Henriette Munanui

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henriette Munanui (born May 9, 1944), surrounded by family and loved ones, on May 31, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 79. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was affectionately known to her grandchildren and others simply as Mama’U.

At the age of 20, Henriette moved to Hawaii to attend CCH (Church College of Hawaii) now known as BYU-H (Brigham Young University-Hawaii) where she met and married her husband Tekehu Munanui on May 11, 1968 in the Laie, Hawaii Temple. After her husband Tekehu graduated in 1969, they moved their family to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they have lived and raised their family since. Henriette was very active in the community and her church. She loved sharing her culture with others and did so through music, dance, and crafts. She was well known for her traditional Tahitian quilts (tifaifai) which have been displayed at multiple exhibits and fairs.

Henriette lived a life full of love, laughter, and service. She was a devoted wife, and her family was always at the center of her heart; she loved to have family gatherings as often as possible. Although the words “I love you” were rarely spoken in the home, her actions demonstrated and showed that love to her family in a much stronger way than any words could ever express. She instilled the value of hard work in her children through her example, she could always be seen serving and helping others. She loved to cook, sew, quilt, dance, and sing. If you ever entered her home, you could be sure you would leave with a full stomach and a smile.

At the age of 11, Henriette was among the first converts to The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints on her home island of Raiatea. Since that time, the gospel has played a central role in her life. She served alongside her husband Tekehu as Mission President of the Tahiti, Papeete Mission (1996-1999) taking care of and acting as a second mom to more than 150 missionaries who served with them. She later served as Temple Matron while her husband served as the President of the Papeete, Tahiti Temple (2002-2005) helping people create eternal families. She has also served in many other callings but said that working in the Primary was among her favorites because she loved being with the children.

Henriette was preceded in death by her parents Ah Sion Yim Yiu Cheung and Marereva Raitupu Tefaaite and siblings Leonie Yim, Elvina Moul, and Manuel Yim.

Henriette is survived by her loving eternal companion Tekehu Munanui and their five children, Leoni (Nephi) Raihauti, William Munanui, Wayne (Marguerite) Munanui, Dean (April) Munanui, Claudine (Brian) Brinkerhoff, and 17 grandchildren.

A viewing will be held for Henriette on Friday, June 9th from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the Liberty 7th Ward (1750 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT). Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 10th from 1:00pm – 2:30pm at the same location with a brief viewing from 11:30am – 12:30pm. Henriette will be buried at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery: 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.

For those who wish to join via Zoom, may do so here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81300668633
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