22 May 2021, Apia Samoa. A Nofoalii mother and her unborn child who were tragically killed in a bus accident earlier this month have been laid to rest.
The funeral service for Miriama Tula’imalo and her baby boy, Laki LJ, was held at her home church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at Nofoalii before they were laid to rest at her parents home in the same village.
The accident happened after a bingo held at Faleasiu on the 7th of May this year, just two days before Mother’s Day. According to a witness, Miriama had just come off the bus, and went to stand behind it to wait for her car. The bus driver did not know Miriama was there when he reversed, and she got caught under the back wheel.
Miriama was due to deliver her baby this month, when the accident that took her life, also claimed the life of her unborn child.
Miriama’s mother Mrs La Talimalie, said at the time that her daughter was rushed to Leulumoega District Hospital, and transferred immediately by ambulance from Leulumoega to Motootua.
“My daughter did not make it to Motootua hospital, my husband and I were waiting at Motootua but my daughter died before the ambulance reached the hospital”, Mrs Talimalie shared.
Mrs Talimalie says as a mother, it is difficult to come to terms with loosing a daughter and a grandson at the same time.
“Losing them both is very hard, and we are grateful for family and friends who attended her funeral and made their special day memorable for us;
“She was a great help to me and my husband in the development of our family, and we will miss her love and support”.
Miriama is remembered by her grieving parents, aunties, uncles and cousins as someone who loved her family and her Church.
“She was an active Member, always taking part in all the activities,” testifies Miriama’s mother.
Her first cousin on her Dad’s side, Tiara Tula’imalo Tuulua who is a registered midwife at Motootua National Hospital said Miriama will be missed at the next family faalavelave for always bringing laughter and positiveness.
“All our faalavelave she is always the first to come.. she would bring all her children to Leusoalii, and she would stay until everything is done”.
“I am crying thinking of her request for me to deliver her current pregnancy. When I told her I can’t serve my own family members, she ignored me and said as soon as I feel contractions, I’m calling you!”.
RM Tula’imalo Tuulua says Miriama had a great sense of humour, always commenting something witty on family Facebook posts.
“She loved taking selfies, was fun and loving and always making funny jokes.. she would record us singing together and then play it back to laugh at how bad her voice is.. O le sili o leo paulua,” says RN Taulua affectionately.
Miriama is survived by her partner Tusi Su’a and her 4 children.
Rest in Peace Miriama and Laki LJ.
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