Strawberry Days Children's parade - Katie

A couple of years ago we participated in a local parade for the town that we live in.  Every year they celebrate the history of the city with different events over the space of a week.  It is called Strawberry Days and it's really fun.  Last year I was looking up to see what the dates were for certain events and was surprised to see my daughter Hannah's photo on the city website.  I quickly copied it and have it on my computer.  Now when I go to the website I still see it on there and I'm proud of her.  She was having a good time and flashing her best smile to the people we passed and the photo captures it all.  The funny thing to me is that while she is waving an American flag, her t-shirt says "Somebody in NZ loves me!" lol.  Funny!  Got to represent both countries :)

Here is the photo:

Request

As I sit here, I think of all the wonderful things that are going to happen and have been going on in our family and I feel in some way that since I cannot attend all these events that I am missing out.  Since we are all so spread out it across the world it would be fun to see pictures and hear stories of events going on in our lives so that those who live far away and cannot be there can feel like they were present.  I know there are fun things going on in Texas this weekend (Lealo is getting married!) that I'm sure the NZ'ers would like to see and vice versa (Oscar's 30th birthday bash!) that us living in the US would love to see, even those living in Australia too!

The effort to put this blog together was to make that possible and connect us even more than we have been and allow us to share our lives with those we love.  I really want to keep this blog going and as I can see from the number of people who have visited this blog since it started (1,872 views since April 2011) there is a demand for it.  We are also having our extended family view it and get valuable information for their own family history from us.

I am writing this because I really need your help.  Please send me any information that you would like to contribute to this blog whether big or small and I can put it on.  The only thing I won't have time to do is go and find things to put on.  It can be time consuming for me to have to go and find pictures from Facebook etc just to feel like I have something to put onto this blog for everyone to see.  Even if there is no particular event but just have some photos from fun weekend or a cute photo of one of your kids or whatever, please send it to me at partschfamily@gmail.com and I am happy to put it on the blog for everyone to see!  Heck, it doesn't even have to be a photo, even if it is just a memory or news you want to share with the family.  Anything!  Let's share this journey together.

Alofa tele mo le aiga atoa,

Katie

Blast from the past - Lagi

I am grateful to Savea for digging up these precious photos of my Mum.  I thought I would post them on here for her and everyone to see.  Enjoy!

P.S - if you have any photos that you would like to share please send it to me and I can update the blog with them.

Intro - Lagi

Talofa family,

I was born on the 2nd of Febuary 1957. I was born as a twin and what i know is that my twin sister died when we were very young.  I'm not sure why because I'm the second child to Karl and Tusi Partsch.  I was born after Viliamu.  From what I know my mother Tusi was very sick after giving birth to us.  Suisami was in Apia visiting us and saw Tusi very sick so she took me away with her and look after me until Tusi was well but by that time they loved me that they decided to keep me as their daughter.  When I grew up and knew who my real parents were I tried so hard to run away to them but Leota and Suisami kept taking me back with them.  I had so much anger in me because i wanted to grow up with my brothers but no luck.  I always wander why that happen especially since I'm the only daughter but I have forgiven everything that has happen in my growing up with Leota and Suisami and think of the positive things that they have blessed my life with. Faafetai lava to them.

I was named Vitorina Partsch. my Samoan name is Soliilagi.  I was named after Tusi dads sister from Fasitoo Uta.  I have 4 beautiful daughters and now six grandchildren. Iliganoa is the oldest, then Katie Lagituaiva, Taavaesina and my pepe is Yanah Alexandra.   I love my daughters and their families very very much.  I love all my family so much too.  I think my family are a special family and from the bottom of my heart I have so much love for every member of my family.  God bless us all.

Update - Victoria

Congratulations to Fiti and Iva's daughter Victoria Jackson on the birth of her baby boy - Jess Taylor Jackson-Ornelas .  How lovely for another baby to be born into the family.  Congratulations Tori!

When I receive more details (ie. height and weight) I will update this post. 

Picture of Maggie

I found this picture on Facebook from one of our relatives.  It is a picture of our Grandmother/Great Grandmother Maggie Silva.  She is very beautiful!

