Eseta Lei

Eseta Malaeomanu Le'i, was born on November 1, 1937 in Alao, American Samoa. She entered into the gates of heaven on April 30, 2022 in Patterson, California at the age of 84 years old. She is preceded in death by her family; beloved husband of 44 years, Nelesone Siluano Le'i, parents father, Fala Tomanogi, mother, Malaeomanu Fala Nua, and step-father, Isopo Nua, siblings, Alofa Nua, Va’a Fala (Solia), Aua Tomanogi (Toalima), Sina Togiai (Elisara), Muta Fui (Fetaiai), Laki Nua (Nive) and Auina Tiapula.

Mrs. Le'i is survived by her loving family. Her children, David Le’i, Daniel Le’i, Rosalind Rank (Frank), Es Le’i, Tyna Le’i, John Le’i (Elena), and Jonah Le’i (Roxann). Her grandchildren, Gingerlei Fielding (James), Marilyn Illaoa, Ianeta Le’i, Stephen Le’i, Allen Nobida (Marissa), Kianna Le’i (Ben), John Reyes Le’i, Kyle Le’i, Zoell Le’i (Tawnie), Jayliena Le’i, Nelesone Le’i, Siluano Le’i, and Jettison Le’i. As well as her 8 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way. Also her siblings, Elisa Tuisamatatele, Timothy Nua (Peggy), Mike Nua (Kay), Rev. Mefi Nua (Alo) and Alofa Nua (Seu).                                                                                                  

Eseta grew up in American Samoa. In 1954 she moved to Hawaii, where she met the love of her life, Nelesone Siluano Le’i. They then got married on May 18, 1957. She was involved with many organizations; Saved under Iese Leasau in 1965, returned to Am.Samoa in 1966 being one of the First Pioneers, with her mother Malaeomanu, Nua, of the Assembly of God, Am.Samoa, Village of Tula in 1966, Pioneer of First Samoan Assembly of God Church, Patterson, CA., Served under Pastor Poe Halek as leader of ministry & youth, in Tula, at the same time taking care of her mother & grandmother.Through the years she served under many ministries taking on roles of Treasurer, Bookkeeping, Worship Leader, and President of Sunday School Departments. 

Eseta was passionate about serving God. She felt that every moment with her family was her opportunity to share God’s word and love. She wanted everyone to know God’s love and to make Him known. She was not only generous in giving her money but she was generous with her time with God. She was an example to her siblings, nieces and nephews, children, and grandchildren throughout the generations. She served God through her testimonies and songs with her ukulele in hand. As a young woman and mother, she was unstoppable in spreading God’s news. She would travel to other villages with the bible in one hand and her young babies in the other. As an elderly woman, she drove miles and miles well into her 80’s, to do the Lord’s work. She had her own way of preaching and storytelling. 

Eseta was a small woman in stature but her heart was as big as her family. She touched everyone she came across and everyone loved her so much that her own sibling’s kids and grandkids called her Aunty Grandma. She was the pillar of strength for her entire family. Being the oldest, Eseta carried a lot of weight for her parents and siblings and their families. She made sure everyone was cared for and looked after. Before passing, she made sure to tell her children to look after her nieces and nephews that also lost parents and asking how others were doing not even worrying about herself.

Eseta will be remembered for her humble heart, her selfless nature and as a giving servant of God. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Harvest Samoan Assembly of God-Patterson 415 N First St Patterson, CA 95363

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