Nusipepa’s life carried her across many shores and seasons. She left Tonga in 1975 and lived in Hawaii, California, Utah, and Colorado—each place becoming part of the story of a woman whose steady presence and devotion to those she loved remained constant through every change. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Washington Middle School, and continued her education at Kaimuki High School and Long Beach Jordan High School.
She was preceded in death by her father, Sione Ata Maumau (1977), her mother, Melematahiati Liu (2012) and her siblings Longani Maumau, Kalolaine Maumau, Sinoveti Maumau I, Salesi Maumau, and Finefeuiaki Maumau.
She is survived by her siblings: Samuela Maumau, Tule Maumau, Vika Maumau, Sinoveti Maumau II, Losaline Maumau, and Viliami Maumau.
She is also survived by her children: SioneFa Malani Kulitea (1984), Catherine Maxwell, Semisi Lokelani Malolo (1991), Steven Sulunga Malolo (1994), Teuila Tulalauta Sulunga (1996), Hulita Moakiha'angana Sulunga (1996), and Lilian Love Sulunga (1998). She is further survived by her grandchildren, all from SioneFa, including Siolani, Christena, and Ana.
Nusipepa found joy in the familiar comforts that made a house feel like home and a gathering feel like family. She loved music and old movies, and she could just as easily be content watching cartoons as she could be surrounded by family and friends. She enjoyed Tongan food and, while living in Hawaii, spent time making leis—an expression of care and tradition woven patiently by hand.
