Ads by Google Ads by Google

Remembering High Chief Papali’i Taimalelagi Litara Rita Alaimo

Portrait of Litara dancing
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — This painting of the late, High Chief Papali’i Taimalelagi Litara Rita Alaimo was on display during her burial service next to her resting place at her home in Ili’iili on Monday.  The burial service followed a Family Service and Funeral Mass at the Fatuoaiga’s Holy Family Cathedral, with many in attendance. She passed away on Dec. 27th.

The Mass also included the reading of a beautiful and moving Eulogy prepared by her daughter, Linda Litara Masoli saying that her mother “lived an amazing 94 years!!  She was a lover, entertainer, teacher, leader, businesswoman, nurse, volunteer, an amazing Mother and Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother and the best Wife and life partner to her three beloved husbands. Most of all, Mom was a Woman of God!  She loved the finer things in life and knew it took faith and hard work to achieve success.  You know, the finer things… like fine men, fine jewelry, and fine wine  —  not necessarily in that order.”

“Litara followed in her Mother’s footsteps and became a nurse. She worked for Kaiser Hospital while she did her Polynesian dancing on the weekends. Dancing and entertaining were always a big part of our family. She was the first ever female Samoan knife dancer to perform at the famous Tonga Room at the world-renowned Fairmont Hotel.”

“Mama, thank you for teaching me about love and life, to trust in the Lord, strive to do right and keep it moving.”

Click on attachment to download the entire Eulogy.