Mele Manu Obituary (1928 - 2023)

Mele Tu’ipulotu Manu peacefully returned to the Lord on Friday, March 3, 2023, at home, surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with Thyroid Cancer. She was born to Sione Leaivaha Manu of Vaini, Tongatapu, and ‘Elisiva Longo Taufa of Malapo, Tongatapu, on September 20th, 1928, in the village of Vaini, Tongatapu. She completed her education at Government Primary School (GPS) Vaini, Beaulah Adventist College, and Queen Salote College. Mele Tu’ipulotu had a passion for education and was an educator at GPS Vaini from 1949-1950 before transferring to GPS Tatakamotonga from 1950-1954. In 1950, Mele Tu’ipulotu married Sanalio Pau ‘Uhatafe of Lapaha, Tongatapu. Together they had seven children. In chronological order, their children are ‘Evelini Liti (Vaka’uta), Supileo Ma’uhau ‘Uhatafe (Lavinia), ‘Amelia ‘Ahofolau Havea (Sione Leka), ‘Aulili’i Lavekihelotu (Taniela), Lihau ‘Uhatafe (Pauline), Tamavua Pau ‘Uhatafe (Malia), and Falakiko Ma’ukava-’i-Lotomu’a ‘Uhatafe. Sanalio Pau passed away in 1964 in Lapaha, Tongatapu. Mele Tu’ipulotu then had two daughters with the late Mosese Simote Vea of Ha’ano, Ha’apai. They are Manufualu Suliafu (Fatafehi), and Loren Tonga (‘Aholoka). In search of a better life, her older children slowly began migrating to Salt Lake City, UT. As a result, she moved to New Zealand in order to give her younger children access to a better education in 1985. By 1989, she and all her children were reunited in Salt Lake City. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and was extremely grateful to have such a blessed life. Her key achievements were her beautiful family. She has 35 Grandchildren, 57 Great-grandchildren, and 1 Great-great-grandchild. Mele Tu’ipulotu is survived by her children, Supileo Ma’uhau, ‘Amelia ‘Ahofolau, ‘Aulili’i, Manufualu, and Loren; her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband, Sanalio Pau ‘Uhatafe; her parents, Sione Leaivaha Manu and ‘Elisiva Longo Taufa; her children, ‘Evelini, Lihau, Tamavua Pau, and Falakiko Ma’ukava-‘i-Lotomu’a; her grandchildren, Fred Michael Liti, and Rodney ‘Amato Liti; and her siblings ‘Aholangamaka Vaka, Lafumoa Hala, Manu ‘Ofahiki Manu, ‘Emalata Lasike, Losaline Tukuange Ngauamo, Kotisi Manu, Mele Maluhola Hopoi, Tevita Sili, Mosese Senituli Manu, and ‘Osaiasi ‘Avoka Manu. Prayer services will begin at her home on March 17-18, 2023, at 4 pm. A viewing will begin at 6 pm on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1058 W., 400 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Mass will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at St. Patrick’s beginning at 11 am. Burial services will be held at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery 275 U St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103, by 12:45 pm.