Update - Noa

I am happy to announce that Noa had her baby boy yesterday.  He is very cute!  Daniel was born on Friday 16th September @ 1.18pm.  He weighed 8lbs and 8oz and 21 inches long.  Both Mum and baby are both doing very well.

Karl and Mandela - World Famous in New Zealand!

For those of you who didn't get the see Karl and Mandela featured in the newspaper, here is the photo and article.  Way to go Karl and Mandela!

A giant figure performing a thigh-slapping haka will greet visitors flying into Wellington thanks to a family of Lyall Bay rugby fanatics.

Father and son team Karl and Mandela Partsch spent the best part of five hours lashing the three-metre-high sign to the fence of their Hornsey Rd home, with four rigged-up spotlights ensuring it can be seen from as far afield as Wellington Airport. 

"If the All Blacks win, it will be staying up for a while," Mr Partsch said yesterday.

The rugby-mad Mr Partsch picked up the sign a few years ago from his job as a caretaker at Massey University, where it had been used in a display. 

He had been saving it to use for a special occasion, and the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand seemed the perfect opportunity, he said. 

"We have to lock it down for the wind, because up here there's a lot of wind  but it's survived. We went for a drive to the airport to check and the visitors can see it, no problem." 

While dad is a staunch All Blacks supporter, Rongotai College student Mandela, 14, would be backing Samoa in the tournament because of the team's predilection for "big hits".  

A flanker for his school's under-15 team, he is trialling for the Wellington representative team today. 

And he has already been involved in the tournament, as part of the waka crew that welcomed the Springboks to Wellington on Monday  which he described as a "mean" experience. 

Wellington City Council has yet to receive many entries in its Dress Up Wellington competition, and is hoping for more enthusiasm when the tournament begins.

******************************************************************************

Here is the link if you want to see the actual article -

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/off-the-field/5579525/Haka-bigger-than-ever-in-Lyall-Bay

Katie - The Silly Season...

Katie here -

We have something called the "Silly Season" at our house.  From August 27th to Sept 7th for our family we celebrate 2 birthdays and our wedding anniversary.  It's a crazy time making sure none of these things gets negected and gets celebrated like it deserves.

One of these things was Hannah turning 7!  This year she wanted to have a Princess party so I we got busy planning that for her.  We have usually only done family parties but I figured that this year was the year we could make her Princess party happen.  It was really fun!  Hannah had a great time and I've seen enough pink to last a lifetime!  Here are some pics from the birthday party.....

Princess storytime

Blowing it out

What is it?

Happy to have a Barbie

Princess activity book

September birthdays

Happy birthday to all our family members who are having birthdays this month.  We all wish you a fabulous birthday and hope it is filled with lots of love and laughter.  You are each a valued member of our family!  We love you!  

2nd - Valita Partsch

2nd -  Peleoali'ilagi Shanti Partsch

6th -   Hannah Siona Mitchell

8th -  Angel Micheaux Partsch

15th - Kobe Joseph LeBlanc

21st - Lealo Partsch

Valita and Sam

Lealo (Savea and Vave's son)

Angel (Noa's daughter)

Hannah (Katie and Cory's daughter)

Kobe LeBlanc (Moana's son)

Pele and Michael

Intro - Karl

Talofa lava!  Ua mai outou… my name is Karl Partsch Junior.  I am a son of Karl and Tusi Partsch. I was born in Lotopa in 1957 or 1958. My birth certificate says 1958 but my mum always said that I was born in 1957. Please if there is anyone still alive of my family who remembers which year I was born, please tell me!

I live in Wellington, New Zealand with my wife Niki and our son Mandela. I work for Massey University with my nephew Eddie (only son of my dear brother Viliamu). We are very lucky to still have family living nearby and we get together several times a year.

Talofa Katie for all your work to put this Blog site together for all our family. 

Here’s a couple of photos:

Niki & Karl Christmas Day 2010

Pe'a

Brother Aimeamiti Christmas 2009

Mandela & Karl Rugby League Cup 2010

Mandela, Christmas Day at Lifou

August birthdays

Happy birthday to these wonderful people who are having a birthday this month.  We hope you have a wonderful day!  May your birthday be filled with love and laughter!  Love and blessings to each of you for this coming year! 

