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Vinisia Hefa Obituary
There has been no official statement from the Tongan government, but the San Mateo County Coroner's office confirmed that two members of the Tongan royal family were killed in the crash. Coroner Robert Foucrault told the Mercury News the victims were believed to include Prince Tu'ipelehake, a nephew to the Tongan king, and the prince's wife, Kaimana Fielakepa.
The California Highway Patrol identified the third victim as Vinisia Hefa of East Palo Alto, 36. Officials close to the investigation indicated she was driving the royal couple, who were visiting the Bay Area.
Even before the news became official, word of the deaths spread throughout the Tongan community at home and abroad.
``It's a sad day for Tonga,'' said Mary Fonua, co-editor of the Tonga-based magazine Matangi.
She said the prince was in the United States talking to native Tongans about democratic reform. Tu'ipelehaka reportedly chaired a national committee on political reform that sought to expand voting rights on the South Pacific island.
The royal couple apparently died after their 1998 red Ford Explorer was sideswiped by a speeding white Mustang on Highway 101 just north of Willow Road around 9 p.m. Wednesday night.
Edith Delgado, 18, of Redwood City, was allegedly racing her 1998 Mustang against a black Cadillac Escalade at speeds up to 100 mph when the CHP says she hit the Ford Explorer in which the royal couple were riding.
The collision sent the Explorer over several lanes, CHP spokesman Ricky Franklin said, as the driver tried to regain control.
The SUV flipped multiple times before coming to rest on its roof on the highway shoulder.
All three people in the SUV were wearing their seat belts.
The accident, which closed Highway 101 for two hours, is still under investigation.
CHP officials are still looking for more information about the black Escalade, which they believe exited to Marsh Road.
Anyone with information is asked to call the CHP at (650) 369-6261.
Memories and Condolences
for Vinisia Hefa
241 Entries
allyssa smith
October 17, 2011
may your family and all stay strong and never give it up they will always be with you in spirit may GOD be with you
Elisepa Tuipulotu
September 17, 2011
Although it's been a while my thought and prayers goes out to you all.Vinisia had always been like a big sister to me and for that I thank her.I will never forget you.Rest in peace.
'Ofa Afimeimo'unga-Fifita
August 4, 2010
Vinisia,
Though its been ages, but the memories of you remains with us, you were my role model n someone to look up to in our village, my heart and prayers goes out to you. Toka a ta'ahine Vinisia 'i he nonga 'a hotau 'Eiki huhu'i...
Laura Brown
January 3, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. My daughter teaches in Korea and I was just there visiting and met Aisea. He told my husband and me all about Vinisia. May the Lord watch over you and give you strength each day.
Blessings Always,
Laura Brown
Arthur Keith Vaka
October 6, 2006
Vinisia,
I can recall running into you at church as if it was yesterday, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time of grief. My condolences and prayers.
Karyn Lavinia Lamipeti
October 5, 2006
May our hearts and soul to be with You in Heaven.Vinisia our condolence with all our families to be with you and rest in Peace our Home of Eternity.....
Mei he 'api ko Esi o Napouono Waitakere
Sia Matanga
October 5, 2006
Dreast Vinisia Hefa,
You wil always be in our hearts forever.
Nuku, Heu-'I-Falelilo, 'Ana Tenisi, Langi Felemea & Marymana Jr Penisoni
August 20, 2006
Dearest Vinisia we'll never forget your smiling faces, may you rest in peace! Love u from your uncle and cousins.
hiraina mapa
August 5, 2006
our deepest condolences..
mapa family
August 3, 2006
our prayer are with you and your family, rest in peace. 'ofa atu mafi family.
Christine Gailey
July 24, 2006
Vinisia Hefa's spirit is now shining down upon her loving family. I extend my sincere sympathy to her kin in this sorrowful time: she will live on in our commitments to support and love one another and to practice faka-Tonga wherever we live.
Liku Kioa
July 23, 2006
Our condolences goes to the Hefa Family. May the Hands of the Almighty rest upon you at this difficult time. Especially to our dear sister and friend Ane, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vinisia may you rest in peace. With much love.
Lesieli Ilafehi Siasau and Panua 'o Liku Teu-ki-Hakautapu Kioa
AULOLA OTUAFI
July 18, 2006
My dear friend vinisia hefa,through the years god has brought us this far,with the memory of the good things that we share since we bacame friend.i could not forget the time that we use to laught,go to the dance, sleep over at your house and all the best thing we share its a memory to me and my little family,its been 19 years i havent heard from you it just because i move here to sydney australia and starting new are family and i just find out that you live this life for good.but theres always a plce in my heart for you and your family.may god be with you till meet again you may rest in peace
LOVE AULOLA OTUAFI
Don
July 17, 2006
Oh how lucky the Heavens are to have you among the blessed souls. May God bless and keep you in his comfort. May the bright light of his love accompany you on your journey back to Tonga. Everlasting life!
