Fa'aleanoano Vaovasa

Fa’aleanoano Vaovasa was born October 28, 1933 in Onenoa, American Samoa to Mene and Selaina “Anna” Vaovasa and . They had ten children all together and  Leano was the youngest of her family tribe. She was the last surviving sibling.

Her parents were farmers on the island and her father took his role as  a Chief. At a very young age she learned how to cook from her mother. Along with her other sisters, she attended Autauloma Girls Christian School and spent most of her youth as a servant in the church. Being raised in the faith played as the foundation that led her to accept the  Lord and walk in his path at an early age.

In the late-50’s she got married to George Ama, and as a couple, they traveled to San Francisco, California, in 1960. Even though Leano was the youngest, she was the first one to come to America. She even helped provide for her whole family to come and have a new life together.

She and George had their only child on February 7, 1963, a daughter that was the spitting image of her, Imileta “Amy” Ama Vaovasa. In May of 1969, she also raised her older sister, Fa'aeteete's youngest daughter, Dorothy Tupolo Hisatake as her youngest daughter.

As a nurse by profession, she was also a caretaker for her sister, Talaematafi and  her two children Faaolo “Hilter”, and Ane aka Anna. Due to the early death of her brothers, she had the opportunity to help raise his children, Selaina, Eddy and Steve. If she wasn’t home cooking and taking care of the children, she was hard at work. Taking care of her sister, Tafi who also played a role in helping determine Leano’s career path.

In 1975, she graduated from Bryman Nursing school and then started her career as a nurse. She spent her career working as a nurse and in 1995, at age 62, retired from St. Francis Hospital in Daly City, California.

In 1989, she joined the new ministry under Rev. Fouina Nuu and President Siupui Vaovasa under United Samoan Pentecostal Church. Together alongside her sisters, Tafi, Sala, and niece, Selaina were all founding members of the new congregation. This was the start to a new life in her faith. In May of 2006, Leano followed her daughter, Pastor Imileta Vaovasa to Missouri to start her new church, Genesis  Christian Center.

However, her most treasured role in her life was being a Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She was the epitome of an amazing Grandma. She instilled good values and morals to everyone at a young age, reminding everyone to always love one another, to forgive one another, and to always stay together in the Lord. She was the strong roots of a forever growing tree. Her prayers and legacy in Jesus Christ will be lived on from generation and generations to come.

Our beloved Leano Vaovasa transitioned to glory on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at her home. Her parents, siblings, great grandson, Isaiah Hisatake and many other family members, and loved ones were awaiting her arrival.

She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her children, Imileta Ama Vaovasa,     Dorothy Tupolo (Eighi Jr.) Hisatake, and  Eighi Hisatake Jr.; grandchildren,  Dardantte (Lata) Vaovasa, Aiyana Fuiava, Talaematafi Fuiava, Mei Fuiava Jr., Cameron (Anita) Maluia, Jochebed “Binky” (Rodney McConico) Vaovasa, Asopaepae Fuiava, Sofia Vaovasa, Eighi (Lizette) Hisatake III, Elijah (Jazztina) Hisatake, Joshua (Princess) Uiagalelei, Malaki (Moetoto) Hisatake, Judah Hisatake, Rain Hisatak and Jabez Hisatake; Great-Grandchildren, Delilah, Dardantte Jr., Ava, Levi, Ave Aja, Israel, Egypt, Soul-Rei, Pualani, Steven Iosua, Melanie, Malaki Jr., Mei IV, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, church family, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday February 4, 2023

Visitaton will be from 3 P.M. - 4 P.M. Services will begin  at 4 P.M.

1st Haitian Baptist Church  10035 East Westport Rd.  Independence, Mo 64052