1st - Michelle Partsch
6th - Sa Maiava (Sina and John Maiava's son)
9th - Tusi Partsch (Epi & Viliamu's daughter)
10th - Lavalea Partsch (Fiti's daughter)
18th - Fiti Partsch
27th - Cory Mitchell (Katie's husband)

Michelle

Sa

Tusi

Fiti

Lavalea

 Cory

(Please remember that if you have not sent your families birthday to me please send it to partschfamily@gmail.com)

July birthdays!

Happy birthday to all our family members who are having birthdays this month.  We wish you all a wonderful birthday and hope you get lots of presents, uh, I mean hugs and kisses!  We love each and every one of you.

4th -   Tausala Vaveao Maiava (Sina and John Maiava's daughter)
4th -   Suisami Tu'ugatiti Luatua (Katie's Adopoted Mum / Uncle Leota's wife)
10th - Mata'uToaSavanh (Penina and Lomb's little guy)
15th - Lale Maiava  (Sina and John Maiava's son)
21st -  Sam-Irae Milani Partsch (Sam and Valita's son)

Tausala

Mata'uToaSavanh

Irae

 

Remember to please send me the birthdays for the people in your family so I can make sure each person will get a birthday shout out on their birthday month.

Intro - Eddie

Talofa and Greetings Family,

Sorry its been a while but life is a little hectic at the moment, well my name is Edward (Eddie) Partsch and is the only son of William and Epi Partsch and older brother to Tusi Partsch.  I have 2 boys and a lovely wife that I love.  The boys names are Jeremiah and Joziah Partsch.  I live in Wellington, New Zealand and was the favorite of all my grandparents which the others will deny lol......Well what can I say that will inspire and motivate us to try and stay tight as a family that our Parents and Grandparents have always wanted.  I remember the times that we once all lived together in Arilington apartments with Tusi and Karl Partsch who I can never forget because of who they were as people and what they installed in my life, which has made me the person I am today.  Well I will tell you more about me and my families life in the days to come....

Much love family and photos are still to come.

Savea - Aunty Fa'ataitaia and family

Dear family,

I would like to add Auntie Fa'ataitaia Mulipola Foster and her family to our family blog. Since I left Samoa some 40 plus years ago, I've often thought of them, especially cousin Noma who was brought up with me at one time while living with Uncle Leota and Suisami. Mom would sometimes wondered about her sister Fa'ataitaia.Then cousin Emily Filiki (thanks to cousin Loimata Luatua) connected with me on Facebook and the rest is history. Cousins Emily and Noma also were wondering about us. Noma is in the US Military with a high profile career there while Emily lives in Arizona with her own family. Emily still remembers me drawing pictures of her and her sibling whenever I go to visit them in Tutuila. And Noma is more like a brother to me even to this very day.

For your records, Fa'ataitaia Mulipola Foster is a sister to Tuisfolau Situa Fialuma Toalepai Partsch and Ruta Mulipola Avamua Le'i'o. Fa'ataitaia and Ruta have the same dad, Mulipola, a ranking chief of Manono. Fa'ataitaia (also known as Sopo'ese thanks to Emily Filiki) is married to Filiki (Fritz) Foster of Satala, Tutuila. They have about 9 children or more but we'll find out for sure later on.

I know some of you are now connected with them. Aunty and husband Filiki have since passed away and hope that we can all connect with them in the near future.

Alofa to all of you,

Savea

Here are some pictures:

Cousin Noma as a young boy.

Noma as he looks today and 4 of his sisters. Emily is on the far left

  

Auntie Fa'ataitaia or Sopoese and husband Filiki Foster

An old picture of the 3 sisters: Ruta, Fa'ataitaia, and Tusifolau.

 

Happy birthday Edward

Happy Birthday Edward!  We hope that you had a wonderful birthday.  Know that we are all thinking of you and hope that your life will be blessed in every way.  We love you!

Noa - Intro to Tina Emily Filiki Foster

Hi everyone,

I met a new relative today (at least new to me). I'm really happy because she happens to be Granma Tusi's sister's daughter. The message below will explain more, she sent this to be friends on facebook. I'm posting this because of the memories she shared.  Love it!


