Born: 21st March, 1924
Profession: 12th September 1946
Death: 23rd December, 2025
“…JOYFULLY GIVEN FOR THE KINGDOM IN THE SPIRIT OF MARY.” (Const. Art. 23)
Article 23 in our Constitutions speaks volumes of Sister M. Makelita’s life of service which was completely and joyfully given to God.
Sister Malia Makelita was born at Faleu Manono, Samoa on 21st March 1924. Leaua’i Filipo and Melesete Leaua’i were her parents. She was from a family of 13 children; only three of whom are still alive. She grew up surrounded by faith and values that shaped her lifelong devotion to Christ. As a daughter, sister, aunt and friend, she cherished her family deeply, nurturing enduring bonds across generations. Her nieces, nephews, and extended family remember her as a source of wisdom, encouragement, and joy, a guiding presence, whose love was steadfast and unconditional.
She was blessed by God for the 101 years of her life and gave almost 80 of these years for mission in our Congregation. As a Missionary Sister of the Society of Mary, Sr Makelita was sent to serve in her home country and abroad. In 1960 – 1961 she worked at St Brendan’s School, cooking and looking after the garden. Returning to Samoa in 1962, she served in different areas there.
In 12 September, 1946 Sr Makelita made her first profession at the Novititate in Moamoa, Samoa, and straight after that was assigned to Aleipata to teach and take care of the Boarding school. She taught from 1946 to 1988, and was an excellent teacher for the little children in lower levels of the Primary schools and taking care of the boarders. She also took charge of the kitchen. For many years, Sr Makelita, took responsibility for the Children of Mary in various parishes where we are missioned. She was loved by the youth, and inspired by her cheerful and prayerful spirit, to know Jesus and Mary in a unique way, their own living faith. I too, was blessed to be guided and nurtured by this beautiful servant of Christ.
Sister Makelita went to Napier, New Zealand for her LTSR at Maryknoll from September 1975 – January 1976. After that, she made a 30 day Retreat in Suva, Fiji. She joyfully and faithfully responded to the needs of our congregation to serve in Tonga and Fiji where she was truly enriched culturally and spiritually.
Sisters, who lived with Sr Makalita, shared stories of her joyful personality, sense of humour, and practical jokes. She loved entertaining and dancing, which she shared to give joy at smsm gatherings, and motherly gratitude to those who visited the community on special occasions.
Up to 3 weeks before she died, Sr Makelita was still joining the community for prayer and the Eucharist, meals or just relaxing with the community.
Living with Sr Makelita and witnessing her life of prayer, I am reminded of the prophetess Ana who spent day and night in the temple in prayer. It was normal to hear Sr Makelita having familiar conversation with Jesus and Mary through reciting prayers or the rosary any time of the day or night. Her peaceful presence and simple joyfulness was an inspiration of a woman joyfully given to God.
Her 101 years were a remarkable testimony to endurance, joy, and faith. She taught us that true happiness is found in living for others, that strength is rooted in trust in God, and that love, when freely given, becomes a legacy that endures across generations.
Although we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the assurance that she now rests in the eternal embrace of the Lord whom she served so faithfully. Her memory will live on in her family, her SMSM Sisters, and in all who were blessed by her witness. Truly, we can echo the words of Scripture: “Well done, good and faithful servant….enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Sr Masela Tenisio smsm
