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Ravena Finau Obituary
1964 ~ 2011
Ravena Mele Mapuolesega Finau was born on July 25, 1964 to Pianola and Lei'a Mapuolesega in Carson, CA. Traveled all of her life in her parents' Polynesian Production called "The Sounds of Polynesia" so met and touched the lives of many across the country. Vena graduated from Carson High School and met the love of her life; Kelepi Finau whom she married on September 13, 1985 and later was sealed with her children in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on October 23, 1992. Vena is survived by her husband Kelepi and children Heilala "Kinga", Kaylene "Pudgie" (La'auli), Milton "Tony", Kelepi "Gipper", Pianola "Narnar", Tevita "David" and Kelven "KV" whom she loves and adore. She is also survived by her mother Pianola Fonua Mapu and three sisters Lusiana Lara, Roseley (Toe) and Ginger (Siaosi). She was preceded in death by her father Lei'a and brother Tony. Her pride and joy is her family but the apples of her eye are her children, especially her grandsons Taualai "Raider", Amani and Shana. "Mom da bomb", as she would refer to herself, was every niece and nephew's surrogate mom. When asked, she would tell people she had ten children, so proud to be a part of raising Rosie "Otis" Afo, Helen "Ginger" Tuilevuka and Ben Tu'aone. Ravena was a faithful, active member of the LDS faith and held many callings in the church throughout her life; but of them all, most dear to her heart was serving in the Stake Young Women presidency in the Utah County Tongan Stake. She has always held a special place in her heart for the youth in her life and made it a point to express her love and appreciation for them. Our beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend will be sorely missed by all who knew and associated with her as she made everyone she met feel important and loved.
A viewing will be held in her honor on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 4pm-9pm at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, UT 84092. The family services will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the same location from 6pm-9pm. A private family viewing will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011 from 9:30am - 10:45am followed by the final services from 11am-12pm at the LDS Stake Center located at 300 N. Center St. in Lehi, UT. Interment will take place at the Lehi City Cemetery. Please join us in honoring the life and memory of a truly remarkable woman who has enriched the lives of all who have come in contact with her. Thank you to everyone who has shown their love and support to the Finau family during this difficult loss. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.larkincares.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ravena Finau
December 6, 2011
We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss of such a wonderful wife, mother, aunt, sister and friend. You are in our prayers. We are forever grateful for families, for eternal families. She loved you as no other could and she still does forever.
"FAMILIES ARE FOREVER" We love you. Paul and Virginia Cutrer (Northpoint 3rd Ward)
Camille Meifu
December 5, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. May you remember the good times. My love to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
December 4, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless your family. Dave, Ann and Brennon Richardson
Forever Hawaiian
December 3, 2011
To the Finau Family our deepest sympathy & heart goes out to your family during this difficult time. Vena was an amazing individual may her smile & legacy live on through her children & grand-children. Throughout the dancing years our families remained great friends. Much love to Nola & her children. Ofa lahi atu, Oloka Fifita & Family
Pamela Whitaker
December 3, 2011
May God Bless your family My sincere sympathy to the family of Vena My prayers are with you
December 3, 2011
On behalf of the Utah Golf Association I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Finau family. A truly remarkable mother produced a beautiful and remarkable family. May your fond memories of her sustain you in your sorrow.
Judy Allem
President
December 3, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. We know you will miss her greatly. Strive to continue to be an eternal family and make her proud of the future choices you make. Love U - Paul and Sharon Szymanski and family
Brian & Charlotte Hopokingi-'Ita'aehau
December 3, 2011
Aunty Vena, you blessed us with your talents. I'm grateful to you, for your willingness to always share those talents with us. I will always remember you, because you loved me! You always expressed that to me, every time we would meet. You always had the remarkable capacity to love. Thank you Aunty Vena! ~Arohanui~
December 3, 2011
My Dear Family, I hope that you find comfort in the knowledge of the plan of salvation during these next few days. I know you will be reunited with your Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, and Aunt. I love you all so much, and hope that you know that you are in my prayers as well as the whole family. Ofa lahi atu, Kelepi mo'e fanau kotoa!! I wish that I could be there to hug and kiss all of you!! All my love!! Loni, Grant and the Jones' in North Carolina!!
Candice Chase
December 3, 2011
My deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones. May his bless you all with strength and love at this difficult time.
The last time I saw her was in Las Vegas at the Circus Circus with her family. She was smiling and happy as usual, pudgie was pregnant and Vena was excited to be a grandma again. She was such a sweet lady and incredible mother.
To the family our prayers are with you.
Siua O'Reilly
December 2, 2011
Vena - You were an amazing person to be around. You always had a smile on your face and a cheery disposition. We all loved the knack you had for nicknames...everybody around you got one. It's amazing how many of your kids' nicknames are pretty much the only name that people know them by. We will miss your famous strawberry cream cheese cake....man!!....it was the best we've ever had! Your dancing and poi skills were second to none. You are already greatly missed! To Uncle Kelepi and all the kids - it's hard to imagine what you guys are going through - Ofa pe ke hanga e Eiki o tapuaki'i kimoutolu.
Our Deepest Condolences & Ofa atu,
Siua & Kristen O'Reilly (Moana, Kolei, Ariana, Tainui, & Havea Hikule'o)
Paula Huni
December 2, 2011
To Kelepi and all of the kids. We love you and are very sad for your loss. Vena is a remarkable women and we will truly miss her happy smiling face. The Huni's, Paula, Matt, Mele, Manu and Rebekah and Maka, kisi, Kahala Unufe
Paul Feletoa
December 2, 2011
A MASTER AND THE BEST "POI BALL" DANCER:) WILL NEVER FORGET THE SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES AT NORTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL AND WEST HIGH. ONE OF THE BEST POLYNESIAN INSTRUCTORS I HAVE EVER KNOWN. I WILL ALWAYS BE INDEBTED TO THIS LADY FOR ALL THAT SHE'S TAUGHT ME. LOVE YOU AUNTY VENA AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU TILL' WE MEET AGAIN....OFA LAHI ATU PAUL FELETOA, CHERISE FELETOA, AND BABY PRIMMIE FELETOA:)
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