SUDDEN PASSING OF MRS. SAKALA MAUTOFU ALE STUNS FAMILY

Speaker Savali Talavou’s wife Mrs. Sakala Mautofu Ale, who passed away over the weekend, is described as “one of a kind” by her children. [Courtesy Photo]

House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, is still trying to come to terms with the passing of his wife of 38 years over the weekend. “To date, I haven’t accepted the fact that she’s gone... she’s the heart of the family and now that she's gone I don’t know how me, the kids, will go on from here,” said the Speaker while fighting back his emotions. Speaking to Samoa News over the phone, Savali stated that she showed no signs of being sick, and that he, along with their many children were surprised by her passing.
 
According to the Speaker, his wife was a woman who always made her children a priority, and taking care of her children was on the top of her ‘to do’ list. “She was always on top of our church and family obligations and made sure everything was taken care of... she was unique in every way.”
 
The Speaker said while it’s hard, he will be strong for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
 
They were married on July 16, 1977 in Carson, California, and she leaves behind 11 biological children with many other children that they have taken in and raised as their own, as well as 28 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
 
Savali said he’s overwhelmed with the support of his colleagues, church members, family and friends since his wife’s passing and he’s grateful for their company.
 
Among the children is Sandra Ale Taotua, a mother of two, who described her mother as “one of a kind”. Sakala’s other children stated that she was a woman of class, grace, poise, balance and a woman of God, who was very loving.
 
They also told Samoa News that even more poignant — their mother died on their father’s birthday, Sept. 5, which fell on a Saturday this year.
 
Living in Ili’ili yet from Fagali’i, Mrs. Ale and Savali have been deacons of the CCCAS Fagalii for a very long time.
 
She left an impression in the hearts of everyone she came across, given her character, very kind and loving, say many people who knew her.
 
Samoa News expresses its deepest condolences to House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale and his family in their time of grief.