Tuli’aki’ono Tungi’afo’ou “Aki” Helu Ngalo’afe Fakatoumafi

Tuli’aki’ono Tungi’afo’ou “Aki” Helu Ngalo’afe Fakatoumafi, a cherished soul who brought light and warmth to all who knew her, departed this world on August 29, 2026. Born on September 24, 1951, in the serene island of Vava’u, Tonga, Aki lived a life rich with love, dedication, and grace. Aki was the beloved daughter of Fiefia and Ma’afu Fakatoumafi, both of whom predeceased her. She was a sister to Fusitu’a Ma’u, Ta’ofeina Taufa, Penitoa Lisike, and Siaosi Ha’umea Fakatoumafi. Her family extended to her siblings Fotu’a Lolomau, Tuifu’a Makapa Fakatoumafi, Teleisa Mahina Fehoko, and Sihona Matapule, who survive her today. In her personal life, Aki was a devoted mother to her children: Loeni Akamai, Tuifua Fakatoumafi, Seinia “Nia” Williams, and Fahepaepaelangi Ngalo’afe Penitoa Fakatoumafi. She is also survived by her children Tevita Ta’ani “Baby T” Fakatoumafi, Sione Tu’afeiloaki Fakatoumafi, Sesimani Tuala, Fiefia ‘Ofeina Fakatoumafi, and Walter Taufa Fakatoumafi. Her legacy continues through her 34 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Aki’s heart found its lifelong companion in Nikolai Tangilike, whom she married on December 15, 1978, in Vava’u. Their union was a testament to enduring love until Nikolai’s passing in 2018. Aki pursued her education with zeal, graduating from Vava’u High School in 1967 and then from Mailefihi and Siu’ilikitapu College in 1972. Her career as a San Diego Airport Attendant was marked by diligence and a warm-hearted approach. After retirement, she dedicated herself to her family, becoming a cherished presence in her daughter’s household. A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Clairemont, Aki was deeply embedded in the Tongan community. Her hands crafted beautiful traditional Tongan kahoa heilala’s, kahoa fa’s, and kahoa papai falahoa’s, which she lovingly created for special occasions. Aki’s life was a tapestry of kindness and patience. Her philosophy was rooted in her belief that kindness needs no wealth, only a sincere heart. Her words, “Ko e ‘ofa, ‘oku ‘ikai ke fie ma’u ha koloa-ka ko e lotu totonu,” remain etched in the hearts of those she touched. A service to honor Aki’s life will be held on October 25, 2026, at 7:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church St. Marks, located at 3502 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Aki, as she succumbed to heart complications. The Fakatoumafi family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have joined them in grieving and celebrating Aki’s remarkable life. As she often said, “ke malolo inasi hono laumalie ‘o tatau mo e nonga ‘ae ‘Otua,” meaning her soul will rest in peace with God, as should ours. Thank you, Aki. OFA LAHI ATU-FAKATOUMAFI FAMILI.