Watson, Christian & Marie Filimoehala
July 16, 2006
Our thought's and prayer's go out to Ms Vinisia Hefa and also her family at this time of mourning.
Lolomana'ia Kefu
July 16, 2006
Vinisia,
I've only met you a couple of times, once when I was with mutual friends at your church in RWC. You treated me like no stranger and I felt welcomed. With great sympathy I would like to thank you for that. 'Ofa lahi atu to your family in this time of sorrow. Until then...
VICTORIA FAKALATA
July 16, 2006
MY DEAREST VINISIA,
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS, AS I THINK OF YOU DAY AND NIGHT. ALL THE GOOD TIMES THAT WE HAD. I HOPE YOURE LOOKING DOWN AT ME RIGHT NOW. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH VINI, PLEASE NEVER FORGET THAT, AND NEVER FORGET ABOUT ME.
YOUR IN MY HEART AND MANY OTHERS
R.I.P PRINCESS OF TAPANEKALE
LOVE YOU
SILA TANIELA
July 16, 2006
TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO MEN...GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO HIS KINGDOM.MAY YOU REST IN PEACE FOR THE GOOD WORK YOU HAVE DONE.OUR YOUTH MISS YOU AND FRIENDS FROM PIKIPEAVELA AND HALAMANOKOVIMOMOHO..HAVELU TOKELAU
Ringo J Wilson
July 15, 2006
I feel your loss and grief as you mourn a wonderful person that was filled with love and compassion. Nothing can ever prepare us for this kind of situation. May God bless you and your family as they find closure in relatives and friends.
From your small Tongan population in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Ofa Lahi atu,
Amelia Foalumoetui
July 15, 2006
Vinisia, may you rest in peace. I have not met you but I share the sadness and sorrow of losing someone like you with your family and friends. Malo fai fatongia.
Richard, Ofa, Makeleta & Maata Lovo
July 14, 2006
We haven't met you, but we have read about your kindness and your caring, which has touched so many people.May the comfort of God be with your love ones during these difficult times. Rest in peace.
Paula & Layleen Fotu
July 14, 2006
Our heartfelt sympathy and best wishes to Vinisia's family and loved ones. We pray that God Almighty comfort you all at this time of grief, and let faith guide you through this difficult time.
'Ofa lahi atu,
Layleen Fotu
July 14, 2006
Our heartfelt sympathy and best wishes to Vinisia's family and loved ones. We pray that God Almighty comfort you all at this time of grief, and let faith guide you through this difficult time.
'Ofa lahi atu,
Paula & Layleen Fotu
Sacramento, CA.
Letta Seiuli
July 14, 2006
May you rest in peace, May God bless your family & friends in this time of sorrow...
'asipeli ula paipa
July 14, 2006
it was nice to know you vinisia.
my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
rest in peace & 'ofa atu.
Evelyn Winnegar
July 14, 2006
We have never met you, but have read about your great accomplishments and the love that so many have for you. May each member of your family and each one of your beloved friends find comfort in knowing that so many of us share your grief during this dark time. May the splendor of your lovely being keep the memories of your loved ones always with them until you meet again.
Mataele Siasau
July 13, 2006
To Aisea Hefa,
My heart goes out to you brother in this time of sorrow. Not a word can express this feeling of sadness but I know the lord will guide you and lead you through this time of sadness. I hope the lord will heal you soon. God peace with you brother. Sea I know Vini will be with the lord on his right hand...Ofa lahi atu..Taele.
Tupou Litili
July 13, 2006
Our deepest condolences and prayers goes out to you Ane Hefa on the loss of your big sister Vinisia.
Pauline Langi, Tupou Litili, Lesieli Siasau, Luisa Latu, Loata Tauheango and Hika Lino.
Lesieli Tapealava
July 13, 2006
Our prayers and thoughts be with the Hefa family at this time of sorrow. May God's peace be upon you.
Meleseini Malu
July 13, 2006
My Dearest Vini,
My heart grieved when I heard that you have moved on to eternity. Though your untimely death is a tremendous loss for us that you left behind but the almight knows that you have paid your dues and you’re ready to come home. I will always treasure your friendship and kindness.
May you rest in peace. We will miss your smiling face and kindness.
