“She was a perfect gift from God. No one is perfect but from how we perceived her as a person, she was a shining star, a gift perfectly created by God” – Rev. Elder Tautiaga Senara
Aiono Suamamataia Dr. Fanaafi Le Tagaloa was the perfect “gift from God” for Samoa and the world.
That’s how the Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S), Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara, summed up her life yesterday.
Describing her as a “woman of honour,” Rev. Senara was at the service at Fasito’o-uta.
A former Member of Parliament and a pioneer in many areas, Aiono was accorded a state funeral in recognition of her service to Samoa.
Acting Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Sualauvi Va’aletoa II, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, Speaker of Parliament, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and who’s who of Samoa were present at the funeral. Born on 25 June 1932, Aiono passed away last week at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at Moto’otua.
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“She was a perfect gift from God,” said Rev. Senara. “No one is perfect but from how we perceived her as a person, she was a shining star, a gift perfectly created by God.”
Rev. Senara said Aiono achieved many things but he especially acknowledged Aiono’s contribution in setting up the first Indigenous
University in Samoa, Le Iunivesite o le Amosa o Savavau.
The Chairman of that University and the Chairman of the National Council of Churches, Deacon Leaupepe Kasiano paid tribute to a historian and a woman who made a difference in the lives of many.
Leaupepe reminded the crowd about Aiono’s slogan, which was something along the lines of if you want to be smart; you have to know yourself first.
He also stressed that Aiono was a strong believer in the Bible principle that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God.
“Aiono was a quiet chief,” he said, adding that she was intelligent and was well-versed with Samoa, the Samoan language and the culture.
Speaking on behalf of Aiono’s children, Taefusi Semisi Aiono Le Tagaloa remembered his mother as a woman of many talents.
“We were all the same to her,” he said. “She likes sewing our school uniforms and church clothes."
“Even when she was busy, at night she would sew our clothes and I would wake up in the morning having new church clothes.”
Her eldest son also spoke about his mother’s love of nature.
“She didn’t like it when we cut down trees,” he said. “She loves animals…whenever she finds a puppy on the road she would bring it home to care for it.”
Aiono was also remembered by her son as someone who insisted on teaching the Samoan language to her children.
Her husband, Le Tagaloa Dr. Pitapola Alailima said he first met his wife in May 1960. He recalled that he was asked to meet with female scholars from around the world and Aiono was one of them.
Le Tagaloa said when he made the decision to marry Aiono, “I went looking for the perfect ring”.
They got married in 1975, the same year when the title Le Tagaloa was bestowed upon Pitapola.
“Next year in June will be our 40th anniversary,” he said. “That will be the day when I will say goodbye to her.”
Le Tagaloa said he was taken to New Zealand earlier this year for an operation where Aiono was there to care for him.
“Now I’m still alive but she has left me.”
Prime Minister, Tuilaepa praised Aiono for her many achievements.
Tuilaepa said the former M.P had set many records and she became the first Samoan to hold a PhD from the University of London in 12th July, 1960.
“Fanaafi has proven the adage that the ladies row of thatch was complete (E au le inailau a Tamatai),” he said. “She was a pioneer in many areas and known for her role in leading gender balance.”
In 1985, Aiono was elected as the M.P for the Aana Alofi No.1 constituency.
A recent memory of Aiono, Tuilaepa said is the annual fund from the government for education worth $6million. He said he always tries to make her laugh and she rarely does.
“I would call out for Aiono to take the cheque for Amosa,” said Tuilaepa. “Later I would hear her murmuring something saying it’s not Amosa it’s Amosā.”
Yesterday, relatives wore red hibiscus to commemorate Aiono and her love for the flower. Aiono is known for always wearing a large red hibiscus sei wherever she went.
Her children, grandchildren and husband Le Tagaloa also sang a farewell song for her before she was laid to rest.
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