It was a momentous occasion at the Taule'ale'ausumai Sialofi's residence at Faletagaloa Safune on Tuesday afternoon.

It was the 80th birthday celebration for the queen of the family, Isa Pepealiki Leilua Sialofi, with family members travelling to Samoa from New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa and Germany to celebrate.

A church service was held by Reverend Vaueli Sanerivi, who congratulated the birthday girl on the milestone, and reminded everyone that not everyone lives up to 80 years of age.

“You are blessed and lucky. Therefore, we should rejoice and thank the Lord for He knows how long a person is expected to live on this earth,” he said.

Isa has eight children – seven girls and one boy. Her eldest daughter passed on in the beginning of the year, though her husband, the late Taule’ale’ausumai Leilua Sialofi died in 2003.

Isa’s daughter, Amata Tofaga Faranisisi, said her mother is still strong for someone her age and walks between villages. 

“For someone her age, she is still strong and can still walk from one village to another and can still weave fine mats like a 30-year-old person. Our mother is also strong mentally,” she said.  

“Her mind is still sharp and remembers everything as we celebrate her life and hard work over the years, this is also an opportunity for us to come together and praise the Lord for the years He has blessed our mother with.”

Isa has a gift of raising children, added Amata and she has raised a lot of children who are related to the family or are kids from the village. 

Her sense of humour, silly jokes and insults also appeals to everyone, though those who do not know her, can easily get offended. 

"If you don't know my mother very well, you will get angry easily because she likes insulting people and is always harsh with words. However, she is a loving person who cares for anyone despite where they come from. We are so fortunate and lucky to have her as our mother.”