Vavalo Vanisi Mataika

Vavalo Vanisi Mataika September 5, 1947 – January 12, 2026 Vavalo Vanisi Mataika, lovingly known as “Nena,” passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, in West Valley City, Utah. She was born on September 5, 1947, in Nakolo, Tongatapu, to Ofa Ki Nukuleva Neiufi of Vaotu’u and Tevita Niuafe Vanisi of Nakolo. After the passing of her mother when she was very young, her father remarried to Mele Longoaʻa Kitekeiaho of Lavengatonga who lovingly helped raise her alongside Pauline & Sione Lose whose role in her life was deeply meaningful. She married her beloved husband, Amato Loea Mataika, at the age of 19. She became a widow on December 11, 1981 at the age of 34 and never remarried, remaining faithfully devoted to his memory and to raising their family with strength, faith, and unwavering love. Nena was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully dedicated 15 years of her life working at the Tonga Nukuʻalofa Temple. She dedicated her life to three things she held closest to her heart: her faith, her family, and her village of Haʻakame, Tonga. Known for her strong work ethic, generosity, and dependability, Nena worked tirelessly to support her children and was always willing to help anyone in need. She taught her children the importance of hard work, service, and giving, and she took great pride in the family she raised. She was a loving mother to seven children, a cherished grandmother to 38 grandchildren, and a proud great-grandmother to 24 great-grandchildren. Children and Families Hesiti Mataika, married to Liliani Manako Mataika, residing in Auckland, New Zealand Their children are Katherine Rose Taia (child: Romello Poanere Lawrence Taia), Kilisitina Koloamatangi (child: Feleti ʻIta Helious Kolomatangi), Amato Lawrence Mataika, and Antonio Leonidus Mataika. Kilistina Mataika Kaufusi, married to Filipe Mate Kaufusi, of Koloa, Vava’u Their children are Lawrence Hoatatau Apted; Filipe Boady Jr. Kaufusi (children: Haiku, Leilani, Nakita, Oleana, and Semisi Kaufusi); Esther Cindarella & Dallas Misaalefua (child: Baby Dallas Misaalefua); Hesty Patrick Kaufusi (deceased); Susana Puanani Kaufusi (children: Hesty and Filipe Lavataʻi); Vavalo H. Kaufusi (child: Samisoni Kaufusi); Delano Lance C. Kaufusi; Faiva E. Kaufusi; Mahonilai Kaufusi; and Ivan Kaufusi. Puanani Mounga, married to Paula Mounga, residing in Vaini, Tonga. Their children are Tevita Mounga (children: Paula Kulukona and Meleane Mounga); Lesila Pomana (children: Simione, Ricky, Arizona, and Ana Pomana); Lesieli Mounga; Melinda Viau (children: Siope, Mauvea, Sione, and Lata Jr. Viau); Manase Niuafe Mounga (children: Lesila, Tevita, and Makelesi Mounga); Paea Mounga; Delano Mounga; and Similati Mounga. Ofa ki Nukuleva Mataika, who passed away in infancy in Tonga. Delano Lance Chadwick Mataika (deceased: June 15, 2024) married to Fangaeva Nasio Mataika, residing in Provo, Utah. Their children are Krisitina Cindarella Mataika, Mele Halatetefa Lehuanani Mataika, Vavalo ʻOfa ki Hawaii Puanani Mataika, Hulita Selafina Anela Mataika, and Malia Vea Isabella Mataika. Similati Mataika, married to Katalina Pohahau Mataika residing in Brisbane, Australia Their children are Penelope Mataika, Suliana Mataika, Aisake Mataika, Feao Mataika, Pua Mataika, Cinderella Mataika, and Emelita Mataika. Linda Ika Fidow, married to Nemaia Fidow, residing in New Zealand. Their children are Jedwin Fidow, O’Krayton Fidow, Franscine Fidow, and Delano Fidow. Services Funeral services will be held on January 24, 2026, at 4195 S 6000 W, West Valley City, Utah 84128. Viewing Service: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Bishop’s Service: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Following the Bishop’s Service, the burial will take place at Salt Lake City Cemetery, E 200 N, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103. After the burial, family and friends are invited to return to the same chapel at 4195 S 6000 W, West Valley City, Utah 84128 for a fellowship and luncheon. Vavalo Vanisi Mataika will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her strength and resilience as a mother, her generosity to others, and the deep love she had for her family and community

Vavalo Vanisi Mataika

September 5, 1947 - January 12, 2026