing and in film background roles.

Alice Akune, (1924-2022) died at home in Gardena, surrounded by family. Her husband of 74 years, Kenjiro Akune died 8 weeks after Alice. They are survived by 5 children: Karen Akune, David Akune, Kenneth Akune (Yvonne Romaine), Teresa Akune, and Kathleen Choi; plus 2 grandchildren: Kyle Choi (Margaret Li Choi) and Amy Choi.

Short Tribute Videos
Alice Akune Video
Kenjiro Akune Video

Full Funeral Service Mass
Kenjiro https://vimeo.com/showcase/8092146/video/782099984
Alice https://vimeo.com/showcase/8092146/video/755983334