Vaitaa'a Taunese Fesola'i-Tofa

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vaitaa'a Taunese Fesola'i-Tofa, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, educator, and friend, who departed from this world on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 9:15 pm in Saint George, Utah. She was 88 years old, having been born on August 20, 1936, in Apia, Samoa, to her cherished parents, Alesi Fesola'i and Tofa Sauaso.

Vaitaa'a, lovingly known as "Sister Tofa," was raised in the vibrant culture of Samoa, where her love for teaching blossomed. She pursued her education passionately, earning teaching credentials that allowed her to inspire countless students throughout her career. In 1992, she relocated to the United States, becoming a proud U.S. citizen on March 21, 2012. Her dedication to education and her community reflected her unwavering commitment to service, a role she cherished deeply.

Vaitaa'a was a remarkable individual, known for being trustworthy, hard-working, and relentless in her pursuits. Vaitaa'a is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had an unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2007 in her homeland of Apia, Samoa.  She impacted the lives of many before health concerns led  her to an honorable release. Her legacy as a teacher, leader, and devoted daughter of God remains imprinted in the hearts of all who knew her. It was her faith in the gospel that inspired her family and made them so strong.

In addition to her professional achievements, Vaitaa'a reveled in life's simple pleasures. She cherished long walks, tending to her garden, reading scriptures, and watching Lakers games with loved ones. Her kindness, generosity, and loyalty were evident in every facet of her life, especially in her role as a mother and grandmother. Family was everything to her. Her greatest treasure and blessing in life is her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Mandy Tofa-Semeatu, three sons, Alema Aiono, Paina Aiono, and Michael Ifopo, three beloved sisters, three brothers, twenty-five grandchildren, and thirty-one great-grandchildren.

Vaitaa'a was preceded in death by her adopted parents, her biological parents, a sister, and three brothers. Her family's love and the memories they shared will forever honor her profound impact on their lives.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, UT 84770. In honoring her remarkable life, a family service will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 pm. This will be followed by a Bishop service on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9 am. Both services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,  located 1184 N Dixie Down Rd, St. George, UT 84770. Interment will follow at the Tonaquint Cemetery.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hubbard, Brittney, Kelly, and all the dedicated staff at St. George Clinic/Revere Health, IHC Homecare, and Five County who compassionately cared for Vaitaa'a throughout the years. Your kindness has been a source of comfort to our family, and you are treasured for your unwavering support.

As we gather to remember and celebrate the beautiful life of Vaitaa'a, we invite all who knew her to join in honoring her legacy of love, faith, and service. She will be missed profoundly but will live on in our hearts forever. Condolences and Memories can be shared with the family online at www.spilsburymortuary.com