Hi Noa.  My name is Tina Emily Filiki Foster. I know you don't know me, but when I see the picture of you and Uncle Karl it felt like it was just yesterday I seen him.  I remember when I was 4yrs old the last time I seen Uncle, when we were living in Samoa long time ago, what I remember of him is when he pops the tip of his ears out just to make me laugh.  First I try to remember if it was Viliamu that did it but no, just looking at the face that's when I remember it was Uncle that did it.  But cousin Viliamu use to pick on me all the time, and I call him kaliga papae, and he just laugh at me.  Those were my memory of Uncle Karl and cousin Viliamu when I was little.  And if you want know how we related, Auntie Tusi and my mom are sisters.  My mom's name is Sopoese Foster.

Happy Fathers Day Message

(Savea missing from this picture)

Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful Fathers in our family.  We all love you and appreciate all that you do for our family.  You are each examples of love, hard work, dedication to family and service.  We  love you all and hope you are each having a wonderful Fathers Day.

NOTE - Even though it's not Fathers Day in NZ until September, we hope all you Fathers in NZ are having a great day.  Know that we are thinking of each of you.



Message from Noa -

I would like to wish the following a Happy Fathers Day! Fiti, Savea, Mata Fiaula, Viliamu, Oscar, Karl, Sam, Foto and all the fathers out there! 

Love you all!

Happy Father's Day

This Sunday (19th June) is Father's Day here in the US.  We wanted to have a special post about Grandpa so we can all share our memories of him.

Thoughts from Fiti -

My father was such a workaholic not only to support his family but it was just his nature.  My fond memories of my dad was leaving Lotopa, his family in town, to move to Saleimoa, my mother's family in the outer village of Samoa, in order to help take care of my grandma Lavalea.  Because of his hard work and loyalty, her family bestowed upon him the matai title of "Fautua."  He worked so hard to own up to his title by serving not only his wife's family, but also the village.  He only left the village when his son Oscar had to be moved to NZ in order to have heart surgery to save his life.  Family was the most important thing to our father so instead of just the 3 of them moving, the whole family was eventually moved to NZ.  Dad continued his hard work ethics by working for a building construction company so he can afford to bring all his kids to NZ and settle there.  

My dad was a great example to me of how to be a father and a hard worker.  He was my role model as I became a father to my kids and a stepfather to my wife's kids.  I just want to thank him for all that he has done for me, my brothers & sisters, nieces and nephews, and all the lives he touched.  I love you dad, forever.  Manuia le Aso Tama!

Memory from Katie -

The memory I want to share about Grandpa was when were both in Texas at the same time which was about a year (or two) before he passed away.  We talked a few times and enjoyed being together with all our family over there.  I don't remember the conversations but I do remember how I felt.  I just felt loved by him.  Those words weren't said but the feeling was shared.  I'm glad that I had those moments with him.    I love you Grandpa!

Memories from Noa -

I love and miss granpa Karl. I feel lucky to have had been able to spend time with Granpa though I didn't realize it at the time. When living at Arlington Apartments in Wellington, one of the things I used to do for him was run to the Hanky Street Store to buy his daily newspaper. He would have his morning coffee in a tin cup and read the paper for tab listings. Everyone knows how much he would walk every day to the TAB as mentioned before it was his daily exercise. There was a friend of his I forgot his name, that would visit from time to time. He was a sweet old man. He would also ask me too to buy his news paper. I didn't mind because sometimes Granpa and him would let me keep the change so I can buy candy. Back in those days 50 and 20 cents was a big deal to me. Granpa after rare winnings would give me change and I would feel very happy. I would laugh when he would try to convince Granma Tusi today was the day to win hahaha.

Another sweet memory when he worked as a kitchen hand at a nice restaurant. He took me one time and we worked together. The best part was bringing home some yummy cookies/biscuits. One of them were florentines, to this day when I make them I think fondly of that moment.

There were also times I massaged his legs from time to time, probably from walking a lot. I also remember someone mentioned he was on a bus and some Samoan guys made fun of what he was wearing, thinking he didn't understand next thing you know he is telling them off hahaha. I have to mention an embarrassing moment too, one Sunday a friend called to ask me to play. Granpa had no problem telling her off about playing on Sunday was wrong. I didn't get many calls hahaha. The last time he was here in the USA he had a stroke prior so he couldn't speak well. However when we were around each other no words could explain the feeling we had for one another. I felt so much love and appreciation for this great man. He was my father and grandfather. I wish him a special Fathers day because he will always be my dad:)  Love you very much.

