Remembering those we lost in 2023

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — While death is often referred to as part of the natural order of our lives, it is not an easy thing to accept, especially by family members and friends, whether the departed were public figures or loved members of your family. Each loss is keenly felt and mourned, with the hope that time will heal the wound, and the void filled with good memories.

Here are some of the public figures and loved-ones lost in 2023.

 A friend, mentor, coach, and partner to many in American Samoa, Tauiliili Howard F. Helg passed away Monday, January 23, 2023, at the age of 70, with many members of his family by his side, after a short battle with Cancer.

Western District Governor Fuamatu Joseph Vito Fuamatu passed away in early March 2023. Fuamatu was originally appointed to the Western District Governor position in 2017 by then-Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga.

A retired veteran, Fuamatu also served as Senator for the Alataua County and he further worked for the Office of Samoan Affairs.

One of Tonga's most celebrated royals, the late Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu, has been laid to rest in Nuku'alofa. The coffin of the late Princess was lowered in the royal tombs of Mala'ekula near the Royal Palace of Tonga on Saturday morning, June 3.

Former Senator Gaea Pelefoti Faulautusi also passed away in June.  He served one four-year term in office for Tualauta and he is also a former ASG Treasurer. He is the father of First Lady, Ella Failautusi Mauga.

Faipule Alumamalu Ale Filoali’i, who passed way on June 18, 2023 was first elected to the House of the Representatives for the Tau, Manu’a (District No.1) in 2020 and was sworn into the 37th Legislature. He was reelected for a second term in the 38th Legislature where he served with great distinction until his untimely passing.

Senator Tauiliili Paopao Lauifi passed away on July 9, 2023 in Hawaii. Tauiliili served and worked in many capacities as an advocate for the people of American Samoa and most especially his village of Fitiuta.

Recognized as a “survivor” by the local cancer community, Mrs. Tanielu Utumapu passed away on July 4, 2023 (American Samoa Time) in Apia, Samoa (on July 5 -Samoa Time) after her less than 2-year cancer battle that saw her seeking treatment in Alaska, Apia and New Zealand. She is remembered by her one and only daughter, Uni Daniels as a great educator, God-fearing woman and a loving mother.

Jeanette Tausisi’i Shimasaki Tuāua who passed away Monday evening, August 21, 2023 in American Samoa, was the first woman to graduate from the police academy and for many years, was the only woman to reach a high ranking position in law enforcement, until Pou Tuaolo Supapo was appointed Chief of Police in 2021. 

Public Defender, Independent Prosecutor, and long-time attorney, David Vargas passed away on September 12, 2023 at the age of 77. 

Like every professional journalist, Fili Sagapolutele never wanted to be the story. Sadly that is not the case as our colleague and mentor-to-many passed away in early November.  Her byline didn’t just appear on Samoa News.  Fili was also a correspondent for Associated Press and her name appeared in national news outlets and the foreign press via the AP. She was also wrote for Radio New Zealand.

In a remembrance, Monica Miller told how Fili was also a very talented broadcaster, and those who followed her Faleoo stories on KSBS would attest to Fili making them laugh with her funny tales. And she would be the calming and informative voice for endless hours while we were awaiting a hurricane. 

She was also the life of the party with a wicked sense of humor, as those who knew her well will remember. 

Thirty-four year old Suatipatia Iosefa Su’a was last seen alive on December 13 and the family asked for help from the US Coast Guard to help find clues as to what happened to their son. The marine search for the Petesa resident began Thursday morning, Dec. 14 in the waters off Vaitogi.

And finally, HC Afoa Moega Lutu who served as senator, faipule, private attorney, and directed a review of the American Samoa constitution passed away Friday, December 15, in Loma Linda, California. He was 76.

Samoa News conveys its condolences to the families of all those who suffered a loved one passing on in 2023. May the Heavenly Father bring comfort to all those who lost loved ones, knowing that faith guides each of our lives within God’s grace.