Palepa (Elva) Tauiliili-Gardner, peacefully passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in her home in Aina Haina, Hawaii at the age of 62. Palepa was born on October 19, 1956 in Motootua, Samoa and was the youngest of 11 siblings. Her mother was Mele Sio Luka, and her father was Tauiliili Sio Luka. She moved to Hawaii as a flight attendant for South Pacific Island Airlines and went on to work for Hawaiian Airlines for over 30 years until her passing. She married Jack C. Gardner and raised two beautiful daughters, Taimane age 29 and Teuila age 21. Palepa was also Miss Samoa in the 1978 Miss Universe contest, and sang professionally in Samoa, and loved to dance. Palepa was a social butterfly and had a passion for her family and friends. She was known for her bubbly personality, her inner strength, and grace. She is survived by her husband Jack, her two daughters, Taimane and Teuila, and many sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces and nephews in Samoa, New Zealand, and California. Her Celebration of Life will be on Saturday November 10, and will be located at Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, at 10:00am. Mass will begin at 11am. Palepa requested BRIGHT colors such as red and orange to be worn to her Celebration of Life. Contributions in memory of Palepa may be made to the Gardner family at 1016 Hao St. Honolulu, Hawaii, 96821. Palepa had recently finished her special garden at home of flowers, trees, and plants and would most appreciate plants to add to her garden in her name. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Palepa (Elva) Tauiliili-Gardner, peacefully passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in her home in Aina Haina, Hawaii at the age of 62. Palepa was born on October 19, 1956 in Motootua, Samoa and was the youngest of 11 siblings. Her mother was Mele Sio Luka, and her father was Tauiliili Sio Luka. She moved to Hawaii as a flight attendant for South Pacific Island Airlines and went on to work for Hawaiian Airlines for over 30 years until her passing. She married Jack C. Gardner and raised two beautiful daughters, Taimane age 29 and Teuila age 21. Palepa was also Miss Samoa in the 1978 Miss Universe contest, and sang professionally in Samoa, and loved to dance. Palepa was a social butterfly and had a passion for her family and friends. She was known for her bubbly personality, her inner strength, and grace. She is survived by her husband Jack, her two daughters, Taimane and Teuila, and many sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces and nephews in Samoa, New Zealand, and California. Her Celebration of Life will be on Saturday November 10, and will be located at Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, at 10:00am. Mass will begin at 11am. Palepa requested BRIGHT colors such as red and orange to be worn to her Celebration of Life. Contributions in memory of Palepa may be made to the Gardner family at 1016 Hao St. Honolulu, Hawaii, 96821. Palepa had recently finished her special garden at home of flowers, trees, and plants and would most appreciate plants to add to her garden in her name. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
