Mele Fane Harris

Mele Fane (Fale) Harris, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Lapaha, Tonga, on January 29, 1937, the youngest child of Tevita and Malia Fale, she carried the warmth, strength, and spirit of her island home throughout her life. She never forgot where she came from, and she made sure her children and grandchildren knew their roots.

Fane was known for her beautiful balance of qualities—religious and steady in her beliefs, funny in a way that could disarm anyone, with a strict work ethic that she passed to her children. She guided her family with firm love, clear expectations, and that signature humor that reminded everyone they were dearly loved, even while being corrected. Family was everything to her. Whether through long phone calls, attending gatherings, or reaching out simply to check on someone’s wellbeing, she kept the family woven tightly together. Her presence was the glue that held generations close.

Those who knew her will remember her as a woman of unwavering faith, a mother whose love shaped the lives of everyone she raised, and a joyful spirit who brought light and humor into the most ordinary moments. Her legacy is one of family, connection, tradition, and strength.

Along with her parents and numerous siblings, Fane is predeceased by her husband, James William Harris, grandson, BJ, and grandson, Duane, Jr. She is survived by her four children, Duane (Kelly), Ana (John), Norman (Tupou), and Percy, along with 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, who will forever carry her lessons, her laughter, and her faith in their hearts. She will be deeply missed and eternally cherished.

A service to honor her life will be held on December 12, 2025, in Oceanside, California, where she will then be laid to rest next to her husband.