Valenitina Salote Vaivaka Vaa'ivaka

January 1, 1933 - October 30, 2018

Valenitina Salote Vaivaka (Vaa’ivaka), our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully at aged 85 on October 30, 2018 surrounded by family. Valenitina was born January 1st, 1933 in Pangai, Ha’apai, the daughter of Pita Vi and Sulieti Tu’i’ile’ila. She was named and raised by her special adopted parents, Siosaia and Losimani (Lose) Vea as Salote Katokakala Vea. Salote attended Queen Salote College and later married the love of her life Siosifa Meli Vaa’ivaka known by many as “Filimone” in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. A woman of faith and the heart of the Vaa’ivaka family, her passion and delight were her family and friends. She was a devoted wife and loving mother to her children. Although she was bed ridden while living in the United States, Salote looked forward to the various activities held at the Sandy Rehab Center. She loved playing Bingo and playing tricks on her roommates. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling and witty jokes will never be forgotten. Salote is survived by her children: Hulita (Sosefo) Tu’ungahala; Molitika (‘Atu) Vaa’ivaka; Sulia (Aleki) Taumoepeau; Sinipata (Donna) Vaa’ivaka, Liekina (Tevita) Vailea. Salote and her late husband adopted Palu (Mele) Vea-son of her late older sister ‘Ilaisaane Halaevalu Vea; Siutaisa (Peseti) Latu-daughter of Siosefina Matila Toutaiolepo the only living sister of Salote; Matangisinga Taufa who is the older sister of Milemoti (Hopoate) Folau; and her 43 grandchildren; and 42 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her biological and adopted parents; her loving husband of 43 years - Filimone, and by her eldest son Tevita Vaa’ivaka. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for our dear mother/grandmother at the Sandy Health & Rehab Center and our greatest and warmest gratitude to those who often visited her. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at 11:00am at Salt Lake Utah South Stake (Tongan), 5025 West 4865 South, Kearns, UT 84118. A viewing will be held before the funeral service from 8:00am-10:30pm at the Stake Center. Burial will be in the Valley View Memorial Park located at 4335 W. 4100 S., West Valley City, UT 84120.