Tuto'atasi Talamoni Laumatia

Tuto’atasi’s Eulogy Tuto’atasi Talamoni Laumatia was born on April 26, 1952 in Fausaga, Western Samoa. Tasi was the 3rd oldest of 15 children. Tasi was born to goodly parents; her mother is Siasulu, Sifea Afamasaga of Saleaumua and her father is Talaia Maloseuga Laumatia of Fausaga, Western Samoa. When Tasi was 7 years old her family moved to Faleniu, American Samoa to stay with her aunty Laulaau Liufau while furthering her education. Tasi attended Faleniu and Pava’ia’i elementary school and later attended Mapusaga High School which, was the LDS School in Malaeimi. She was a member of the Mapusaga band drill team. After high school, Tasi worked for the government of American Samoa as a secretary. While working, she received a call to serve a mission for the LDS church at the Apia, Samoa mission. After completing a successful mission, she was engaged and got married to Jerry Leung Wai. Together, they have three beautiful girls, Vernie, Lisa, and Donna. Later on, Tasi and Jerry got separated then divorced. A few years after, Tasi met Talamoni from Aua. They were married in Laie, Hawaii and have two wonderful boys, Talamoni Jr. and Jermaine. Tasi worked hard with patience to introduce her husband to the church. After much prayer and fasting, he joined the church and served in various callings including a counselor in the Stake Presidency in Western Samoa. Somewhere down the line, things didn't work out so Tasi raised her 5 children as a single parent. Mom continued to work in the department of education as a supervisor in-charge of the school luncheon program in American Samoa to support her family. In the mid 80’s, Tasi moved her family to Hawaii to be close to her parents who were living in Hawaii at the time. She was very proud of her kids, especially when her boys, Talamoni and Jermaine were playing football for Kahuku High School. Mom served in various callings in the LDS church, in the primary, relief society, a Sunday school teacher and a dedicated visiting teacher. She loved the Lord and all her brothers and sisters in the gospel. While in Hawaii, Tasi was able to go to the temple and continue to be faithful in keeping her covenants. Mom loved her siblings, and is a very humble and willing person who is fast to forgive and forget. Mom had a unique talent of cooking, no matter what she cooked, everyone wanted to eat it, especially her parents and siblings. She is remembered for some of her favorite dishes, delicious chopsuey and her golden brown round panikeke. Many times, her doctor would have her cook her chopsuey to pay for her doctor’s visit. She loved to dance cha cha with her dad. Tasi was a quiet person, but when she wanted to be heard you would know it. She loved to socialize with older folks because she had a special spirit that brought joy and happiness to them. Not to mention how she spoiled her nieces & nephews, and would cook what they wanted to eat or buy a treat with whatever money she had; Perhaps a simple toy, a candy bar, or just a nice hot musubi from 7=Eleven. In the mid-90’s, mom moved to Las Vegas to be close to her kids. She would travel three main states to visit her children and family. Nevada, to see Talamoni and Jermaine, Washington to be with Vernie and Donna, and Utah to visit Lisa, dad and her brothers & sisters. Eventually, she moved to Washington to live with Vernie and Donna. While in Seattle, Washington, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Tasi’s last visit to be with her family was in December, 2014 for her father’s funeral in Utah. Upon returning to Washington, she started her chemo therapy where she had respiratory complication and passed away at the St. Francis Hospital at Federal Way, Washington on Friday the 9th of January 2015, at about 6am, Utah time. Her last wish was to be buried close to her dad at the Orem City Cemetery. We express our appreciation to Peni Malohifo’ou funeral director and Larry Hansen general manager from Serenity Funeral Home for making it possible to bring our mom to Utah and making her wish a reality. Tasi would have liked to thank all her family members, friends, and associates for taking the time to attend her service and celebrating her new life. She is survived by her 5 children: Vernie, Lisa, Donna, Talamoni Jr., Jermaine, and 14 grandchildren, 14 brothers and sisters: Ia manuia lau Malaga mom. Alofa tele mo oe le tina pele. Soifua Services will be On Friday the 23rd of January 2015. They will be held at the Orem 12th Samoan Ward located at, 50 E 950 S Orem, Ut A viewing will be at 9am until 1130 am. Her Funeral service is at 12 noon. Interment is at the Orem City Cemetery 1598 S 800 East Orem, Utah

Tuto'atasi Talamoni Laumatia

April 26, 1952 - January 9, 2015