 

Memories from Savea -

 On this Father’s Day, I want to mention more than one ‘dad’ that has played a vital role in molding my life. Starting with my biological father, Samuelu Petaia, he’s of Tokelauan and Portuguese lineage. His Portuguese side is of the Pedro family and his great grandfather (my great great grandfather) was a Aliki or King of Tokelau. His father, Petaia was a LMS pastor several Pacific islands and is buried in Papua, New Guinea according to my source. Although I didn’t spend enough time with him, he would give me some money now and then. He also helped sent me a suit and other clothes for my church mission.

My other dad was also my grandpa To’alepai Meafua Muavae Aiono. I used to live with him in Lalovaea, Apia when he was a policeman. He really loves his oldest daughter or my mother, Tusifolau Situa Fialuma To’alepai Partsch and he took care of us when we left American Samoa. As a very strict Catholic, his dream was for me and his son Pio To’alepai or mom’s brother to be Catholic priests. Although very strict, he loved me and helped mold my life to be a close to God. But his dream of me being a Catholic priest didn’t come to pass when mom moved her family to Lotopa.

My third dad was Uncle Leota Aimeamiti Tilialo Luatua. Although he was also very strict, he too played a huge part in molding my life for the better. He was very proud of my achievements at the Church College of Western Samoa where he was also a teacher. Many of my school mates talked highly of uncle. Some said they owe him their progress in school from being a ulavale kid to a respectful and responsible adult. While I was a zone leader in Savaii during my mission, there was this church conference for all the members in Savaii. I also happened to be the choir conductor of one branch and he was so proud of me that he called for me to come on stage during his speech. He held a high position in the church and as a ‘dad’, he bragged to the congregation about me. The words that stood out in my mind that day from him was, “This is my son and I’m very proud of him.”

Last but not least, my dad, Fautuaali’i Karl Edward Partsch. As the tears are now flowing, I just don’t have enough words to say how much I honor and love dad for all that he has done for me. I’ve carried my biological dad’s name, I’ve carried uncle Leota’s name, but I didn’t carry Karl’s name until I was about to become a senior at CCWS. He never asked to change my last name. But as I looked back at all the years since he was my dad, there was nothing left but to honor him by taking his name. He never laid a hand on me! Oh yes, mother did that. He even took a bus to visit me with some goodies to Nofoali’I, my first area in my mission. He slept there and left in the early morning to go back to Pesega. When he made his will, he put only my name on it. I asked him why and he said he had faith in me that I will take care of my siblings. I asked him what will happen if I’m dead. It took a little while but finally he changed and put all of our names in the will. For many family matters, especially where the fa’aSamoa in concerned, he always ask or call me for my thoughts. There are more to write about dad but I will do that in the future.

Dad, you’ve done enough for me to show how much you love me as your son. Thank you, thank you and some day we’ll meet again.

‘HAPPY FATHER’S DAY’ DAD!!!

Thoughts from Penina -

Growing up, I had very little contact with Grandpa Karl. Most of it was long before the internet, cell phones and other modern technologies made world wide communication a snap. Majority of my life, contact came in short paragraphs, something along the lines of:

"Hi Grandpa!" 

"Hi Penina!" 

"How are you?" 

"Okay, Fa"

"Okay, bye Grandpa."

Keep in mind, this was way back in the dinosaur ages when we had to rely on fuzzy land lines. As a child, I never knew if our conversations were like this because the phone line was too crackled and delayed to really understand each other, if it was a language issue, or a combination. 

This was the case for years, with an annual conversation around Christmas or more if I was lucky enough to interrupt the right phone calls my Dad would share with Grandpa now and then. When I was about 9 or 10, Grandma and Grandpa came to visit, along with Eddie. I guess I was too young to have many memories because what I remember most of that visit was that Eddie really like Michael Jackson and "breyhd" with "buttah" :)

Grandpa came again, years later. I can't remember when for sure, which makes it seem like an odd memory to share, but it was one stayed with me the strongest. I believe I was just starting high school. Yes, so I was roughly 14 or 15 I suppose. We were either moving into a house, or moving kids from one room to another room. Sina and I had bunk beds that we had previously kept stacked one above the other. Now they were going to be placed at either ends of the room, in the bedroom at the end of the hallway. Most of the furniture moved without trouble, from wardrobes to book shelves to knick knacks. Then came the bed. 

