Emelita Siale Hola Katoa (“Leka”)

Emelita Siale Hola Katoa (“Leka”) was unexpectedly called home to her Heavenly Father on May 2, 2022. While her vast network of family and friends are heartbroken with her passing, they know she is joyfully reunited with her two children, Heamasi and Lala. Leka was truly loved by all who met her.
Born on January 7, 1967, in Mua, Tonga, the daughter of Taniela Fa’e and Silika Pilimilose Hola, Leka was a joy the moment she arrived. Raised by her Grandparents, Sosaia and Emelita Lautaimi, Leka loved her home in Tonga and her close-knit family. Leka was sealed to her parents in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s New Zealand temple, when she was two years old. A few short years later, Leka moved with her family to America. Arriving on Christmas morning, Leka was fascinated by the snow that immediately enveloped her family – the first of many new delights of her new home.
Leka attended Granite High School. Being especially bright, Leka skipped a grade and attended school with her older siblings, Ela, Saia and Molonai. Leka cherished and appreciated friends and activities in her early years – a trait that continued throughout her life. Leka was a loving older sister to her younger siblings, Yolanda and Danny.
Leka met the love of her life, Inoke Katoa and together they raised eight children: Salesi “Lala”, Jhon, Amelia (Aleki Olive), Silika (Tevita Haukinima), Lusi, Saimone (Bell Katoa), Katea “Baby” and Emeline “Fehi.” Leka was also a doting grandmother to twenty-four vivacious and entertaining grandchildren – Siale, Jhon Daniel, Lehi, Kitione, Ena, Emelitann “Princess,” Samuela, Liahona Santana, Sumeo, Sosaia, Aleki, Heamasi, Jacob, Ammon, Timote, Vaomapa, Emalose, SiaLose, Nazanin, Hailame, Teitume, Hagoth, and VaiLala. Rarely would you see Leka without her kids and grandkids surrounding her. To know Leka, and be loved by her, was one of life’s greatest blessings.
In addition to being an attentive and adoring mother, Leka was brilliantly talented. She was a seamstress, florist, wedding designer and event planner. She loved sharing her vision of all things beautiful with those around her. Her attention to detail in the presentation of food and flowers was unparalleled; with Leka at the helm, brides and friends knew the party would be a success. Everything she touched became magical under her watchful eye. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to create beauty wherever she was. VaiLala is a juice that Leka created, not had it helped her but helped so many more.
Of all of Leka’s amazing talents and gifts, the one she held most dear, was the gift of her testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ. She intimately taught her children the power of the Savior’s love. She shared her testimony through action and example, so her children knew from a young age that Heavenly Father lived, and that Jesus Christ was the Savior. Her children knew that the power of prayer worked and through faith, they could move mountains. Leka taught that the power of fasting would bring miracles beyond belief. Because of Leka, the Katoa children know that the Atonement is real and through the Plan of Salvation, they will never be alone – even now, as they anxiously wait for the day that they will be reunited with their mother. Leka’s testimony is the legacy she left her children and grandchildren – a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Preceded in death by her mother, Silika and older brother, Saia.
Leka was beautiful, talented, funny and kind. She welcomed anyone into her family and never judged who they were or where they came from. All that mattered was that you were in her home and loved by her. We will miss Leka’s laughter and ability to unite people from all walks of life. We love you, Leka and can’t wait to be reunited with you once again.

Emelita Siale Katoa “Leka”
Family Viewing
Winder West Stake
4545 S 1200 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Saturday, May 14,2022
Family Viewing 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Bishops Service 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Burial 3:00 pm
Memorial Redwood Cemetery
6500 S Redwood Rd
Taylorsville, UT 84123

Thank you family and Friends
Ofa Lahi Atu