Ellen "Eleni" Tauvela Salanoa

March 9, 1939 – November 1, 2025

Ellen ‘Eleni’ Tauvela Salanoa, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Oceanside, California on November 1st, surrounded by her loving family. Eleni was born in American Samoa on March 9th, 1939 and her life was as vibrant as a tapestry woven across the Pacific; from her early years in American Samoa to her time in Hawaii and ultimately when she settled in California, where she spent most of her years.

Eleni was first married to James Andrew Ahsue, with whom she shared five children: James Ahsue, Peter Ahsue (m. Michelle Hodges), Jaqueline Ahsue (m. Margaret McWhorter), Deborah Bunch (m. Mark Bunch), and Daniel Ahsue. After James’s passing, she found love once again and married Time Salanoa, expanding her family with three stepchildren: Uila, Junior, and Uini, and together Time and Eleni welcomed a son, David Salanoa. She is welcomed in heaven with open arms by her husband Time, and her children James, Peter, and Jackie.

Eleni was a woman of remarkable strength and resilience. She faced her diagnosis of leukemia with unwavering determination and grace. Her spirit remained unshaken, and she continued to live life on her own terms, finding joy in the simple pleasures, especially during her beloved bingo nights. Bingo was more than a game to Eleni; it was her social lifeline, a place where she built lasing and meaningful friendships.

Eleni is survived by her children Deborah, Daniel, and David; and her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, Madilyn O’Leary (m. Conor O’Leary, Rían Malosi O’Leary, Maia Eleni O’Leary, Áine Leilani O’Leary), Jessica Ahsue (Carter James Aulelei Ahsue), Brianna Bustin (m. Edward Bustin IV, Addison Ali’itasi Campbell, Edward William Bustin V, Bennett “Benny” Graham William Bustin), Ryan Ahsue, Asa Ahsue, David Salanoa (Lil’ David), Eli Salanoa, Jordan Salanoa, and Donald McWhorter. She also leaves behind her constant companion Tinkerbell, her cat, who misses her dearly.

Eleni’s legacy is one of love, perseverance, and community. Her warmth touched many, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Viewing

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Tuesday, November 25 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

We welcome all who knew and loved her to join us in remembrance, reflection, and celebration of a life well lived.

Funeral Services

A service to honor and celebrate Eleni’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 26 at 9:30AM at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Oceanside, California.

The Burial will follow immediately after the service.

A reception following the services and burial will be held at her home, more information will be shared at time of service.