Osofaiga Misi Tuitama

With great humility, heavy hearts, and sadness, the family of the beautiful Osofaiga Misi Tuitama of Poloa, American Samoa, announces her return home to her Heavenly Parents on February 24, 2023. She finally reunited with her late husband of 55 years of marriage, and eternal companion, Piliopo Ta'avili Tuitama, after a 27-year separation due to his passing in 1995. As she was best known to family and friends, "Mama Oso" was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and good friend to all. Her five children and grandchildren surrounded her the week before and on her last day. She was born on December 11, 1943, in Poloa, American Samoa, to the late Misi Tupua Tuiolesega and Tapuaiga Vaesa'u Togiola.
Her family and close friends best knew Osofaiga as "Mama Oso." She attended Poloa Elementary school, continued her high school education, and graduated from Mapusaga High School in American Samoa. Mama Oso relocated to Oxnard, California, where she met and dated her future husband, the late Piliopo Ta'avili Tuitama. Later they married and were sealed for time and eternity in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
They were blessed with a large and loving family in years to come. Their legacy will live on and be lovingly remembered and missed by their three daughters, two sons, and sixteen grandchildren. Listed from the oldest to the youngest, with their spouses, Tina (Teddy) Fagasau, Mata'u (Sal) Tuivaiti, Upuia (Tavita) Sagapolu, Piliopo (Kris) Tuitama, and Nofoaalii (Liz) Tuitama. Her sixteen grandchildren are, Tavita, Helaman, Alema, David, Logan, Ku'uleilani, Kupono, Brekken, Brandon, Ku'uPualena, Kualaka'iauali'i, Makoa, Marley, Josiah, Melia, and Jaron.
She will be best remembered for her infectious smile and personality, which personified the "Aloha Spirit." All those who came in contact with her became and were treated as her "Hanai" sons, daughters, and grandchildren. This was evidenced by her beloved "Hanai" grandson, Xzavier Ioane. He called "Grandma Oso" daily to check on her, asking how her day was going and what she ate for the day.
Mama Oso's favorite pastimes were visiting her children and grandchildren on the mainland, including swimming, fishing, playing volleyball, and attending bingo with her sister Mata'u in Samoa. She also loved spending time, whether telling and sharing stories or eating, with her brother, Ioane "Koi" Mapu. She loved her two siblings dearly. However, her most notable trait was her taste for the Samoan cultural fashionable style of Puletasi, and she owned many. She was a frequent world traveler, nearly traveling the world facilitated by her daughter's work at Delta Airlines. She often brought treats and gifts for her children and grandchildren from various countries and cities she visited. However, by far, her best and most cherished and desired gifts and treats anticipated by her grandchildren were those delicious lavors brought in from Hawaii.
Osofaiga is survived by her brother Ioane "Koi" Mapu, sister Mata'u Atofau, and her five children and sixteen grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Piliopo Ta'avili Tuitama, Brother "High Chief" Liua Taifane, Sister Vaitulia Maiava, and her parents, Misi Tupua Tuiolesega and Tapuaiga Vaesa'u Togiola.
The family expresses their deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for the expression of love through the many wonderful and beautiful gifts given by all their family members, friends, work administrators, and colleagues during this time of mourning for their beloved mother. The family also expresses their warm Aloha to Mama Oso's sister, aunty Vida for sharing her unique talent as she sang many favorite cultural songs and church hymns and bringing one of Mom's favorites, a number-10 meal from Bettos on her frequent weekly visits with Mama Oso.
Further, the family wishes to express their love and appreciation to all the Health Care Providers, Hospice Nurses, Occupational Therapists, On-call nurses, and her family doctor, who provided tender loving care, having and expressing genuine love and concern while preserving her dignity and grace on their daily visits with Mama Oso.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Taylorsville Stake Center at 4845 Woodhaven Drive, Taylorsville, UT 84123. Viewing is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The Family Services will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Our mother will finally return home to Hawaii on March 15, 2023. A Bishops Services will be held at her home ward in Pearl City, Hawaii, on March 17, 2023, at the Newtown Chapel at 98-530 Ka'ahele Street, Aiea, HI. The viewing will be from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, and the Bishop's Services will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A precession will proceed from the Newtown Chapel to the Laie Cemetery. There, burial services will continue from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. She then will rest at her final resting place next to her beloved husband and eternal companion, the late Piliopo Ta'avili Tuitama.