Nina Olafou "Mama" Scanlan

With peace and love in her heart, Nina Olafou Scanlan entered eternal rest on the
night of September 29, 2025, in Federal Way, Washington. Her family and her faith
meant everything to her, and she left our side with the comfort of knowing she
would join the Lord in heaven.

Born to Pila and Naulea Lata (Moimoi) Patu, in Pago Pago, American Samoa as
one of nine siblings. After attending primary school in the village of Pago Pago;
Nina had the privilege to attend school in Australia and attended Sydney Methodist
Girls School, where she excelled academically and as a tennis player.

It was in American Samoa; Nina met the love of her life Patrick Scanlan. They
were married on February 3, 1968, and built a marriage rooted in love, family, and
faith. Together they welcomed 4 loving children and created a home filled with
warmth, laughter, and generosity.

Her life was also marked by both trial and courage. When Nina was diagnosed
with colon cancer, her and her family also suffered the tragic loss of her son,
Chris, which was a heartbreak, they carried this loss with such grace and faith.
She and her family relocated to Hawaii so she could receive further treatment.
Even during her illness, her strength, faith, and compassion never wavered, and she
remained a source of comfort and inspiration to all who loved her.

After moving to the United States to begin a new chapter, and relocating to Seattle,
Nina and Patrick became well known in the High Point neighborhood of West
Seattle, where they opened and operated the High Point Store. Their shop became a
cornerstone of the community, not remembered for the building itself, but for the
way Nina and Patrick poured their hearts into it. Nina was lovingly called "Mama"
by the whole neighborhood because of the way she cared for everyone. She fed the
hungry out of her own pocket, extended store credit to those in need, and
welcomed all with the warmth of family. High Point will always remember this
store because of the love and generosity that flowed through Nina.

Nina's love flowed outward to her siblings, nieces, and nephews, who tell
countless stories of her love and care. She cherished her daughter, NoraAnn Long
and son-in-law Daniel, and their children, Chris Long and John, always showing
her love in big and small ways, from celebrating weddings to being present
through the years. She also adored her son Patrick and her grandsons David, Chris
and Andrew in Florida, and Spencer Graham in Texas, treasuring the time they
spent with her in Washington. She also blessed and admired her son Aloysius and
his wife Kimberly, surrounding their marriage with support and pouring her love
into their four children, Teyonné, Elijah, Josiah, and Nohea.

Above all, Nina's greatest legacy is the love she instilled in her family. Her
children and grandchildren who will always remember her as the first woman who
taught them what love truly is, love of family, love of neighbor, and even love of
enemies, all grounded in the grace of God.

Nina lived her life with grace, devotion, and an open heart. Her family takes
comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord and reunited
with her beloved husband Patrick and their son Chris and all their family in
heaven.

She is survived by her sister: Virginia Samuelu; her three children; NoraAnn
(Daniel), Patrick, and Aloysius (Kimberly); Her ten grandchildren: Chris Long,
David (Aurymar), Teyonné (Joe), Chris (Jamyia), Andrew, John, Elijah, Spencer
(Caylea), Josiah, and Nohea; and her great-grandchild: Kody Lee and a future
great-granddaughter soon to be welcomed into the family.