Nu'umau Mele Soliai

Talofa! “A life lived in fear is a life half lived.” It was one of her favorite lines from Strictly Ballroom, and she lived it with a full, fearless, happy‑go‑lucky heart. Mau wasn’t afraid of much — performing, traveling, teasing people, or speaking her mind — but everyone knew she drew the line at swimming. One of life’s great ironies: a girl raised on an island who refused to get in the water. The ocean could wait; she preferred to admire it from a safe, dry distance — or from the comfort of someone’s shoulders. She brought laughter everywhere she went, the kind that made people shake their heads, wipe their eyes, and say, “Only Mau.” And if anyone got too bold, she’d flash that look, roll her eyes in that dramatic Mau way, and say, “Eh, don’t be cheeky.” Born on April 4, 1987, Nu'umau Mele Soliai — lovingly known as Mau or in her words Kuuipo— entered this world as a precious gift to the late Suaavamuli Pou Pine Soliai and Le Afioga Leilua Leutu Soliai. She only spent two years with her father before he passed, but she never let anyone forget she was his favorite. She would proudly tell people she was spoiled by him — and with that playful grin and eye‑roll, no one ever dared argue. From childhood to her final day, she was her mother’s bigger shadow, travel partner, and constant companion. Their bond was the center of both their lives — full of music, inside jokes, playful teasing, and the kind of laughter that made strangers turn around to see what they were giggling about this time. It was her mother who first taught her how to love music — starting with the oldies‑but‑goodies — and Mau carried that soundtrack with her everywhere she went. She graduated from Samoana High School — Go Sharks! — and later earned her Associate’s Degree from American Samoa Community College alongside her cousin and dance partner, “Suka” (Tofi). And even though she graduated high school twelve years after her brother, she still became an honorary member of his class reunion cruises — because wherever Mau went, she belonged. Her love for performing began early. Under the direction of Aunty Vatau and Sandra Neria, she stepped onto a stage before the entire island with a solo hula to I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, stealing the show and everyone’s hearts. She later taught that same piece to all her nieces — always laughing, always adding her own commentary, always turning practice into a comedy show. She danced in countless Flag Day celebrations and performed for dignitaries, including during the visits of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary Hillary Clinton, and the former Mayor of Honolulu Muliufi Hannemann who is actually her first cousin. Mau became one of the original performers for Le Taupou Manaia under the leadership of Tuifa’asisina Korina Seiuli Lee. Later, Mau and Kori became inseparable as they taught and guided young dancers of Le Taupou Manaia with the same joy, humor, grace, and cultural pride they were both raised with. Her mother supported her every step — sewing costumes, fixing headpieces, and cheering from the front row. Mau’s gift for music extended far beyond the stage. She served in many church choirs throughout her life, including her beloved Nuuuli 1st Ward under Bishop Toloa in Samoa, where earlier this year she had the honor of conducting a televised Music and the Spoken Word broadcast in American Samoa. When visiting Utah, Bishop Kelly and the Westridge Ward always received her with open arms. Even though she wasn’t an official ward member, she became a cherished part of the congregation — singing with her whole heart, befriending so many members, and adoring the new Bishop Green and his wife. Her friendships had no boundaries. She was “one of the girls” with Sisters Green, Windsor, and Belshazzar — all wives and mothers — yet Mau fit right in. She also shared a special friendship with Sister Gubler and Brother Gubler, the ward pianist, who often told Mau she wanted her to sing at her funeral — a testament to how deeply Mau’s voice and spirit touched those around her. Her greatest devotion in life was caring for her mother. She never wanted to leave her side and spent many years as her caregiver. She brought laughter into even the hardest days — cracking jokes, rolling her eyes at the perfect moment, and turning doctor visits into stories the family would retell for years. Loving her mother wasn’t a responsibility; it was her joy, her purpose, and the place where her heart felt most at home. And though she had no children of her own, she was the favorite aunt — the one every child claimed. She helped raise nearly all her nieces and nephews, loving each one with a unique, personal bond. She called them sweet names like “bestie,” made them feel chosen, and filled their lives with music, jokes, and endless fun. Her last and most spoiled baby was Noah. Her phone was overflowing with photos, videos, and TikToks of “her babies,” proof of how much they adored her and how much joy she poured into them. She was the family’s social media queen, capturing memories, creating laughter, and keeping everyone connected. Outside of home and church, Mau had another joy — bowling. She was an avid bowler and a proud member of the family team, the Aiga Sandbaggers. The other bowlers loved her just as much as her family did. She brought the same humor, many snacks, competitiveness, and playful teasing to the lanes that she brought everywhere else. Whether celebrating a strike, laughing off a gutter ball, or rolling her eyes at someone’s “lucky shot,” she made every game feel like a party. Her teammates adored her for her spirit, her jokes, and the joy she carried into every frame. She lived fully, bravely, joyfully — never holding back, never dimming her light, never letting fear steal a single moment (except for swimming). She is survived by her devoted mother, her sisters and brothers, and the many, many nieces and nephews who carry her rhythm, her laughter, and her love. As we gather to honor her, we do so for her Final Ovation — a last bow for an entertainer whose joy, movement, humor, and spirit will echo long after the curtain falls. Curtain Call Saturday, December 27, 2025 10:00 AM Westridge Stake Center 82 North Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah From the bottom of her mother’s heart, our family wishes to thank every person who loved Mau, laughed with her, sang beside her, bowled with her, served with her, or simply shared a moment of joy in her presence. Your kindness, friendship, and love added so much light to her life. We are forever grateful. Fa’afetai tele lava, With love and gratitude, The Family of Nu'umau Mele Soliai l

Nu'umau Mele Soliai

April 4, 1937 - November 28, 2025