Toka aa pea ‘oku ou ‘ofa lahi atu ki ho ki’I mata ‘ofa. Your aunty
Gaynor Fifita
July 13, 2006
Vinisia we never gorget your beautiful voice and your smile every time. Sia we know for sure that you gonna be at the right side singing halleluia with all the angels in Heaven. We miss you and we love you. Sia don't forget to save a place for us in there.
Love always,
Vasi Paunga(NZ)
Gaynor Fifita(San Jose, Ca.)
Latu Fahamokioa(San Jose, Ca.)
Gaynor Fifita
July 13, 2006
Vinisia I know you are in a good place and a happy happy life at the moment. We miss your smile and your laugh. Vinisia, God be with you till we meet again. Toka a Sia 'i he nonga mo e fiemalie 'a e 'Eiki.
'Ofa lahi atu,
'Akilotoa-He-'Ofa
Sione Moala
Saimone & Gaynor Fifita
San Jose, California & Haveluloto
Salesi Faiva Hafoka
July 12, 2006
You are in all our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with your mother,sisters & your only brother,'Aisea and your loving daughter Maumi.
Rest in peace.
Love from Salesi,Monalisa & Aisea Jr.,Loa & 'Aisea Hafoka -Nukunuku
Rohini Singh
July 12, 2006
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE SAD LOSE OF VINISIA HEFA
OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE HEFA FAMLIES
Mr/Mrs Aveau
July 12, 2006
Our Condolences to the Family. For all that you have given, may the good Lord shine upon you. GOD be with YOU.
Taina Tu'ipulotu Agaimalo
July 12, 2006
My thought and prayers goes to all your families especially your mum Langaola. Rest in Peace Vini.
'ofa atu haina,ane mo 'Aisea pehe ki si'o mou fa'e.....
'Elisepa Tu'ipulotu Savusa
July 12, 2006
May your soul rest in peace Vinisia.
Mr &Mrs Tonga
July 12, 2006
To Ane,
May the Lord give you peace and comfort in your time of sorrow and our heart and our thought are with you in this time. Be strong and let faith take you by the hand and quide you through these difficult times.Ane, Sia was loved by many and she will be truly missed and i truly know how hard to loose the one you really love especially your oldest sister, Vini. Don't worry she'll meet you some other place.
May your soul rest in peace Vinisia.
EDNA TUAVAO
July 12, 2006
WE LOVE YOU TENISIA FROM SELA AND TAUNIUVALU TUAVAO FROM [API KO FILOHIVALU IN HAVELULOTO.}ofa lahi atu moe toenga oe fanau MIYAKO,BOBBLYN.LESIELI HARMON,TAPAAU,TUPOU,TAUNIUVALU JR AND EDNA TUAVAO MEI ~~HAVELULOTO~~
Samani Tu'angalu
July 12, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Telatuni Moeakiola Saafi
July 12, 2006
We will never forget you and your smiling face and may peace be with you on your journey awaiting our heavenly father.
'Ata'ata O Hihifo, Peato, Talau, Telatuni, Siola'a, Hepisipa, Samiu and Tangesi ( Pea )
Moana Mafi
July 12, 2006
May your soul rest in peace
Nikki Raass
July 12, 2006
Dear Vinisia, you will be surely missed and my condolences goes out to your family. I am blessed to have known you as a friend and as a classmate. Rest in peace Vini. 'Ofa atu Nikki Raass
Nacagilevu Family
July 12, 2006
For Your Reward is Great in Heaven. May you Rest in Peace. God bless the family of Vinisia Hefa at this time of loss.
Loloma kei na Masu
Katilimoni Tu'ipulotu
July 12, 2006
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Aisea and family.I'm sorry to hear a lost of Vinisia.'Ofa ke fk-nonga koe he 'Otua kae'uma'aa e famili.'Ofa lahi atu,Katilimoni mo Kelelia Tu'ipulotu & fanau (England U.K )
Phil Tukia
July 12, 2006
If Sia was going to leave us prematurely, it is at least with two people that she devoutly cared for. Hence, she is not alone, nor will ever have to be. Sia, thank you for your grace and compassion, patience and dedication, and love and understanding.
Folau a . . .
sina packer
July 12, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers
love
V J
July 12, 2006
To the Family of Vinisia Hefa,
May you find peace in knowing that God is with you and He cries with you. But know that He only cries because we are the ones who are so far from home. May Vinisia rest in His everlasting peace!
Laota Tonga
July 12, 2006
You will be surely missed by your neighbour in Tonga.Your smile your laugh are remembered.Vinisia may you have a safe journey to the place where you have longed to be other then in this world.
Silva Family
July 12, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers for Vinisia Hefa's family. May God bless you all.
