Princess ‘Elisiva Fusipala Tauki’onetuku Tuku’aho Vaha’i, first cousin of His Majesty King Tupou VI, passed away 2 October 2014 in San Francisco, California, USA.
Princess Fusipala was born 12 June 1949, the second of six children to the late Prince Fatafehi Tu’ipelehake and Princess Melenaite Tupoumoheofo. She was married to the late Hahano ‘i Mala’e Kula ‘a Ngu Vaha’i, a member of the Tongan nobility. They are survived by four children.
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In 1989 Princess Fusipala joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and her husband received copies of The Bible, The Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture as a wedding gift from then Church mission president in Tonga, Elder John H. Groberg.
The funeral service for Princess Fusipala was held Sunday 12 October at a Latter-day Saint chapel in Havelulotu, Tonga. Speakers at the service included Latter-day Saint mission president, Leitoni Tupou; temple president, Samisoni Uasila’a; and other Church leaders, Elder Aisake K. Tukuafu and Elder O. Vincent Haleck.
Elder Haleck, First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told those attending the funeral service that being a follower of Christ meant that “we should lighten each other’s burdens, and mourn with those who mourn.”
Elder Haleck expressed love and gratitude to the Royal Family and all of Princess Fusipala’s friends and fellow Tongans who were grieving her passing. He recognised Princess Fusipala’s many years of faithful service to her family, fellow Latter-day Saints and to many others.
He encouraged all to live, love and lead with compassion and wisdom, urging those of all denominations and positions to work together to strengthen the people, especially the poor and needy.
Howard Niu, Latter-day Saint Service Centre Manager in Tonga, said, “This was one of the most spiritual and inspiring funeral services I have ever attended.”
Photo credit: Sione Folau Langi.