Tilema Tangi Ngaluafe Lea’aevai Netane, age 71, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, at her home in Suva, Fiji, surrounded by the love and memories of her family. She was a beloved daughter ,mother, sister, auntie, grandmother, great-grandmother, Wife and dear friend to many.

Tilema was born on August 14, 1955, in Ha’alaifuli, Vava’u, Tonga, daughter of Tevita Veatoutai Netane, from Ha'alaufuli, Tonga, and Vika Ngaluafe Motulalo, from Ma'ufanga, Tonga.

On May 11, 1977, Tilema married the love of her life the late Eleveni Latu. Together, they built a family rooted in love, faith, strength, culture, and tradition. They were sealed together for eternity in the Ogden Utah Temple.

Tilema was a beautiful and elegant woman who carried herself with grace, strength, and style. She was determined, hardworking, independent, and never afraid to pursue the things she loved. She worked hard to build a life for herself and her family, including running her own business.

A woman of many talents, Tilema was especially known for her beautiful cultural dancing, which was a special part of who she was and brought joy to those around her. She was also a wonderful cook and had an incredible gift for floral arrangements and decorating. Whether through dance, food, flowers, or bringing people together, Tilema had a special way of sharing her creativity, culture, and love with others.

Tilema shared a special bond with her many of her brothers, who cherished, protected, and spoiled her dearly. She also loved her nieces and nephews wholeheartedly and held a special place in her heart for her entire extended family.

Above all else, Tilema treasured her family. She loved her children deeply, but her greatest pride and joy came from those who lovingly called her Grandma. Some of her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will forever remain in their hearts.

Tilema is survived by her children:

Meker Nelson Latu

Kalani Kanahele Latu (Latai)

Anna Falesiu Latu

Sulieti Hivakakala Latu

Willis Veatoutai Latu (Victoria)

She also leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who will carry her love, stories, traditions, strength, and legacy with them for generations to come.

Tilema is also survived by her sister, Lupineti Netane, her only living sister.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Tevita VeaToutai Atevalu Netane and Vikatolia Ngaluafe Motulao; her husband, Eleveni Latu; her daughter Kalolaine Halai, her grandchild bby Latu, her sister, Lavinia Poumele; and her brothers, Tupou, Viliami, Halafetuiaki, Makoi, Uluaki, and Tevita Netane.

Tilema will be remembered for her elegance and grace, her strength and determination, her beautiful spirit, her cultural dancing, her cooking, her creativity with flowers and decorating, and, most importantly, the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family.

Her presence brought warmth and joy into the lives of so many. The traditions she carried, the beauty she created, the meals she prepared, the memories she made, and the love she shared will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Though she is no longer with us in this life, Tilema’s love and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Rest peacefully, beloved Tilema aka Tilly . Your beautiful spirit, your traditions, and the love you gave so freely will never be forgotten. Your family will carry your love with them always.

We invite family and friends to join us as we come together to honor, remember, and celebrate the life of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend.

Viewing: Friday, October 16, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Victors Event Center, 2527 South 3270 West, West Valley City, UT 84119

Bishop Service 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Interment to follow: Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT 84123