La’eimau Oketevi Tanuvasa-Savea

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of La’eimau Oketevi Tanuvasa-Savea on May 25, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on June 13, 1940, in the charming village of Vailele, American Samoa, La’eimau was a beacon of love and wisdom to all who knew her. She left this world quietly in her sleep, surrounded by the warmth of her cherished memories and the love she so generously gave throughout her life. La’eimau was the beloved daughter of Matavai Oketevi Alailefaleula and Tafa’ifa Olo Alailefaleula. She is predeceased by her siblings, Gafatasi Asuemu Ulufale Fuimaono Alailefaleula, Sae’uteuga Le’au Scanlan-Alailefaleula, and Va’asilifiti Moelagi Reid-Alailefaleula, who undoubtedly welcomed her with open arms into the next life. She was also preceded in death by her devoted husband, Tusitala Tuisosopoa Mariota Tanuvasa-Savea, whom she married in a beautiful ceremony in 1965 on the island of Upolu, Apia, American Samoa. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family, migrating to America where they nurtured and grew their legacy. La’eimau’s life was a testament to resilience and dedication. She earned her associate degree in marine biology from the University of Vailele, a field she was immensely passionate about. Her career as a scientist was marked by a commitment to understanding and preserving the ocean's wonders until her retirement in 2020, when the world faced the challenges of a pandemic. A woman of deep faith, La’eimau was an active member of The First Samoan Congregational Baptist Church of San Diego since 1973. Her contributions to the church community were invaluable, and her faith was a source of strength for her family and friends. La’eimau’s heart was most full when she was surrounded by her family. She is survived by her nine children: Iakopo Jacob Tanuvasa-Savea, Tusitala Mariota Tanuvasa-Savea Jr., Olaivavega Ioane Fau Tanuvasa-Savea, Mafui’e Tusitala Tanuvasa-Savea, Viliamu William Enele Tanuvasa-Savea, Iosefa “Sefa” Joseph Tanuvasa-Savea, Eseta Kolengi Fuamao, (Charles), Malia Mafui’e Tautele (Rusty), and Masina Leta’itoagafiafiasamoa Tanuvasa-Savea. Her legacy continues to flourish through her 32 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren, each a testament to her love and nurturing spirit. La’eimau had a zest for life and a love for her Samoan heritage, which she expressed through her creativity and culinary talents. She looked forward to the annual Pacific Islander Festivals, where she delighted in crafting her own Samoan outfits and preparing traditional foods for local and family gatherings. Her vibrant spirit and cultural pride were woven into the fabric of her family's traditions. As we celebrate La’eimau’s life, we remember her as a matriarch whose love knew no bounds, a friend who always listened, and a woman whose grace and strength left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were privileged to know her. Services to honor La’eimau’s life will be held at The First Samoan Congregational Baptist Church of San Diego. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to organizations dedicated to marine conservation, a cause dear to her heart. Rest in peace, dear La’eimau. Your love and light will continue to guide us until we meet again.