Sr. M Angeline Maipone

List of Deceased Sisters

Date of Death 05/04/2025

    Born: 26 May 1942  

    First Profession: 8 September 1968 

   Death: 5 April 2025 

   “I thank my God, each time I think of you and when I pray for you, I pray with joy.” (Phil. 1:3)            

  Aqela Maipone was born on 26^th May 1942 in Navakacoa   village in Taveuni to Elia Ravonu from Navakacoa and Maria   Mei from Koroivonu, Tunuloa. She was the eldest of 6 children,   5 daughters and a son.  

  Her humble story began in Navakacoa where her early life was immersed in simplicity. She had her Primary Education in  Wairiki, Taveuni, then left to stay home to help her parents in looking after her younger siblings.  

 Sister shared a lot with us about the story of her life and the  strong call she received from God. During her teenage years, she was interested in becoming a sister, but her parents already gave her hand in marriage, which she didn’t take to heart. She felt that the voice of God calling her to religious life was stronger than anything else. Having heard that two of her friends had gone to the convent to join the SMSM, she ran away from home and joined them. This really disappointed her parents.  

The word of the Prophet Isaiah “Here I am” re-echoed strongly in her and she felt a strong desire to live her life for a specific purpose.  Her determined “FIAT’ led her to various mission fields where she was involved in a variety of missionary services for more than 50 years.  

Aqela made her first profession on the 8^th September1968 at Heretaunga, New Zealand and took the name Sr Marie Angelina Maipone.  

After first profession, Sister Angelina was sent for various community services at St Anne’s community, Auckland, New Zealand.  In 1970 she was assigned to Twomey hospital, Fiji, to help the sisters take care of the leprosy patients.   

In 1974, Sister Angelina furthered her secondary education at St Mary’s College, Vaimoso, Samoa. After her studies, she continued a one-year course at Chanel Institute, Auckland, New Zealand, obtaining a diploma in sacred scriptures, theology and other related subjects.   

Sister Angelina made her final religious profession on 23^rd January, 1977 on her home island of Taveuni. From early in1978 to mid-1979, Sister had a short-term mission at St Mary’s, Suva, carrying out various community services. At the same time, she taught handcraft to young girls at the Girl’s Remand Home. These girls were known to be trouble makers on the streets or girls who ran away from their home. This was a skill she had acquired earlier in a course at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji.  

Sr Angelina also studied at the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) in the Philippines. She returned to Fiji and used her skills by teaching catechetics to adults. She was greatly valued by those whom she served.  

With her background in teaching Home Economics and her talented hands, which she used precisely and creatively, Sister was assigned to St Bedes College, Fiji, to teach Home Economics. She was also involved in pastoral work, visiting and working with village women, helping them improve their livelihood and thus alleviating them from poverty. She loved those whom she taught and worked with.   

From 1990-1995 Sister continued sharing her home economic skills at ‘Ahopanilolo College at Ma’ufanga, Tonga. She was known to be a hardworking SMSM, who initiated new ways and opportunities for the students to learn. She was very much appreciated, remembered and respected by the staff and the students alike.  

After a short renewal in Australia, she was assigned to serve at the Generalate House in Rome. Sher was grateful for this and took it as a privileged service to apply her cooking skills. Those who had been with Sister Angelina in Rome described her as smiling, welcoming, a very efficient cook who was always ready to serve a well-prepared meal for whoever came to the community. Returning from Rome after 2 years, Sister was sent to serve in the community at Labasa Fiji, doing visitations to needy families. Later she was sent to Vaimoso, Samoa for community service and part-time teaching Religion Education  

Sister Angelina suffered from ill-health and underwent surgery several times during the past few years. As her physical mobility and energy gradually declined, she was obliged to use a wheelchair. This transition became a struggle and a sacrifice for her. In spite of her limitations, she was willing and happy to help the cook in cutting vegetables for the community meals.   

From the testimony of those who knew Sister, she could be stubborn at times, but she had a heart of gold, was honest and direct in expressing what she thought or said. If there were heated discussions in front of her, she would ‘remain like a calm sea.’ She would always meet people with a gracious smile and had a warm welcome for anyone who came to the community. She was always happy to sit with you and listen to your news.  

Sister Angelina found comfort in the words of the Prophet (Isaiah 6:8) “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying “Whom shall I send?” .......And I said, Here I am…Send me.”

This voice of the Prophet Isaiah rang true to Sister as she strived to live her call authentically to the end of her life.   

“Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day.”  (2 Timothy 4:8)

Sister Angelina, you have joyfully given your life to God in the spirit of Mary, (Const. # 23).

Now, rest eternally in peace and embrace Him who you have so faithfully served.  

Sister Teresia Bimara smsm