Adonis Malijan Topacio

Adonis Malijan Topacio (known to many as “Don”) born on April 29, 1945, passed away peacefully at his home in Seattle, WA, surrounded by love and family, on January 11, 2021 at 75 years of age.

Born in Mandaluyong, Philippines to Luis and Malaya Topacio. Adonis was the fourth of thirteen children and leaves eleven surviving brothers and sisters: Flordeliza Gahol, Dante Topacio, Ofelia Topacio, Hercules Topacio, Venus Lao, Socrates Topacio, Olivia Stevens, Marlon Topacio, Marte Topacio, Aristotle Topacio and Gary Topacio. Adonis is also survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Herminia, and their three children: AnneMarie Pasoquen, Adonis Topacio Jr. and Amy Lewis. Adonis was preceded in death by his beloved parents, brother Luisito Topacio, and daughter Arlene Grinnell.

He was also a proud grandfather to Jeralyn Pasoquen, Brooke Topacio, Jordan Pasoquen, Matthew Grinnell, Jeremy Pasoquen, Samantha Lewis, Christina Lewis and Kim Lewis.

As a young adult, Adonis pursued a career in healthcare and graduated nursing school with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Far Eastern University, Institute of Nursing in Manila, Philippines in July of 1967. At that time, the United States had a shortage of nurses. Adonis was one of a group of thirteen registered nurses from the Philippines recruited to work at Oak Park Hospital in Illinois in December of 1967. In that same group of nurses, Adonis met his future bride, Herminia, and they soon married on September 28, 1968.

Adonis and Herminia were blessed with their four children before they relocated to Seattle, WA in July of 1977. Adonis spent most of his nursing career at UW Medical Center working in the Operating Room. He retired in May of 2009 after 42 years as a registered nurse. While showing much devotion to his chosen career path, Adonis was equally devoted to the life he shared with his wife, children and grandchildren. In his spare time, Adonis loved watching the Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders. He also enjoyed fishing, weekend bowling nights, singing Karaoke and was very passionate about his love for the music of Elvis Presley.

Adonis would share this passion and perform as the Filipino Elvis in weddings or other celebrations for family and friends. Adonis created so many precious memories for his family- memories full of smiles, laughter and most of all, love. In late November, 2020, Adonis was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. He entered hospice care soon after and he embraced his final journey with courage, humility, dignity and grace.

Friends and family are invited to view the service virtually here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pye-vJ23NdM&feature=youtu.be

To share your memories of Adonis, please visit his Tribute Wall located above.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle