Salote Kalilea Palelei

Salote Kalilea Palelei, age 93, was called home to be with the Lord on January 23, 2024, in North Las Vegas, NV. It is with great honor and deep reverence that we share the homecoming of our beloved “Kali”. She filled our days with incredible joy and passed peacefully in her sleep - marking exactly 5 years with us. Her life taught us that God is faithful and He watches over His People. We witnessed it firsthand & can attest that her story is a testament to God’s glory. She is missed dearly, yet we find comfort in knowing that she can now rest in the Presence of Jesus.

Salote was born in Angahā, Niua Fo'ou to Sefania Vaha’akolo and Tupou Linifila Palelei on January 20, 1931. She attended Queen Salote College in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. She was never married but dedicated her life to serving others. In 1979 she immigrated to the United States of America where she resided in Seattle, Washington for most of her years. In 2019 she moved in with her youngest sister, Sisilia Tu’ifua Tutu’ila, in Las Vegas, NV to be under the care of her great-nieces Heu Taumoefolau and Mamoe Kasenita Taumoefolau. Salote did not have children, but she helped raise & considered the following as her own - Kepueli Moimoi, Loleini Tupou, Holomesi Tu’inukuafe, Alvina Manu, and Sela Fatafehi.

Salote lived a full, yet simple life. Her greatest achievements were her pure heart and immeasurable love for people. Her life reflected the Goodness of God. Her passing revealed the Glory of God.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sefanaia and Tupou Palelei; siblings, Valamotu Palelei, Tokangahahau Fakatulolo, Sione Malū Ha’apai Palelei, Vanila Takau, Teniti Palelei, Soana Tu’inukuafe, Seluvaia Ofa Vaea, Sinai Kanongata’a, and Soakai Palelei.

She is survived by her youngest sister, Sisilia Tu’ifua Tutu’ila.

Pallbearers will be Heu Taumoefolau, Mamoe Kasenita Taumoefolau, Lily Tapusoa, Monica Tapusoa, Cedric AhChing, Holomesi Palelei, Kepueli Moimoi and Pita Fotofili Kanongata’a.

Memorials may be given to Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129.

The family of Salote wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Singh, CNA Leonara and the rest of the staff at Centennial Hospital, Nurse Practitioner Mobley from Elite Health & Wellness, Nurse Jason from Brilliant Health System, Nurse Ivonna and Nurse Astrid from Caring Nurses and Nurse Cheryl, CNA Amira and Nurse Monique from Omnia Care Hospice.

The family would also like to recognize those who assisted Heu & Mamoe in caring for Salote - Lily Tapusoa, Monica Tapusoa, Yvette George, Nayely Figueroa, Angela Melendez, Terina Tapusoa and Kim Leu.

A visitation for Salote will be held Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.