Dianna Orndoff Obituary

DIANNA DANNIE WONG ORNDOFF 96, passed away on June 22, 2024. Born on November 11, 1927, in Waipahu, Hawaii, to parents Sun Han and Chang Shee Wong, Dianna was the last surviving member and third youngest of a very large family. Her siblings Alice Chun, Clarence Wong, Dorothy Wong, Henry Wong, Hook Yoon Wong, Clifford Wong, Winifred Smith, Rose Salazar, and George Wong all predeceased her. Dianna had no children of her own but leaves behind 20 nieces and nephews and a whole slew of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Dianna was a lifelong learner, attending August Ahrens School, Waipahu Intermediate School, and Waipahu High School (Class of 1946). She furthered her education by attending evening classes at Cannons School of Business, the University of Hawaii, and the Stenographic Institute of Hawaii. In 1953, she journeyed to the mainland to complete a course in court reporting at the Chicago College of Commerce. Her dedication to her studies was mirrored in her professional life. After high school, she worked as secretary to Commanders at Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Guam and Okinawa. Inspired by her younger brother George "Wongie" and her girlfriends in Guam, she was baptized as a Catholic in 1950. After her college stint in Chicago in 1954, Dianna embarked in a career as a court reporter in Guam and Fort Shafter. When the office was later relocated to Schofield Barracks, she met her future husband of 46 years, Capt. Josef "Skip" Orndoff (1917-2006). In 1967, she accepted the position of Senior Court Reporter with the U.S. District Court in Hawaii, where she dedicated herself until her official retirement in January 1985. She continued to do contract work until 1991. Overall, her professional career spanned four and a half decades, culminating with 24 years of service as a Federal Court Reporter. Dianna's life was marked by her dedication to her family, her love of God, her commitment to education, and her impressive work ethic. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 5919 Kalaniana'ole Hwy on Monday, August 12, 2024. Visitation: 10 am, Program: 10:30 am, Mass: 11 am. Burial to follow at Nuuanu Memorial Park, 2233 Nuuanu Ave. Join us for Chinese lunch following the service. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC