“Honesty” and “love”. Those are the two words the late Tutuvale Leota Leulua’iali’i Liu lived by. In following in her footsteps, her children did just that by honouring her memory when they donated $3,000 cash to the Mapuifagalele home for the elderly. 

“This was in her will. She wanted to give to the elderly folks home,” said her son, Leota Leulua’iali’i of Solosolo. 

Mapuifagalele Home is where elderly folk are housed and cared for by the nuns. 

Leota told the Samoa Observer that prior to her passing, his mother had left behind instructions in her will. 

“She didn't want to be buried in a coffin. 

Our mother wanted to be wrapped in a siapo. 

This way the money allocated to purchase the coffin, was to be donated to Mapuifagalele. 

“She understood the pain that elderly people undergo on a daily basis and wanted to give a little to help for the care of these people,” he said. 

Tutuvale lived with her daughter Leulua’iali’i Simeauli Leota in Solosolo. 

“She was a deacon who served in the E.F.K.S. church in Solosolo for the last 30 years. 

“She was a devoted member of the church, loving and a very honest woman,” said her daughter, who was fighting back tears. 

Tutuvale passed away at the age of 87. 

Favorite Leota on behalf of Tutuvale’s children and grandchildren, handed over the $3,000 to Sister Maureen, who accepted the donation on behalf of Mapuifagalele. 

“Thanks for honouring your mother’s wish by following through with what she wanted you to do. 

“This is very touching, you could have easily avoided her wish, by still purchasing her coffin, but you decided to honour her memory. 

“All I can offer is our daily prayers for your family and thanks for such a heartfelt monetary donation,” said Sister Maureen. 

She further noted that in the many years of being a nun, this was her first time coming across anything like this. 

“Children honouring their parents’ wishes, this is very touching,” she said.