Meleane 'Oto'ota Vave Uasila'a

Meleane 'Oto'ota Vave Uasila'a was born on December 18, 1951, in 'Eua, Tonga to Tevita Vave and Hauola Vaikeli Vave. She was raised in 'Ohonua, Eua and in her teenage years moved to Tokomololo and went to Liahona High School. It was here where she met her eternal best friend, Samisoni Uasila'a Sr. They were married September of 1969. They later moved to Laie Hawaii where Samisoni Sr. was a student at Church College of Hawaii. They were sealed for all time and eternity on September 16, 1970, in the Laie Hawaii Temple.

In Hawaii they had their first 2 children, Samisoni Jr. and Regina (Sina). While Samisoni Sr was in school, Meleane worked 2 jobs to support their little growing family. One of her jobs, she worked for a Chinese restaurant. Here she learned to cook many delicious dishes. She can whip up a meal with whatever ingredients she can find in the kitchen. As her oldest grandson said, 'Grandma can make anything with ramen." When Samisoni graduated, they planned to continue on in Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. But a brand new high school was built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga and so they decided to move to Neiafu, Vava'u and teach there. Meleane supported Samisoni as he was a teacher, band instructor, and the Principal of Saineha High School. Living across from Saineha High School, she welcomed all from 'uta or motu to live in her home so that they can go to school.

She was a mother to all who stepped inside her home. For many years, many lived in her home and considered her a second mother. From those that were related to those that were friends to even those that she didn't know who they were. They were welcomed and accepted in her home. They became one of her children.

Meleane loved to garden, and it showed by her plantations. When in harvest, she knew to always give to the widows and the less fortunate. She would always visit the widows in her family ward and also those that she knew were in need. She loved to socialize and had many friends old and young. Meleane was a people person. Everyone knew her in Vava'u. Always smiling and giving. She was an example of Christlike attributes.

Meleane is preceded in death by her mother Hauola Vaikeli vave, her father Tevita Vave, her sister Tangikina Vave Ofa, her brother Sione Ti'o Vave, her brother Hailame Vave and his wife 'Ofa Vave, and her granddaughter 'Apenisi Uasila'a. Meleane is survived by her loving eternal companion Samisoni Uasila'a Sr. and their 12 children, Samisoni Jr. (Mary Ann), Regina (Lui), Moakava (Emily), Peikaki (Melissa), Viliami (Nici), Pele (Dave), Sione Ti'o (Suli), 'AnaManu (Calvin), Adney (Talite), Eunice (Fatafehi), Hauati (Loni), and Russell (Lizzie). She also raised her little brother, Lihai Vave (Ngalu) and Siaosi Hoko ('Ofa). She is also survived by 56 grandchildren and 3 grandchildren in laws, and 4 great grandchildren. Her 12 brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Meleane has served faithfully in many church callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Primary teacher, Primary Ward President, YW advisor, YW Ward President, YW Stake President, Seminary teacher, RS Ward President, and most recently was a RS teacher.

She valiantly served together with Samisoni as his mission companion when he was called to be the Tonga Nuku'alofa Mission President from 1992-1995. In 2014-2017 they were called to serve as the Temple President and Matron of the Tonga Nuku'alofa Temple. Meleane's main focus in life was missionary work and temple work. She raised her children and all the many others that lived in her home to serve LDS missions. Her children followed and all served missions in the United States, Tonga, Niue, New Zealand, and Australia.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Layton Utah Stake Center, 60 West Gordon Avenue, Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.

Meleane's life was known as a life of service and ministering unto others. She leads by example in following in our Savior's footsteps.

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