Leinata Hausia Vaenuku

Leinata Hausia Vaenuku, age 97, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at her home in San Mateo, CA surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on February 4, 1929, in Fangale’ounga, Foa, Haapai, Leinata was an adored and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was known for her dedication to her church and devotion to her family. She was a faithful member of the Peninsula 2nd Ward at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a lifelong passion for cooking and serving those around her.

Her unconditional love, care and guidance helped nurture her surviving eight children, Viola (the late Siosaia) Naeata; Pauliasi (Mele); Siaosi (Katalina); Peter (Linda); Bishop Fred (Joyce); Telesia (the late Koni) Finau; Sini (the late Toni Fonua) (Kataina) Motuliki; Kaliko (Sela), three adopted children, Anau (the late Vea) Vehikite; Mele (Pilani) Moala; and Kalolaine (Pito) Rivera. She is also survived by seventy-three grandchildren, two hundred twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and forty-two great-great-grandchildren who learned from her the lessons of humility, hard work and family values. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, the late Tevita Mapa Vaenuku; three children, Ilavalu (Mele); Inoke (Henlieta); and Seini Emaile (Soakai) Lutui, as well as her parents and siblings.

To her family and friends, she was selfless, nurturing, patient and forgiving, a person of the utmost integrity, trustworthy, supportive, and most importantly loving and caring. Her advice and wisdom will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, January 4th at the LDS chapel located at 975 Sneath Lane, San Bruno, CA at 9AM. Interment will be in Salt Lake City, UT, at the Salt Lake City Cemetery on Tuesday, January 7th.