Fapuiaki Lavaka

Fapuiaki Mapu Ha’ano Tauteoli Lavaka, age 79, died on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 in West Valley City, Utah. She was born on April 9, 1941 in Ha’ateiho, Tonga to Paluvalevale Muli ki Eua Tevita Tauteoli & Ana Folau Tu’uhetaufa

She married Tevita Taufa’ati Lavaka on April 8, 1965 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga and sealed for time and all eternity on December 21, 1972 in the Hawaii Temple.

She graduated from Liahona church school in Tonga, and after graduation she became a teacher in that school. After marrying, Fapuaiki and her 4 kids travelled to American Samoa and met up with her husband. They lived in American Samoa for 5 years and had 2 more children, after which they moved to Honolulu and stayed in Hawaii another 5 years and added 3 more children to the family. Later they moved to California and they settled in West Valley City and had their last child here. She served as a primary teacher in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for many years. She loved to serve, do her visiting teaching and taught her children the value of service and work. She loved to go to church dances and visit all her relatives. She was always giving to her family and loved to eat out at King Buffet. She is one of a kind and loved to have new dresses made for her.

She is survived by her 10 children: Amanaki Siuhengalu, Mele Maureen Tonata (Viliami), Gustaf Lehua, Larry T., Tevita Tuipulotu (Danielle), Joceleen Lavaka, Rosella Vehikite (Edward), Stephanie Finau (Tevita), Sela Vailaihi (Sione), TapukiteaSiuhengalu Fonoti (Moemoe). She has 47 grandkids and 35 great grandkids.

Survived by siblings Mele Latai Faleaka Kinikini, Vaea Tangitau Tauteoli, Sione Pale Tauteoli, Patiola Tu’itamala Taufa, Ofa Kipulotu Taiese, Fifita Kongaloto Tauteoli and Vaoahi Fonua.

She is preceded in death by her husband Tevita Taufa’ati Lavaka (1997).

Grandchildren: Mosese Davidson (2019), Angel Fonoti (2013), Folaua Fisiiahi (1991).

Siblings: Paluvalevale Tevita Pouli ki Eua Tauteoli, Lisiate Tauatevalu Fine Punouloi Tauteoli, Tevita Elika, Teu Felepule Tauteoli, Pilikihami Iongi Tauteoli, Uina Tuasivivalu Fonua, and Moungaloa.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2020 from 9:00 – 10:00 AM with a family service 10:00 – 11:00 AM at 4660 West 5015 South, Kearns, UT, 84118. The bishop service will then follow. Interment to take place at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123.

In compliance with Governor Herbert’s mandate on facial coverings, face masks are required at all services. Social distancing will be enforced.