Moanarita Leausa

On April 12, 2024 our beautiful angel Moanarita Emren Tonumaipe’a Leausa, age 69, with her dear husband at her side, passed peacefully on to the next life to continue her mission of love and service.

She is survived by her loving husband Opapo Luama’a Talaimanu Leausa, honorary daughters Rachel Talaloa Pe’a Vaenuku (Efotikoula) and Jasmine Iaeli Vitolia Tonumaipe’a, and nine of her twelve siblings Suau’upai’a (Talaloa), Tafesilafa’i (Finau), Fa’aoso (Sivaovao), Upati (Sheila), Leutogitupaitea, Suau’upai’ia Jr, Taylor (Aloma), Tuitufu (June) and Kalosi (Loretta). 

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Marini, Seminare and Finesi.

Born to Kalosi Tuitufu Tonumaipe’a and Aipa’upa’u Matuauto Tonumaipe’a on February 7, 1955 in Vaiola, Savai’i, Western Samoa, Moana was always a cheerful, helpful and loving child who loved to play sports. She was extremely athletic and competitive in cricket, volleyball, softball and racquetball. She played on several teams within the Samoan and Intramural communities and spent her latter years cheering for all of her kids at their various sporting events. 

She attended Church College of Western Samoa (CCWS) and graduated in 1970. In 1973, she served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Apia Samoa Mission. 

In October 1978, she left Savaii, Western Samoa for the United States to Salt Lake City, UT where she loved and served her parents and siblings in caring for many of their children who affectionately refer to her as “Mom.” 

On April 15, 1995, Moana was married to her sweetheart Opapo Luama’a Talaimanu Leausa in Salt Lake City, UT.  On April 27, 1996 they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple.  

She was extremely talented as an expert seamstress both personally to friends and family who she sewed a countless number of special occasion dresses for and professionally with Beehive Clothing where she was employed for many years. Her creativity and artistry were undeniable and brought her much joy and fulfillment.  

Ever cheerful, humble and loving, Moana was devout in her faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, serving happily in many capacities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her selfless life of service is a standing testimony of her pure love of the Savior as she emulated Him in her unconditional love for others. The impact she had on all of our lives has been profound and her legacy solidified. We are deeply honored to have loved her and to have been loved by her in this life. 

Her services will be on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Memorial Murray Mortuary, 5850 S. 900 E. Murray. The Family & Friends Service will be at 11:00 AM followed by the Bishop’s Service at 2:00 PM. Burial service will conclude with interment Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan.