Ponaivao Filiaga Soi

Ponaivao Filiaga Soi returned to our Heavenly Father on August 24, 2014 in Provo, Utah, at the age of 63. Pona entered this life on November 2, 1950 in the village Amaua, American Samoa. Growing up in the villages of Amaua and Auto, Pona, learned to nurture all of the great talents and characteristics that would guide her life, among those, she learned to fear God, cherish family, and treat everyone with respectful kindness. As she entered womanhood those great lessons learned while in her youth shaped her future career. Graduating with high honors from Mapusaga High School and then continuing her education at the Church College of Hawaii, Pona eventually arrived at Kaimuki High School, working both as a counselor and teacher. Amidst her career Pona found her soul mate and was soon married to Motusaga Soi Jr. Pona and Motu established their family, bringing four wonderful children into the world, Patrick Muagututi’a Isaaka So’i, Joanne Fofoaivaoese Manaiana Soi-Toa, Motusaga Brian Soi IV, and Justin Shane Lotolelei So’i. Pona found her true calling in life as a mother and later as a grandmother. Many memories are shared of Pona’s motherly love as it extended to nieces, nephews, and even ward youth. Her stern, heartfelt counsel was often received by any and all youth that Pona came into contact with. Pona was well known for her great enthusiasm as a cheerleader at sports games, trade marking the cheer, “One, Two, Three, Kick The Referee!” and her enthusiasm could be heard form one side of a stadium to the other. Pona remained God fearing down to her last moments spent here in this life. Serving faithfully in many various callings within the church, Pona’s unwavering testimony could be felt by all. One of her favorite pastimes was to sing the hymns of the church, which she did wherever she went. Her strong alto completed the harmony in all choir setting. Ponas physical presence will be greatly missed but her phenomenal legacy will continue on. Pona is survived by: Motusaga So’i Jr. – Husband Children: Patrick Muagututi’a Isaaka So’i (Margaret) Joanne Fofoaivaoese Manaiana So’i-To’a (Jimmy) Motusaga Brian So’i IV (Suliana) Justin Shane Lotolelei So’i (Kathreen) Siblings: Sister - Logotaeao Filiaga Atuaia (Fatu) Brother - Manaia Jr. Filiaga (Elizabeth) Sister - Helen Filiaga Sister - Elaine Luane Filiaga-Gray Brother - Carl William Filiaga (Alisi) Sister - May Leonia Filiaga. Joanne Ah Fook Filiaga (Step-Mother) Preceded in death by: Father: Manaia William Filiaga Mother: Misileti Taupo Brother: Chuck Norman Filiaga Funeral services celebrating Pona’s life with be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 80 South 280 East Orem Utah 84058 on Tuesday, September 9th 2014. Family Services 830am-1130am / Funeral Services will begin at noon. Ponas Body will be laid to rest in the Orem City Cemetery.

Ponaivao Filiaga Soi

November 2, 1950 - August 24, 2014