Apofua Faana Sunia

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Apofua “Apo” Fa’ana Sunia, a beloved wife, our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunty, cousin, and friend who passed away peacefully at her home on September 21, 2012.

Born July 7, 1934 in Faleasao Manu’a, American Samoa to Polu Su’evale Fuatau Malau’ulu and Fa’ana Ti’a Malemo, she was the ninth of ten children. Five brothers, Tuvale Polu, Leofale Polu, Fa’isamoa Polu, Ti’a Kolone Polu, Polu Pe’a Polu and three sisters, Faasala Mauga, Talisala Polu, Faatupu Faavae.

Apofua attended nursing school in Pago Pago, AS and moved to Oxnard, CA in 1960 where she began working as a registered nurse. In 1968 she married Tuiai Sunia and had two children, Andrew and John. Her family was stationed in Rota Spain for two years and then moved back to Oxnard, where she spent the rest of her life. She enjoyed various sports including women’s bowling, basketball leagues, and coaching youth soccer. She especially enjoyed hearing her grandchildren play and meeting with her fellow bible study students every Tuesday.

Apofua was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Tuiai Sunia of Oxnard, CA, sons, Andrew Tuiai Sunia of Coburg, OR and John Tuiai Sunia of Oxnard, CA, and sister Fa’atuputala Polu Fa’avae of Utulei, AS, her loving grandchildren, Breanna Apofua Sunia, Joseph Tuiai Sunia, Jordan Ioane Sunia, Aleki Kolone Sunia, and Rhett Tuiai Sunia. There are many more loved ones, throughout the years, that she raised as her own, Faana Lanford, Rhoda Farrell-Attao, Albert Selau Sunia, David Sunia, Rev. Edward Sunia, Florence Sunia-Doyle, Richard Miranda, Apo Taulai, and Aoutu Finauga. Also countless nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Polu Su’evale Fuatau Malau’ulu and Fa’ana Tia Malemo Polu, brothers, Rev. Tuvale Su’evale Polu, Leofale Polu, Fa’isamoa Su’evale Polu, Ti’a Kolone Polu, and Polu Pe’a Su’evale Polu, sisters Fa’asala Suevale Polu Mauga, and Talisala Su’evale Polu.

Apofua will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held from 2PM to 5PM. on Wednesday, September 26 at the FDA Conrad-Carroll Funeral Home located at 401 W. Channel Isl. Blvd. Oxnard, CA followed by a Celebration of Apo’s life at her home.