Fono Marie Moananu-Harris was born on May 1, 1966 at Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center on the island of American Samoa to Viiga Siamani Salave'a and Paulo Tapu Moananu. She was the 7th child and the youngest for seven years before the birth of her two younger siblings.
Her maternal grandparents, Peka and Siamani Salave'a, raised Fono. At the tender age of five years old, the family moved to the United States ‚ where she lived out the rest of her life.
At the young age of 19, she met and married Christopher Richard Harris, Sr. From this union, she was blessed with four beautiful and wonderful children: Christopher Richard Harris, Jr., Clotile Lee Harris, Siamani Salave'a Harris and Rachel Monroe Harris. Everyone knows that Fono's children brought her the greatest joy. She was a wonderful, caring, involved and supportive mother to them throughout their lives.
In high school, she was involved in sports such as volleyball and baseball. Her love of sports continued on throughout her life playing for different volleyball and softball teams as well as coaching. She coached her girls playing volleyball during their high school years, which ultimately won Clotile, her oldest daughter, a scholarship to Westminster College in Salt Lake City. Fono was also an active participant and supporter for the girls when they were playing volleyball for the private leagues in Utah ‚ playing throughout the United States and abroad.
For years she was an avid cricket player for the Samoan community in the Salt Lake City area. She was mostly known for her "pitching" skills and developed lasting relationships with team members. Her easy-going and loving demeanor won the hearts of many who have had the opportunity to get to know her.
Fono is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents (Peka and Siamani Salave'a), her parents (Viiga and Paulo Moananu), Aunties Vali Heasslerand Solotai Fili, and her sister, Faletausala Aumavae Semeli, and brother, Paulo Moananu, Jr.
She is survived by her children; Christopher (Emily) Harris, Clotile Lee Harris, Siamani Salave'a Harris and Rachel (James) Sobieralski; Her siblings: Steve (Faafetai) Moananu (American Samoa), Luli (Larry) Vaepule (American Samoa), Fia (Kitiona) Salapo (Ohio), Sieni (Paul) Leidig (New York), Simele Moananu (Ohio), Christine Seufanafana (Penati) Fa'alogo (Utah) and half-sisters, Lisa Finau (California), Belinda Finau (Alaska) and Frannie Finau (Utah); Aunties Fono Wilson (American Samoa), Taeleolo Salave'a (Utah) and Tuua Amosa (Utah); Uncles Siaosi Siamani (Hawaii), Uncle Siamani Salave'a (Hawaii) and Uncle Matt (Utah).
Her loss is also mourned by her nieces and nephews: Vailili, Taulago and Eddie Aumavae, Peninatautele Pritchard and their children; David, Joseph, Zandra, Jessica, Stephanie and Steve, Jr. Moananu and their children; Leilani Brandie Garrett and her children, Jadyn and Tristan; Paulina Salapo; Simele and Jeffrey Moananu; and Simi Fa'alogo. Cousins: Patrick Ripley, Sam Ripley and James Amosa, Tuina Wilson and Brandt Wilson, Michael Heassler, Dorothy Heassler, Brett Heassler, Jei Heassler, Baby Vali and a host of others.
Last, but not the least, she leaves behind her beloved grandchildren that she adores and are her heart: Braxton Christiansen, Atreau Harris, Nova Marie Harris, Sunny Harris, JayLee Harris, Nakara Harris, Marcina Harris and soon to be born Ms. Fono Marie Moananu Harris due August 9th, 2019.