Walker Family
July 12, 2006
With heart felt sympathy, we a sorry to hear about your loss. May you keep the faith during this time.
Shirley and Peter Farrow
July 12, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends during this time of loss - we are so sorry.
Alan Harford
July 12, 2006
May God be with the Hefa family at this time to bring peace of heart.
Nasili & Silia Tupou Vaka'uta & Family
July 12, 2006
Vinisia was a great human being and a precious daughter of the Almighty. Her passing left a gap in the hearts and minds of those who knew her. May God's peace and blessing be upon her family during this time of grief as we continue to remember her life.
With prayers
Grace Berlin
July 12, 2006
may you rest in piece
Veronica Rodriguez
July 11, 2006
May you rest in peace
'ailine saafi, meleane tonga, lolohea tu'uhetoka, makelesi vaea
July 11, 2006
rest in peace.....
Talakai/Puloka
July 11, 2006
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Hefa family for their tragic loss. May God bless you all during this sad and difficult time.
Much love
Talakai/Puloka family
Sopu/Kolomotu’s/Valeloa Ha’apai
Malavine Pulini
July 11, 2006
May you rest in peace... your smiling face will always be remembered.
Ma'ata Misinale
July 11, 2006
You will be surely missed by our THS-ExStudents in the Bay Area. Your smiles and laughs are remembered. May the peace of our Father in Heaven be upon your family at this difficult time.
'ofa atu,
Ma'ata Misinale
ALEKI PALU
July 11, 2006
This is goes out to the HEFA family,
My hearts and my thoughts are with you guys in this time of sadness and sorrow.A friend like Vini is so hard to forget, my prayers are also with you...'Ofa lahi atu.
SIONE, FINAU, SIFA FINEANGANOFO
July 11, 2006
To Aisea Hefa and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you brother in time of grief.Vinisia may you rest in peace.
OFA LAHI ATU MEIA...
Yosef Funaki
July 11, 2006
My deepest sympathies to the family may she rest in peace you sure be miss
Helena Mafi Fanaika
July 11, 2006
May she rest in peace
Tim & Nancy Melander
July 11, 2006
Our deepest sympathies at a time such as this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
mele'ana & 'atunaisa kanongata'a
July 11, 2006
You will all be in our prayer's and he will always be in our heart's. God giveth and god taketh god blessed you.
July 11, 2006
We are brought back to the very day that we came to know you Vinisia. How great to remember a person like you, a sister, a daughter, a loving friend and most of all, a very committed christian. May you rest in peace.
With much love
'Ovalata, Mele, Pele and all your work mates from C&W Tonga)
Pelenaise Tangulu
July 11, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Rev. Mosese Vakasiuola & Family
July 11, 2006
To 'Aisea Hefa & family
The road ahead may seem long, but let faith take you by the hand and guide you through these difficult times.
Rest in Peace Vinisia Hefa.
Our prayers are with you.
Stella Nash
July 11, 2006
My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy.
Mangila & 'IFalemi Kioa family
July 11, 2006
Vinisia, May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon your soul always. You will always be remembered with loving memories. With much love & prayers
lesieli tuitavake
July 11, 2006
`Vini`,Missing your smiling face and cheerful nature were unforgetable,
you are one of a friend that`s so dearly, may `Thee` leads you to the place of forever happiness.
Paula & Manatu Vivili
July 11, 2006
The infectious laugh and cheerful personality will be dearly missed. The beautiful memories will be cherished. May the knowledge that she has been called home bring peace to all loved ones as we await ours.
Billings
July 11, 2006
With heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow.
The Billings Family
Taisia Moalapau'u/Afuhia/Tim 'Alaipulotu Sosaia Ngungutau Taumoepeau
July 11, 2006
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
'Ana Manu & Viliami Havea
July 10, 2006
Our sincere condolences to Vinisia Hefa's Mother and Family. May the Lord give you peace and comfort in your time of sorrow.
'Ofa Atu
Tafa Fonua
July 10, 2006
May you have a safe journey to the place where you've longed to be other than being in this world, we pray and hope that your family would understand the fact that you were meant to be with your heavenly father.
Jon & Olivia T.
July 10, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Juliana Taufa'asau
July 10, 2006
Deepest condolences to the family of Prince Tuipelehake & Princess Kaimana...may you both Rest In Peace!
Tafa Fonua
July 10, 2006
Bless the soul of our dearest Prince Tuipelehake and Princess Kaimana, may our heavenly father bless their souls also to a sister (driver) whos with them both!
