Toakesa Lomu Fangupo

Toakesa Lomu Fangupo was born on May 2, 1955 in Fo’ui Tongatapu. &#55356;�&#55356;� Mom gained her “Dove” wings on May 13, 2023, shortly after her return to Tonga to celebrate her 68th birthday and finish off some work for our family home, when set upon by a sudden illness leading to her graduation on high this past Friday. It’s a sad yet a joyous day for such a faithful daughter who excelled in her mortal journey and has now returned home to an even greater quest surrounded by faithful, obedient loved ones and hearing the sweet words, “Well Done, Thou good and faithful servant, welcome home”…, a phrase many yearn for but one that must be earned too. She was a good friend, a good friend to many and was not just a devote believer but a pusher and doer for her family and the Savior in every sense of the words, a true matriarch. Mom leaves behind a family legacy led by our dad, a gentle giant, Kinania Fetokoniaki Fangupo and her children; Alisi Fangupo, Kinania Fangupo jr (Christina Tuiasoa), Ovaleni Fangupo (Monica Makai), Timote Fangupo, Tevita Tonga Fangupo (Kiki Moala), Siotame Sau Fangupo (deceased) (Suliana Wolfgram), Mosese Fangupo (Tania Lozano), and Siosiana Lomu. In addition mom has 29 grandchildren. Mom fell in love with her eternal companion while he was playing club rugby in La’ie Hawaii and she was attending BYU Hawaii. They got married on August 1st, 1973 and later moved to West Valley City, Utah where they were later sealed for eternity at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. There they raised a wonderful family providing unconditional love, untiring support and somewhat rigid but loving guidance. Her children are her life, her grandchildren are her world but her husband is her everything. Later in life Mom and Dad decided to build their dream home in Vaini Tonga, home of her devoted companion with loving assistance from their children. Like a committed soul she never retired and worked so hard throughout her life until she passed away still moving forward seeking her dreams, untiring service to those whom she loved. Although dynamite comes in small packages it can produce unbelievable results if properly placed and used. Mom, although small was such a package, she was the explosive force and catalytic momentum behind the greatness in her children, family and those who knew her. Dynamic and explosive, yet she was also beautiful as the bird of paradise flower, colorful, outstanding with dignity and beauty. In essence Mom was the the epitome of true Matriarchy. As President Nelson has recently stated, the greatest work needing attention today on both sides of the veil is the gathering of His family. Mom along with her eternal companion has stressed missionary work through not only guidance and encouragement but emphatically through example as they served 2 full time couples missions; Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission 1985-1987 and Papua New Guinea Port Moresby (Alotau) Mission - 2016-2018. Currently they have 3 grandsons serving full time missions, Elder Makai Fangupo - Sacramento California Mission, Elder Timote Fangupo - San Bernardino California Mission, and Elder Sioeli Fangupo - Nuku’alofa Tonga Mission &#55356;�&#55356;� The gospel was everything to our mother. A significant force in the lives of many. We know, her work is not complete as there are yet eyes and hands still looking down and striving to direct us home too. Our many memories of Mom, she was all smiles and laughs and dancing but with a stern guiding hand with those under her stewardship. So much goodness packed into that little frame, her legacy will always be an example to be followed. Her devoted mate, children and friend lives with us yet and one day Mom will require an accountability for all under her influence. We’ve seen evidence in her mortal life and know that no one will escape her expectations. We love you Mom! We thank you! We weep for you, yet we smile with all as a short but awesome giant has graduated and returned home to our Father in Heaven. We are at peace knowing that you are dancing with our brother again, your son, Siotame Sau. We Will Never Forget!

Toakesa Lomu Fangupo

May 2, 1955 - May 13, 2023