Manu'A Peau Gaoteote

Manu'a Peau Gaoteote was our fearless woman of God. Manu'a was a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Auntie, Sister, and Friend. Our Mom was a very humble, very peaceful, very giving woman. Our beloved mother touched many lives near and far. Our mother taught us to always put God first in all that we do, live in harmony with one another, love family always, and be forgiving no matter what. Our precious Mom was the epitome of what true love looks like on earth. She was our true blessing from God.

Our mother is married to High Chief Gaoteote Tapatonu from the village of Vatia, American Samoa. The love that our parents shared is one to be envied. They were devoted to each other and were inseparable. The basis and foundation of their relationship was in their love and faith in God. They were born and raised to serve our Lord and continued to serve our Lord God everywhere they went. They raised their children to do the same. God has always been the forefront of our family and He continues to be, due to the teachings of our parents. Our Mother found peace and spiritual strength as a devoted member of the Vatia Methodist Church, her faith in God guiding her throughout her life and providing her with the fortitude and grace she so generously shared with us.

Our Beautiful Mother was born in Fagasa, American Samoa to Peau Sai of Ofu Manu'a and Mautumua Atuatasi of Fagasa and Saluafata. She was raised by her maternal Aunt Sina, whom she refers to as her Mom, in Saluafata and Fagasa. She started her entrepreneurship in Fagali'i where she started a fruit/food stand under a mango tree in Fagali'i, Samoa. She continued her knowledge of entrepreneurship in Pago Pago, Ofu, and Vatia in various times of her adult life.

Our mother had many passions, but she especially loved playing bingo and card games like suipi and lami, often surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Manu'a embodied humility, love, and forgiveness, qualities that made her the extraordinary woman and mother we will always remember. Her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering faith are the foundation of our family, and her love is the glue that holds us together.

On June 30, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona, she peacefully passed away, leaving behind a family heartbroken by her loss, yet deeply grateful for her love and legacy. She is survived by her loving husband, High Chief Gaoteote Tapatonu, her eleven children, twenty-three grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and ten brothers & sisters .

Manu'a is preceded in death by her parents, Peau Sai and Mautumua Atuatasi, her sister Fenumia'i Ofoia, and son Ma’alo Peau. Her absence leaves a void in our hearts, but her spirit and the lessons she imparted will remain with us forever.

In honoring her memory, we, her children, pledge to carry forward the legacy of love, faith, and enduring family bonds she bestowed upon us. Though we are heartbroken by her passing, we find solace in the knowledge that her love will continue to inspire us and the generations to come. We will always love and miss you, Mom.

A Celebration of Manu'a will take place from 8:00AM to 2:00PM, Friday, August 30, 2024 at Trinity Life Church, 1930 S. Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Arizona 85711.

Burial following the service at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Rd, Tucson, Arizona, 85712.