Silivia Takilai-Lewaravu
July 10, 2006
Vinisia, though we may not know you personally but we are sure that you were one of a kind, who willingly gave all to serve God, King, Family and country. May your soul rest in peace and may your family find comfort in God at this dark hour.
Ni sa moce mada.
Silivia Takilai-Lewaravu
VOSAILOA HAFOKA
July 10, 2006
Our dear beloved Vinisia,
We always remember your smiling face. We really miss you dear, we remember when we worked together in the Finance Section, Tonga Telecom for nearly 12 years.
We love you very much we know for sure, that you already accepted Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Lord & Saviour, then you already there in Heaven with the Lamb of God, and sing halleluia, praise the Lord! Vini use your beautiful voice in Heaven for singing hossanna and praise God halelluia. Rest in peace
our dear daughter in Christ.
Love & kisses
from your aunties Loa & Lata
Pualani Ahokovi
July 10, 2006
Vinisia,
You will be dearly missed, you leave behind a legacy teaching every single one of us to be humble and serve our Lord with the utmost of your being.
You were always there for us when we needed you.
You lived your life "to the best" in every aspect.
May you rest in peace now my friend.
LATA & AKAPUSI FINEANGANOFO
July 10, 2006
To Vinisia, My hearts goes out for the rest of the family,our thoughts and prayers are with you may you rest in peace...ofa lahi atu kiho mata meia..
LATATONGA & AKAPUSI FINEANGANOFO
MATAELE and VAIOLA SIASAU
July 10, 2006
My heart goes out to Vini's family in Tonga but especially to AISEA HEFA. We pray you have found comfort with God and may god bless you in this time of sorrow. Sea Vini was loved by many and will be truly missed. God bless you and God's peace with you always.
'OFA LAHI ATU
MATAELE and VAIOLA SIASAU.
Green Bay, Auckland, NZ.
VAIOLA & MATAELE SIASAU
July 10, 2006
To Vinisia Hefa's family,
Our hearts are with you guys. May the loving arms of Jesus be upon you guys always till the end.'Ofa lahi atu kia LANGAOLA,HAINA,AISEA,ANE AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY....
'OFA LAHI ATU
VAIOLA & MATAELE SIASAU
AUCKLAND(NZ)
A Tongan Democrat
July 10, 2006
Peace be upon you, my fellow democrats .Your mortal being leave this world, but your legacy lives on.Rest in peace my brother and sisters.
Wendy Banas
July 10, 2006
We were so fortunate to have had a chance to know Vini through the Hiss Family (Palo Alto). What a lovely human being--we are thankful for her kindness and generosity of spirit. She will be sorely missed.
With Love--The Banas Family
Kona, Upu, Moala & Taulupe Penisoni
July 10, 2006
~Vinisia~
We miss you a lot. We'll always love you. You were our big sister. We love you for all the things you've done for us. We're praying for you. Ofa lahi atu..... The Penisoni Bunch
Do family
July 10, 2006
Our condolences to your family, you will be in our prayers.
Do family
July 10, 2006
Our condolences to your family, you will be in my our prayers.
Soane Lino
July 10, 2006
May your soul Rest in Peace Vinisia. Peace be with you all the families!
from your high school & work mate Soane Lino
lenni lelzy phatce faubula HUkEHUkE
July 10, 2006
May God be with the rest of your families, to give them strength to be strong during this unforgetable loss of yous, may you rest in peace and You will always be remembered in our heart.
'ANA HALAEVALU/ 'ALIPATE FIEKAIPUAKA LIUAKITAUFA / MICHAEL ALBERTINO MAUMAU AFO / ALBERT. F. L. TANGATA'OLAKEPA
July 10, 2006
OUR THOUGHTS/LOVE AND PRAYERS GOES TO LANGAOLA, MAHE HINGANO,'AISEA HINGANO AND THE REST OF THE FAMILLIES.WE DEEPLY MISSED VINISIA AND MAY THE GOOD LORD REST YOU IN PEACE UNTIL HE COME BACK AGAIN.
'OFA LAHI ATU.
SIOSAIA LATU FALEKAONO/ LUCY LESITA MO FOLAU-A -KATETU'A FINAU
July 10, 2006
OUR THOUGHTS,LOVE AND PRAYERS WILL GOES TO BOTH FAMILIES OF VINISIA'S MUM LANGAOLA AND HER DAD SIDE MAHE HINGANO AND 'AISEA HINGANO AT HAVELULOTO. MAY THE GOOD LORD GIVE YOU REST AND PEACE.
Sunia & Lesieli Siasau
July 10, 2006
Condolences to Vinsia's mother and Family. May God Bless you. Rest in Peace our dearest beloved Vinsia. With lots of Love from
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