For some reason Grandpa and  Dad were having the hardest time fitting it through the doorway. They tried shoving it and pushing it, hammering the posts with their knees, fists and feet. My Dad's frustration seemed to fuel Grandpa's, which in turn fueled my Dad's further and so forth. Finally, Grandpa, with all of his rugged manliness, gave the headboard a swift and hearty kick! Had the headboard not been made of wood grain painted particle board, it might have worked. Instead, his foot went halfway through that board. I remember expecting all of us to share a laugh, take a break and then try again. Instead, neither Dad nor Grandpa shared even a chuckle. They didn't even exchange glances as he pulled his foot out. Instead, they re-furrowed their brows and continued to use every other machismo trick they had up their sleeves until that bed was in the room.

I slept on that bed for the next few years and never attempted to patch that crack above my head. I know that Grandpa's determination was to get that stubborn bed through the frame, but in my mind, it was just him doing what any good Grandpa does for his grand daughter. I also know that I was the only one who had a special memory attached to that crack in the wood. If anyone else remembers it, they certainly don't hold it dear with the humor and  love that I do. I know it sounds absurd to assign so much passion to a seemingly insignificant occurrence, but like I said before, I had practically no contact with the man throughout my life. Even then, I know that I always loved him and he always loved me. That silly little crack in the wood was something of Grandpa that I kept right there with me every night. Like our relationship, it was not much at all, but it meant so, so much.

The photo that I'm sending is generally terrible - I may even receive hate mail from some. Despite all the bloated and distorted faces, Grandpa is there in the way that I remember him. Actually, he looks rather miserable and literally smothered by all of us. But really, in that pic, no matter how crazy we were that day, he is that stoic, solid as an oak Grandpa whom I loved so very much.

Happy Father's Day Grandpa! 

Love you too much!!!

And Happy Father's Day to my equally amazing Dad too! (whom I owe a memory to, but it's very late and surely I won't be able to write sensible for much longer. lol)

In fact, Happy Father's Day to all of the Father's! Without all of you, we would not have this name, this ever branching family tree, this site, or these wonderful memories to share! Love you all!

 

 

 

 Now it's your turn.  Please share any thoughts/memories you have of Dad/Grandpa Karl.  Please send to partschfamily@gmail.com and I will update on this blog post.

Savea - Geneology and Family History

Noa asked me for Tusi and Fautua’s birth dates. But I decided to post this for everyone. I will also include a little bit of our family genealogy and history from time to time instead of waiting for the reunion. If any of you find more information to please let me know and even something that’s needs correction. 

Birth dates for Tusi and Fautua:

Tusifolau Situa Fialuma To’alepai: 

Born 18 October 1922 Sale’imoa, Upolu, Samoa. 

Died 15 April 2001 Wellington, New Zealand.

Fautuaali’i Karl Edward Partsch: 

Born 02 October 1920 Sataua, Savai’i, Samoa. 

Died 30 June, 2003 Wellington, New Zealand.

Although Situa Fialuma is not in Tusi’s birth certificate, she would include this from time to time and this is a Samoan tradition of carrying family names for remembrance. To honor her, I went ahead and include them in her name. Situa Ofe of Falealili is the mother of Sa or Saito’atasi. See the information below.

Leivika Auliaimalae married Situa Fialuma Ofe of Falealili and born are:

1.   Fa’ataitaia Auliaimalae

2.   Alisi Auliaimalae

3.   Saito’atasi Auliaimalae

(Note: There maybe more on the above list but I’m waiting for more information from a distant relative.)

