Kolona Lose Inukiha’angana Ma’ilei, Age: 62 yrs
DOD: August 26, 2022, City and State Death: Murray, Utah
DOB: February 18, 1960, Place of Birth: Ha’ateiho, Tonga
Father: Lisiate Patalione Inukiha’angana; Mother: Mele Masima Lolesio
Place of marriage: Salt Lake City, Utah
Kolona loved her family very much and loved spending time with them. They were her life, her husband and her three sons and daughter in-laws. Kolona was a convert and became a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints at the age of 17. She loved the Gospel, and her faith was everything to her. She loved attending church every Sunday and going to the Temple. In church, the callings she served in during her lifetime consisted of being a primary teacher, nursery, ward missionary, ministering sister, and the ward librarian. After serving as ward librarian for so many years, everyone at church knew mom for ringing the bell on time. She was a very punctual lady in all aspects of her life. She was always on time to church, work, and social events.
She was our ‘Dancing Queen,’ she loved to dance by attending hulohula’s (in Tongan meaning dances), church dances and high school reunion dances. She enjoyed getting all dressed up and looking glamorous for weddings, church events, and family gatherings. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She always wanted to look her best.
She loved listening to her music such as the disco oldies, especially reggae music. She was also a very loving and caring lady. When you meet her or know her you really felt her love. She also was a woman who was not afraid to speak her mind and express herself. She was very engaged in politics. She always expressed her political views with passion whether at home or in public.
Our mother was a hard-working woman. During her early years of her marriage, she worked for O.C. Tanner for 15 years, where she would spoil her kids and loved ones with gifts such as Swiss watches and jewelry. Following her long tenure, she worked for the Printing Division for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 15 years in the Bindery Department, where she performed quality checks and binds Church’s scriptures, magazines, and books. She loved gifting new scriptures to her loved ones, especially for her little nieces and nephews when they was baptized. Kolona retired for brief time from the Church’s Printing Division to get a knee replacement. After 1 year, she returned to the workforce, and joined PCA company (Packaging Corporation of America). It was a blessing for her to see her husband at work often because he was a truck-driver and he delivered products for the company. Her co-workers knew of her strong work-ethic and the quality of work she gave. Her supervisor said she was a strict lady and she always made sure things were done correctly. Kolona took pride in her work and performed her absolute best. Despite her age, she faced challenges at work, but she always put her foot down she and was a tough woman. She did not allow those challenges to stop her. She won everyone’s heart at work and her co-workers loved her!
In May of 2022, our dear beautiful wife and mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She experienced complications with her Respiratory system due to the Chemotherapy and left us too soon unexpectedly. We miss her tremendously and know she is in a better place, at rest from all the pain and suffering.
Kolona is Survived by her husband of 43 years Grand Ekiloni Ma’ilei. Her three sons’ “boys” Andrew James Ma’ilei (Candice Hansen Ma’ilei), ‘Aisea Vulangi Ma’ilei (Vika Moli Ma’ilei), and Michael Edward Ma’ilei. Her sibilings Pamela Inukiha’angana (sister). Manu Inukiha’angana, Linda Inukiha’angana, Edward Inukiha’angana and Patricia Inukiha’angana (Stepmother); Kilisimasi Lolesio, Sesilia Lolesio, Fetu’uloa Lolesio, Linitā Lolesio, Aisea Lolesio (Stepfather), and her mother Mele Masima Lolesio.
Preceded in death by: Her father Lisiate Patalione Inukiha’angana, brother Inu Inukiha’angana, younger brother Tino Inukiha’angana, her grandbabies Aisea Ma’ilei Jr. and Grand ‘Afua Ma’ilei, and her favorite dog Maui.
The recording of the funeral services can be watched using the following link:
Ofa atu Mailei family
Our deepest condolences to the Ma'ilei family on the tremendous loss of Kolona. The beautiful photo montage is such a lovely tribute to a life well-lived and to a woman well-loved. May she rest in peace.
With love,
Kirstine & Eric Lighthart
‘Ofa Lahi atu ki ho fofonga ‘ofa aunty Kolona! God be with you til we meet again! Rest In Peace!