Utailepuao Finai-Ia

Utailepuao “Puao” Finai-Ia was born in American Samoa on March 14, 1952, to the late Safune Lemauga and Leaumau Lemauga.

Puao was raised and educated in American Samoa. Her family later relocated to Hawaii, where she continued her education at Leeward Community College, majoring in social work.

As a young adult Puao married the late Siasulu Finai and through this union was blessed with six children and two nephews they raised as their own.

In the late 80’s Puao met the love of her life Fa’ataumata “Tau” Ia and later became one in marriage. Tau lovingly stayed by her side until her passing.

Puao’s passion as a social worker and love for people lead her to becoming a foster mother to several children, house mother at group homes, and home attendant to individuals formally incarcerated and battling addiction. She also volunteered at the Community Clearinghouse for the homeless and less fortunate, and later became a full-time employee for 20 years. She was passionate as a humanitarian and it showed in her career path. Puao chose humanity over wealth. “And the King answered them, Truly I say to you, as you did it to the least of thes my brothers, you did it for Me.” Matthew 25:40

Puao had many gifts and was always busy. She could sew a matching outfit in less than a day. She was most affectionately known for her love of cooking. Puao baked the best breads, crackers, panikeke, pani popo, puligi, and so much more. Whatever the occasion you always knew where to find her “IN THE KITCHEN”. Someone could stop by to see her and the next thing you know, we’re having a full bbq with ten sides. Everyone was family and she loved to host. Her legacy and love of cooking was was passed down to her children (especially Marilyn). She was and always will be a strong Samoan Woman; tradition and culture was paramount. If Puao wasn’t moving you would likely find her sitting on her backyard drinking coffee, smoking her cigarette, and talking story (Faikakala). We will miss that the most; just being in her presence.

Puao was a loving mother to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; 77 in total.

Puao was preceded in death by 2 brothers Fa’amasofa Lemauga and Moua’ana Lemauga and 5 sisters Sa’eu Siliga, Sia’uva’afeoa’i LigoLigo Tagoilelagi, Lemalasia Tautava Ta’afuli, Pepe Lemauga Maulupe, and Aiafano Limala’u Mea’ole.

Utailepuao is survived by her husband Fa’amatau Ia; children Lemauga Sui Lemauga (Sa’olotonga), Tonise Pula, Tilomai Cosby(Derrick Sr), Leaumau Afalava(Vie), Fa’amasofa Finai(Candice), Rudi Aiono(Noelle), Vaifaga Finai(Donnell), Marilyn Puaatuua(Uiligi); her loving grandchildren Jesse, Alexander, Billy, Avion, Paunima’ati, Shanice, Dustyn, Lakisha(Dominique, Brittany(Jerome), Derrick Jr, Eric(Angelise), Heather, Vili, Raymond(Andrea), Viei, Vini, Utailepuao(Jacob), Vichie, Lennyx, Karemy(Wilson), Blaze, McKayla, Dakota, Jackson, Grady, Dallas(Maressa), Dominic(Leata), Danity, Dream; her loving great-grandchildren Duffy, Tusitala, Masela, Rose, Kim, Mathias, Matulino, Marcus, Asana, Apollo, Ryan, Noel, Jerome Jr, Kendrix, Manix, Kaleo, Ezra, Amara, Kaelani, Noah, Kingston, Alii, Rusty, Mac, Soteria, Penina; one brother HTC Fealofani Uimaitua Afemata; two sisters Mareta Lata, Katerina Tasiaeafe Fagasau; and a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many cousins and friends.