Matilda Pahulu

Matilda Pahulu, who played a mean bingo game and tended the beautiful "408" gardens in true bohemian style while her alter ego 'Matila' graced social occasions in high fashion, accepted an invitation to an everlasting event hosted by the Almighty Father on September 15th, 2017. Signatures on the card included her husband, Tevita (David) Pahulu, mom and dad, Talanoa and Pua Lavulo, siblings, Tau'ika Lavulo, Luseane "Nina" Kinahoi, Suliana "Pepe" Alipate, Malakai Lavulo, Samiu Lavulo, Matai Tini Lavulo, Lualala Lavulo, and grandson Siale (CJ) Pahulu. Matilda's life began in Nuku'alofa, Tonga on June 27th, 1931, where she attended Saint Andrews and showed early signs of a rebellious streak by swimming in the Pacific. Her minstrel nature led to the inevitable and she was spirited away by David Pahulu in 1952. They settled in Fiji where she raised their seven children, Philip (your name is Dan), Marilyn "Mele Nuia", Oliver "Cromwell", Charles "The Fijian Boy", Hepisipa Pua, Rachael "Lesieli" Sau and Aulola "The Baby" Aspasia. While maintaining her household she simultaneously established herself as the toast of Suva, and a behind the scenes master negotiator. In 1967 David was offered a 2-year scholarship at Leeds University in the UK – a solo deal. Matilda persuaded the British government to open up their purse strings so that she and their two youngest children could join him. A stopover in New York allowed her to spend time with her younger sisters, Mele "Papa" Rawley and Tupou "Ofa Lahi". While in the UK, she continued to play the gracious hostess, kept tabs on their three children who remained in Fiji, and acclimated herself to the freezing weather. She remembered her time in the UK fondly, but was happy to get back to life in Fiji where she continued to exercise her skills in deal making with officials from all levels. Visas, permits, acceptance to certain schools, invitations and opportunities were all secured at parties, church meetings, over tea and scones, and in the marketplace. Matilda did not make offers 'you' could not refuse, she maneuvered so that the offer she needed was initiated by 'you'. She took many young persons under her wing as they passed through Fiji, and is known to them collectively as 'little mother'. Matilda was one of the initial local members of the steering committee for Holy Trinity Anglican church where she sang in the choir, was a member of the lady's guild, organized church fetes and welcoming committees. She managed to get David into church by volunteering his services as "Mr. Fix It". His first challenge was to fix the church organ, which took a bite out of his summer holidays. As is the way with most marriages the result was a Zero Sum Game; he missed more than a few Sunday services but the organ got fixed! In 1977 David passed away suddenly and Matilda began phase three of her life. She bravely headed to the US and landed in the welcoming arms of her mother and family. She settled into '408', secured a job as a nurse's assistant and worked at San Mateo Convalescent hospital until she retired in 2006. She suffered a stroke in 2006 but made a full recovery, amazing her doctors and physical therapist. She enjoyed travelling back to 'the islands' and throughout the US, taking part in the joys of life with family and friends. As a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church Tongan congregation, she spent many happy Sundays singing in the choir and handing out candy to the children. Her days would include a walk around '408', tending the garden, Bingo with the 'sisters', visits to her brother Ha'ola Tosoni, talking to her children on her flip cell phone, and proudly sharing the latest pictures of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandchildren - David James, Damien Baisley, Derrick Broadhouse, Hepisipa Pua , Marlon Jermaine Malakai, Viliami Talolakepa Melekiseteki, Lee-Ana Matilda Ilaise, Caroline Tuipe Marilyn, Monica Utumeimoana, Matilda Aspesia , Celina Mae, Siale Oliver Phillip (CJ) Great Grandchildren – Sofia, Saviana, Rafael, Nathan, Loti-Ane, Amour, Jacob, Isaac, Xavier, Ras, Birdie Mae, Oliver, Ezra and Malakai Matilda was greeted with great joy in heaven but will be greatly missed by us all.