Tanumia Mataafa Liki Seumanutusa was born on November 28, 1932 in the small village of Eva, Upolu, Western Samoa. She was the oldest girl of 7 children born to her father, Aga’ese Mataafa Liki Seumanutusa and mother, Falefia Matautia Seiuli. Tanumia was raised to love her Heavenly Father and at a young age, converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She married Palalaua Tafili in February 28, 1952 and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple September 27, 1978. As a young married couple in Samoa, they were called to build up the church in villages throughout the island. They were first called to Sauniatu to be dorm parents, moved to Nu’umau, where her husband served as branch president and later bishop when they were called back to Sauniatu. Not to long after, they were sent to Salani. Palalaua served as branch president and then finally ended his service as bishop in the village of Eva before immigrating to the United States. During this time, Tanumia remained faithful to the church and was a huge support to her husband. She served in the Relief Society, Primary, Sunday School including many stake and regional positions. In her later years, along with her husband Palalaua, they served two missions in Samoa: One mission in the Apia, Samoa Temple and the other as proselyting missionaries on the Island of Savaii. On June 19, 2018, Tanumia quietly passed through the veil, reuniting with countless members of her family, including husband, Palalaua and her two sons Martin and Whatene. She leaves behind her daughters, Faafili, Uanita, Loretta, Mativa and Maima, also her sons, Taleni, Siona, Situli and Ilaita along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed, but we find comfort in the plan of salvation and look forward to the day that we meet again.
