Tamato Lavata’i

Tamato Lavata’i was born in the village of Faleniu, American Samoa on July 21, 1942, to Auomanu and Eleanoa Moe. She had four siblings: Onosa’i, Sagapolu, Watson, and Sama.

On February 7, 1959, she married a handsome Army soldier and the love of her life, Sau Lavata’i. She worked as an LVN at Monterrey Peninsula Hospital for many years while supporting her husband’s military career. Their journey took them to many duty stations around the world — including Hawaii, Monterrey, Panama, Vietnam, and Korea — all while raising their children: Eleni, Sau, Marcia, and Misi. They eventually settled in San Diego, CA, where their youngest child, Auomanu, was born.

Tamato and Sau were active in their faith, initially attending the LDS Church in Bonita, CA, where she served as President of the Relief Society. They later joined First Samoan Christian Congregational Church of National City, following in the legacy of Sau’s father. Tamato continued her leadership and service there as President of the Women’s Association.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking them to parks and McDonald’s Play Place, and enjoyed playing bingo with her husband every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.

After Sau’s passing on March 31, 2019, Tamato’s health declined, and she was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia. On June 15, 2025, she reunited with her beloved husband in heaven. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, faith, and family devotion.