Heta Maliana Maumau Kakato's Obituary
Heta Maliana Maumau Kakato
1965 - 2021
The mere mention of her beautiful name 'Heta Maliana' Maumau-Kakato commands vivid recollections of days past, of laughter, of warmth, a life well lived and divine purpose.
Heta Maliana was born to Tevita Longani Maumau and Matelita Vika (nee Fotu) on the morn of May 10, 1965. This little princess arrived with much fanfare, complete with a magic wand in hand- not to be used to summon imaginary friends, or fairies or even mystical creatures but to use on her older sister Sela Tule and younger brothers Sione and Taukatelata. She arrived knowing her worth and used all of her magical powers to run her siblings' lives or as she would say, help them to see the right that she deemed apparent. Her innate ability to love and connect with people from all walks of life would prepare her to embrace a life of service, of comfort, of adventure, of happiness and ultimately, a life of devotion to her God, to family, to friendships and eternal love.
With wand in hand, she set off to school, in a new country, speaking no English and excelling in every aspect of her education. She mastered the English language quickly and used her voice to capture both young and old alike. She enjoyed the trans-Tasman excursions to sing in the Sydney Opera House. Her love of music led her to explore the art of dance and in particular, ballroom dancing. To see her dance was a sight to behold. She would later use this talent to teach youth and young adults alike to love and experience the beauty and magic in her heart.
Once adept at the use of her wand, She knew it was time to find her Prince. However, Prince Valeli Kakato had already set his sights on her after seeing her beautiful smile, hearing her infectious laughter and experiencing her zest for life. NO WAND NEEDED!!
After a very short courtship, they married on the 17th of May 1990. Their life together would take them from New Zealand, to the island paradise of Maui and eventually settling in Zion - Utah where their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple, officiated by Elder John H. Groberg in 2001.
Their beautiful union would not be blessed with children of their own but over the course of 20+ years, they would help mold and mentor countless youth and young adults. Each one was of great importance to them. Each one treasured in their hearts. Each one loved unconditionally.
Her capacity to love grew exponentially as she served faithfully and diligently in all of her callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Heta Maliana was a born leader with the qualities of empathy, compassion and charity emblazoned on her wand. She was insightful and had the ability to see beyond what her eyes could see. She was bold and fearless about standing for the truth. Although she was a leader to primary children, young women and adults, she served them tirelessly, never ceasing to seek out the best in whom she served. An attribute that endeared her to everyone she came in contact with.
The powers of her wand may have diminished with her passing but the magic still lives on and burns brightly in the hearts and lives of those she touched.
Heta Maliana is survived by her Prince, her siblings, her 12 nieces & nephews and 20 grand nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her loving parents, her handsome grand nephew, Carter Kauri Terata Tuione, her paternal grandparents, Sione Ata Maumau & Nunia Atu Sovaleni as well as her maternal grandparents, Sosaia Finau Fotu and Lehapi Moala Tonga.
Funeral services 12 Noon, Friday, September 3, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 4200 Skye Drive, South Jordan, UT with a family service beginning at 9:30 am. Interment at the Riverton City Cemetery.
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