'Ilisapesi Ngatu he Honge Holaifa Vimahi

April 6, 1931 - February 22, 2017

‘Ilisapesi Ngatu he Honge Holaifa Vimahi, passed away at 85, peacefully early Wednesday morning, February 22, 2017 in her home, surrounded by her family in Salt Lake City, UT. ‘Ilisapesi was known to all as Ngatu, and was born on April 6, 1931 in Fakakai, Ha’apai, Tonga. She married and was sealed to her eternal companion, Tevita ‘Oto’ota Vimahi on November 14, 1968 in the La’ie, Hawai’i. They were blessed with two beautiful children: Burlingame Rose and ‘Ilaisaane Fa’atinga. Ngatu was an elementary school teacher in Ha’ano, Tonga. She later moved to Nuku’alofa, Tonga to work as a store clerk in order to send money to her parents back in Fakakai. She believed in providing a better life for her parents and siblings. When she moved her family to Utah, she continued to care for others by being a neighborhood matriarch through service, providing financial help, and a home for Tongan families in transition to Utah. Ngatu sacrificed so much to bring her family and others to a land full of opportunities. Ngatu was well known as a kind woman, loyal friend, and took pride in how well she loved and took care of her family. She is the eldest of her siblings, and took care of all of them after their parents passed. She was the only grandparent many of her nieces and nephews knew. Ngatu was a talented seamstress, and assured all children in her care were fed, clothed and loved. She loved gardening, and maintained a meticulous garden throughout her life. Ngatu shared life lessons she learned from her parents with many in her family of; work ethics, service, sacrifice, kindness and selflessness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Viliami Uipi and Mafi Seini Uipi; husband, Tevita ‘Oto’ota; children, Fele’ave Vimahi and Siosiua Uipi; siblings, Laukau Uipi, Fapiola Uipi, Selu Ika and Sione Uipi; and son-in-law, Tui Tavana Moimoi. She is survived by her children, Latu Vimahi (Vika), Fe’ao Talivakaola (Mele), Burlingame Moimoi, ‘Ilaisaane Lutui (Vaikalafi); grandchildren: Randy, Salesi, Ross, Pesi, Falemei, Mafi, Ezekiel, David, Elder Jordan Lutui, Logan, Heamasi, Holaifa, Elizabeth, and Hale; siblings: Lavinia Longo Sime (Mika), Ane Pasirio (Makalava), Kauiva’anga Nguatu’a (Kaulave), Salesi Taputafoki Uipi (‘Amelia), Filia Hetau Uipi (Uinise); and many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins, neighbors and friends. Viewing services will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Family services will be Monday, February 27, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at the Cannon Stake Center located at 934 W Fremont, Salt Lake City, UT. Burial services will be held at Redwood Memorial Estates on 6500 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. The Vimahi family appreciates the care of Ngatu’s transition with Rocky Mountain Hospice and Serenity Funeral Home under the direction of Peni Malohifo’ou. Please share memories and condolences at www.serenityfhs.com.