Nisani Apelamo Lifuka – November 21, 1938 – August 9, 2026
Nisani Apelamo Lifuka, a devoted servant of her people and a beloved matriarch, passed away on August 9, 2026, at her home in Waianae, Hawaii, following complications from edema. She was 87 years old. Born on November 21, 1938, in Nukufetau, Tuvalu, Nisani was the daughter of Apelamo and Mekala Lupe. She completed her education in 1956 and went on to marry Lifuka Sakalalo Samuelu, sharing thirty-three years of devoted partnership with him. Nisani will be remembered as a powerful and tireless leader among the people of Tuvalu. She served for thirty-two years as President of the Nukufetau Women Council, a role in which she took immense pride, and she stood as a Board Member of the EFKT. A strong and energetic speaker, she was a lifelong advocate for women and for those in greatest need, always standing for the minority and lifting others through her compassion. Her belief that women could lead as well as any man was a conviction she carried with warmth and good humor. Even when circumstances turned against her, Nisani never gave up. A devout Christian, Nisani read her Bible every day and was cherished as an unmatched Sunday School teacher whose wisdom drew many to listen. She volunteered thirty-five years with her church, EKT, and remained a proud member of the Tuvalu Women Committee for thirty-two years. In her quieter hours, she loved to play cards, sing church songs, and travel around the island of Oahu. Above all, nothing mattered more to her than her family, her children, grandchildren, elders, and keiki. Nisani was preceded in death by her parents, Apelamo and Mekala Lupe; her husband, Lifuka Sakalalo Samuelu; her sister Tufaina; her brothers Maleko, Esela, Nelesone, Falealunga, Eliuta, Nuuausala, and Ailesi; and her son Vaealiki. She is survived by her sister Melosa; her son Sam; and her daughters Tulelei and Alofangia. A visitation will be held at Mililani Mortuary Mauka, Mililani Memorial Park, 94-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Waipahu, HI 96797, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, with a reception to follow from 12:00 pm to 1:10 pm. The service will be led by various pastors, family, and friends. Additional details will be announced later this week. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Nisani Lifuka's family in Waianae. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who showed their love to Nisani. In her own cherished words, "Aloha, Mahalo, Ffetai, Kommol, E Rarabwa." To honor her, we stand tall together in our actions and not our words, just as she always taught.