Sauimalae C Strickland's Obituary
With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Sauimalae Christina Savaiinaea Strickland, who returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on August 21, 2025, surrounded by the enduring love of her family. She was 86 years old.
She's the daughter of the late Paramount Chief Savaiinaea Autagavaia Saipaia Lafaele and Paese Lealamanu'a Autagavaia of Vailele, Samoa. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, sisters, brothers, and grandson. Leativaosalafai Andersen, Nive Autagavaia, Siupolu Savaiinaea, Fuailelagi Ioelu, Tamaaleve'a Savaiinaea, Motufiga Savaiinaea, and Enosa Junior Strickland (grandson).
Her amazing life is rooted in faith, service, strength, and unshakable love for her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, she was the radiant heart of our ʻāiga and the guiding light through generations.
She is lovingly survived by her eternal companion and husband, Leota Tavui Peter Strickland, with whom she shared a remarkable life of faith and partnership. Together, they raised a beautiful family of nine children: Autagavaia Filipo (Nancy Ash), Eliza (late Lealamanu'a Pala Laumatia), Matalena (Faataumalamalama Vee), Enosa (Ilima Keliikoa), Simi (Esther Fano), Caroline (Einer Thompson), Leota Peter Jr. (Cynthia Lockington), Lealamanuʻa Ricky (Siuta Faamausili), Filipo Pita (Senia Malaeulu).
She also leaves behind a powerful legacy of 40 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren, each of whom carries her spirit, strength, and kindness in their hearts. She is further survived by her loving brother Autagavaia Taape and cherished sister Leofu Savaiinaea.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sauimalae was a faithful servant throughout her life. Alongside her husband, she served four missions in Anaheim and Riverside, California; Apia, Samoa; and Seattle, Washington—touching countless lives with her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ.
In her youth, she was known for her adventurous and spirited heart. She was a proud jockey and rode her beloved horse Fasafasa with grace and pride—a symbol of her fierce independence and joyful soul.
To know her was to feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. Her laughter was music, her prayers were powerful, and her example was sacred. Her hands were never idle, always serving, comforting, and creating—a quiet force of devotion that uplifted generations.
Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of love, faith, and service lives on in all who were blessed to know her. We find peace in knowing she has returned to her heavenly home, embraced by the Savior she served so faithfully.
Until we meet again, we will carry her light in our hearts.
Manuia lau malaga i le lagi le tina pele. Alofaaga mai le Tama male fanau.
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