Senine (Jenine) Lui Filipe

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Senine Lui Filipe on September 7, 2024. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Born on January 24, 1953, in Fua’amotu, Tongatapu, Tonga Islands, to parents Tomasi Lihai Lui and Velenisia Pole Tu’uhoko, she was the third of seven children. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attended Liahona High School where she graduated from, she continued to pursue her education in the United States, establishing herself in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1972 where she attended the LDS Business College. 

In 1973, she married Filisi (Phil) Filipe, from Ha’alaufuli, Vava’u Tonga, who was attending the same school. She was employed by the State of Utah DMV and State Tax Commission, eventually retiring. After some time, she decided to come out of retirement and work for America West Airlines (now United Airlines), where she took an early retirement due to developing symptoms of early-onset dementia. 

Such a kind, devoted, and loving person who had strong faith in the savior and enjoyed serving in the church. Her family's values were crucial in the decisions and choices she made. It enabled her to have strong work ethics. It also empowered her to assist her parents and extended family members to migrate to the U.S. In turn, it was the driving force that literally gave her the strength to also raise a family of her own. Cultural traditions and understanding family heritage were crucial for maintaining a sense of ancestral identity and lineage. After enduring 12 years of dementia, she is now free from physical pain and suffering and is happily reunited with our savior Jesus Christ and her loved ones. Though it’s a sorrowful goodbye, it is a bittersweet farewell with comfort knowing that heaven has gained another angel to watch over her family and loved ones. 

She is preceded in death by her father, Tomasi Lihai Lui, mother Valenisia Pole Tu’uhoko. Also preceded in death by her sister, Elisapesi Mele Battisti (Dave Battisti – SLC, UT), brother, Ma’ake Lui (‘Ofa he Nongi Washington), nephew, Jason Norman Harris (Falakesi Ila SLC, UT), son-in-law and grandson, Vili and Solomone Ngata (Anchalee Filipe SLC, UT), and Aunt Pisinsi Hopate (LA, CA). 

Survived by her husband, Filisi Mohulamu Filipe, and children: son Danny Filipe (SLC, UT), daughter Daysha (Herriman, UT), son Braxton Keanu and granddaughter Kingsley Everett (Taylorsville, UT); son Tomasi Lihai (Melinda Fakatou) and children Jaden, Heleine, Ammon, Tomasi Jr., Tiana, and Kingston (Taylorsville, UT);  son Douglas William (Andrea Truman) and children Traiden, Rylan, Jaylend, Jamison, and Saviana (St. George, UT);  Son Ryan Mark (Tilila Tenifa), children Karter, Senine, Eliza Keikilani, and Rian—(Taylorsville, UT); son Michael James (Laite Lotulelei), children Filisi, Maikolo, Lowell, and Lotulelei (South Jordan, UT); daughter Anchalee Tupou-Seini (Vili Ngata—deceased), children Brooklyn, Solomone (deceased), Meliame, Haloti, and Sitiveni. (South Jordan, UT). She is also survived by her sister Tupou (Legrand Wolfgram)—SLC, UT. Sister, Siosiana Finau (Nafitalai Kioa)—Alexandria, VA. Sister, Mokomoko I Navu (Sefita Fanaika)—Pleasant Grove, UT. Brother Manu Lutui (Litia Vaitaki)—Kearns, UT. Including over 100 nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who have loved her very much. 

Senine has definitely left a legacy and a space etched in each of our hearts. Her memories will forever be immortalized and talked about for years to come. A beautiful, powerful woman who leaves us in a better place where she can spread her wings and fly high among the other angels. May God bless her and may she rest in peace until we meet again. 

We love you. 

 Services are as follows: 

Saturday, 9/14: Nofoaki putu – 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

Filipe residence – 4600 S Driftwood Dr. 

Sunday, 9/15: Apo – 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: Taylorsville Stake Center – 1250 West Atherton Drive 

 Monday, 9/16: Family program – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Taylorsville Stake Center – 1250 West Atherton Drive 

Bishops program – 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Taylorsville Stake Center – 1250 West Atherton Drive 

Burial – 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Redwood Memorial – 6500 S Redwood Rd 

Celebration of life – 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Taylorsville Stake Center – 1250 West Atherton Drive