Naijo Christina Nomura Fuata-Belford's Obituary
Naijo Christina Nomura Fuata-Belford, age 81, passed away suddenly at one of her son’s home in Puyallup, Washington on June 17, 2024 while visiting from Hawaii.
Naijo was born November 22, 1942, at United States (U.S.) Naval Hospital (Utulei), U.S. Naval Station Tutuila, American Samoa, to Moati’a Tsuneo and Olita (Viena) Nomura.
She attended Saint Francis Catholic Girls School in Aua, American Samoa, received her General Education Diploma and numerous certifications from U.S. Department of Agriculture and Sealand/Maersk.
Naijo worked as a cashier at Burns-Phillips store before becoming a clerk at the Government ofAmerican Samoa Legislative Branch or “Fono.” In her quest to follow her passion serving the people of American Samoa, she accepted a position at the Department ofAgriculture as a produce and an import/export cargo inspector. In pursuit of her dreams, Naijo moved to California and became a shipping agent at Sealand/Maersk Shipping Company, Long Beach, California where she retired after ~20 years.
She was a devout Catholic and an active participant in the Saint Philomena Catholic Church for over 35 years where she was a choir member, served as an usher, a lector, eucharistic minister, and secretary of the Samoan committee for over ten years. She religiously attended Mass at the local parishes when living in American Samoa and Hawaii or visiting her children across the globe. Naijo volunteered to serve on numerous church committees and fundraisers. She was also a member of the Sisters'Alumni of the Pacific Association for over three decades, during which she served seven terms as president, awarding countless scholarships to children of Pacific Islander descent.
Naijo was married to and later divorced Roland Glenister of Nu'uli, American Samoa, the late John Lotoleaga Fuata of Carson, California for 34 years, then to Tupuola (Paul) Belford of Carson, California until his passing in 2013.
Naijo is survived by her children CW5(R) Taufaga’afa Lincoln Philip Glenister, CSM(R) Tuaua Roland Emanuel Glenister, SFC(R) Melvin Thomas Glenister, Maureen Nomura Fitisemanu, Felila Glenister Moananu, Naijo Tiapepe Ulufale, Jazmine Jacinta Fitisemanu Fuata, 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and many of her Fuata and Belford stepchildren.
She is also survived by brothers: CSM(R) Edward “Sonny” Nomura, David 'Dave' Nomura and Ruvino “Vino” Nomura.
Naijo was preceded in death by her son, Tsuneo Glenister Nomura, her brothers; CSM(R) Anthony Leali’iva’a Nomura, Moati'a Faga Patrick Nomura, Moati’a Lo'i Raymond Nomura, Tomio Alphonso Nomura, and her sisters; Tupuimoega Viena Suiaunoa, Maureen Setsu Nomura Velcich, Christina Nomura Ma'ilo, Moati'a Jacinta Nomura Brown and Olita Nomura. Also her granddaughter, Carissa Marie Glenister, and her great grandson, Jameson Argyle Murphy.
What’s your fondest memory of Naijo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Naijo?
Share a story where Naijo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Naijo you’ll never forget.
How did Naijo make you smile?
