Takuilau Akesa Vaiomo'unga

Takuilau Akesa Wolfgramm Vaiomo'unga, 47, beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away at IMC Hospital on the evening of Saturday, September 27, 2025, after a long battle with Familial TAAD (Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection), a genetic disorder which causes the aorta to be weak, often resulting in aneurysms or tears. Takuilau was born in Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga, at the Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital on April 5th, 1978, to the late Efalame Karl Frederick and Mele Seini Wolfgramm, the first of their children to be born in Tonga, and the fifth of seven children. She spent her childhood briefly in Kameli, Vava'u, and later migrated to the USA in 1984 where she eventually became a proud citizen and spent the remainder of her life. In 2009, she married Lionel (Nolo) Vaiomo'unga, and in 2011, she gave birth to Heilala Alaha 'I Moana Manamo'ui Vaiomo'unga. She delivered Heilala and underwent an open-heart surgery to repair a dissected aorta (the first of several open-heart surgeries)-all within the duration of 18 hours. It was truly a miracle and a blessing they both survived the ordeal. In 2013, her family was sealed in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS Temple for time and all eternity. Much like her father, Takuilau is known for her infectious, loud and boisterous laughter. She was also known for her beautiful smile and thick, curly hair. She enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews, who she doted on freely but also wouldn't hesitate to whoop them in a game of cards. She was a dedicated wife, daughter, sister and aunt who was always at the forefront of many family occasions ready to serve; she gave freely of her time and resources. Prior to her diagnosis, you could often find her in the gym working out or engaged in different types of outdoor physical activities. She loved spending time with her closest friends when her health would permit. Her greatest love was her daughter, her miracle baby, Heilala. Heilala was her pride and joy, her reason for living, her everything. After several operations and understanding the seriousness of her condition, she dedicated the remainder of her life in creating enduring memories with Heilala and Nolo, the love of her life. Their love was theirs and theirs alone. Banter and pet names was their love language as well as going out for dinner and they always included Heilala. She spoke fondly of Nolo, especially in her later years and always had him and Heilala on her mind. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, had a firm testimony and always made sure to keep that in her home. Her beautiful soul radiated from the inside out and we were the lucky recipients of that beauty. Takuilau was preceded in death by her father, Efalame, her paternal grandparents, Alama Leaine Toamotu and Viola Wolfgramm, her maternal grandparents, Tevita Huni and Maopa Fifita, Aunties Ofa Aiono and Viola Brunt, Uncle Sione Selupe Fifita, cousin Mafi Seini Uipi, and cousin Mosese Wolfgramm. She is survived by her husband Lionel, daughter Heilala, mother Mele Seini (Vikita), her siblings Karl (Mele), Richard, Tony (Doris), Atiloa (Kengike), Viola (Ilaisa) and Hilamani, many nephews and nieces, two grand-nephews, and many cousins who will never forget the love and joy she brought to their lives. We wish to thank Dr. John R. Doty, his team, the dedicated nurses and aides on the Thoracic ICU floor in the J.L. Sorenson Heart and Lung Center at IMC, for the many years of top quality care for Takuilau. A family service will be held on Monday, October 6th, 2025, 9:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at 6710 S 1300 E, Midvale, followed by the Bishop's Program at 12:00 pm. Burial will be held at 1:30 pm at the Crescent Cemetery, 11105 S. State Street, Sandy, Utah.