Mailefihi E. Wilson

Mailefihi E. Wilson, beloved mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, educator, and devoted woman of faith, returned home to her Heavenly Father on March 23, 2026, in Fernley, Nevada, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on August 13, 1942, in Otea, Vava’u, Tonga, to Sione Emili Pauni and Luseane Falekihetoa Otuafi, Maile’s life was marked by resilience, service, and enduring love for family.

Raised in a large and loving family, Maile shared a close bond with her many siblings: Joe Pauni † (Shawnee), Selati Hengehenga (Lui), Emeline Maile † (Aisea), Sione Pauni (Siutiti), Ulukauvalu Pauni (Vika), Valeti †, Nancy Ardvidson (Arthur), Fauniteni Pauni † (Seneti), Olive †, Luisa Pauni †, Joel Pauni (Kakala), Ailini Pauni, Leihua Hemaloto (Inoke), Haloti Pauni (Sinai), Esita Pauni, Linda K. Tauki’vea (Sitiveni), Lopiseni Pauni, Ema Corona, Fifita Pauni †, Manukafoa Sikahema †, Loni Sikahema † (Potenitila), Palu Rodriguez † (Luis), Lui Sikahema (Debbie), Analavoni Lomu (Ofa), Siofilisi Kaianuanu Sikahema (Marita), Siaosi Mafa’afa Fa Sikahema (Talainga), Losaline “Princess” Sikahema, and Siosaia “Tati” Lagoia ‘i Pangai Sikahema Unga (Donna).

Education was one of Maile’s greatest passions. She attended Liahona High School before moving on to graduate as valedictorian of the American Samoa Community College class of 1973. She furthered her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Oregon State University and a Master of Education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Maile dedicated her career to teaching, touching hearts and shaping lives as she helped them reach their full potential. She worked for the American Samoa Government, Department of Education, taught part‑time at the American Samoa Community College, worked as a court interpreter, and later taught at Monroe Elementary in Utah. Her impact as an educator and mentor touched countless lives.

As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, Maile served faithfully in many callings and found great joy in serving others and strengthening her community.

She married her first love, Johnny Fa’ae’e Wilson, and together they raised seven children in American Samoa: Sauleli’a Sualevai (Taulaga), Neilani Tua’one (Kekumi), June Wright (Ta’amu), Karen Grey † (Anthony), Ringo Wilson, Emilee Wilson, and Emileen Wilson. Their family grew to include 24 grandchildren and 24 great‑grandchildren. Johnny preceded her in death in 1999. Years later, in 2010, Maile found love and companionship again when she married Barry John Taukitoku, with whom she shared many gentle, loving years.

Maile was preceded in death by many beloved family members, including several siblings she mourned throughout her life, as well as her husband Johnny, her daughter Karen, and her granddaughter and namesake, little Mailefihi. Her life was defined by her deep love for family, her selfless service, and her unwavering commitment to others. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, education, resilience, and unconditional love.

Funeral services will be on April 11, 2026, with a family viewing from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pyramid Ward, 155 Hwy 95a, Fernley, Nevada. Her final service will be on April 13, 2026, with a family viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by burial at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.