Saito’atasi Auliaimalae married Leota Ioane and born is:

1.   Lavalea Leota (*Tilialo).

Lavalea Leota married Luatua Vaolo and born is:

1.   Leota Aimeamiti Luatua (*Tilialo).

Lavalea Leota married To’alepai Meafua Muavae Aiono and born are:

1.   Taetu Ulutele To’alepai

2.   Tusifolau To’alepai

Lavalea Leota married Mulipola of Manono and born are:

1.   Fa’ataitaia Mulipola

2.   Ruta Mulipola

 (Note: Lavalea Leota also carried the last name Tilialo when she was adopted by her aunt Fa’ataitaia Auliaimalae and Tilialo Fiti, while Sopoitulagi, dauther of Fa’ataitai Auliaimalae and Tilialo Fiti was adopted by Saito’atasi Auliaimalae and Leota Ioane. There’s a beautiful story of this agreement between the two sisters, Fa’ataiai and Saito’atasi but I will touch on that later)

Uncle Leota Aimeamiti Luatua also carried the last name Tilialo when he was adopted by Tilialo So’i.  Tilialo So’i used to reside where Tilialo Pula Fiti later moved to when he took over the title Tilialo. I remember this Tilialo So’i when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Just before he died, he asked for some waters from the lake called Saveafuilala. As soon as he had some of that water, he passed away. Because he was the Tilialo at the time, I remember uncle Leota taking a rifle outside the malae and shot some rounds in the air to signify the passing away of a paramount teacher. People from all over the Tuamasaga district and family relationships all over Samoa gathered for this important funeral. This is the time when I was staying with grandma Lavalea from across the waters. I remembered Uncle Leota and Suisami trying to get me to stay with them when they were living with Tilialo So’i. This was during the time when Suisami was pregnant with Twins. Like the Samoan women do many times, she was in the shallow sea waters fishing for fole, fuga, tugane, small fish,sea cucumbers and other delicacies, a high wave suddenly crashed on her. She was rushed to grandma Lavalea for an early delivery of her babies. But, sadly, the babies didn’t make it. They were named Lavalea and Maima (Suisami’s mother). I would love Katie to ask Suisami to tell us her story and any other events for us. 

It was Tilialo So’i that that helped started the Mormon Church in Sale’imoa. His wife Faleo’o was still being taken cared by uncle Leota and Suisami when I eventually moved in with them. Then we moved inland where our dad Fautuaali’i Karl Edward Partsch helped build a nice two story Samoan/European style house for uncle and Suisami. I was given the task to care for Faleo’o as she also had her own faleo’o to live in nearby. Many times I would sleep there in the faleo’o to help her out. When uncle go to catch the bus to go teach at Pesega School, Faleo’o would wake me up and we sang hymns and have prayers in the early morning. She would tell many fagogos and she loves her adopted son, uncle Leota. She always prays for him. She  blesses me too for taking care of her until her last day on earth. One of her favorite hymns was about Joseph Smith.

Note on marriages like Lavalea’s three marriages: The marriages in those days were not like the marriages in these days. Some of these affairs are called ‘Usuga’. It was customary for chiefs of note to seek the daughter of a high chief for alliance and other recognitions. Since Lavalea was a (adopted) daughter of paramount High Chief Tilialo Fiti (father of Tilialo Pula Fiti) she was courted by other chiefs. But some affairs were plainly affairs that ended up in marriage or just living together. Pene, a son of uncle Leota from a lady of the Sami family in Salepouae used to live with us. He was a smart kid and I hope to connect up with him and family. Anyone born in our family clan whether by marriage, affair or ‘Usuga’ is our blood, flesh and bones. We need to include everyone with unconditional love.

(Last note: Levika Auliaimalae of Apia, according to my notes was assigned to care for a store in Falealili. And that’s now he ended up marrying Situa Ofe of Falealili. This is our Leapaga and other connections come from. Grandma Tusi told me that her dad used to drop her in Apia while she was going to school. She also said the family name in Apia is Thompson. Thompson is British. So if Levika Auliaimalae is from Apia, I wonder if he’s a Thompson.  I’m trying to find this connection since mom said that was our family she used to live with. Their chief title was Tamaseu in Apia. I hope some of you can work on that part of the family history too. If we can prove that we’re connected to the Thompson, then it will be easier to continue with our maternal side all the way to England. It also mean some of us are bloody British. I just want to make sure)

To be continued…

Much Alofa to you all,

Savea