Julie Lavatai

Julie Talili Delos Santos Lavata'i, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, in Orem, Utah, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 22, 1933, in Vailoatai, Pago Pago, American Samoa, to Filemu Sagapolutele Talili and Faleopuleaga Melema Kuresa.

Julie was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend who brought warmth and joy to all who knew her. She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—playing card games; “suipi”, solitaire, cricket at Kihei Park, dancing, especially doing the Taualuga, sharing a part of her Samoan Culture, singing, cross stitching, and gardening. She preferred pulling dandelions by hand rather than spray chemicals to remove the weeds, a reflection of her patience and care in her Golden age. Julie loved the outdoors and became an avid camper while in Utah. She was also a proud supporter of her family, becoming a dedicated spectator and cheerleader at high school football, rugby, and volleyball games, where she enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play.

She was known for her kindness, strength, humor, and deep faith. Julie was a lifelong believer in God and a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and found great joy in attending church and the temple.

Julie spent many years working at A.L. Phillips Dry Cleaning and also at the Pizza Parlor Kaneohe Marine Base. She will be remembered for her love of singing Samoan songs, dancing, reading captions aloud, and gently reminding children to “be good and listen to your parents.”

She is survived by her children: Aliitu Talili, Bingham Malagamali Talili, Alesana Talili, Milovale Delos Santos Daugaard, Alfredo Delos Santos, Alohalinda Talili Bradford, Elizabeth Melema Piena, Esperanza Delos Santos Tiatia, Leilani Julie Delos Santos, Melema Talili, Robby Lavata'i, Pa’u Talitiga, To’alua Lavata'i, Ogeali’i Fuimaono, Lameko Lavata'i (Vesi, and Miracle).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Filemu Sagapolutele Talili and Faleopuleaga Melema Kuresa; her siblings Asotau Talili, Su’emalo Mene Talili, Filemu Tu’ulima Talili, Galufa’atofuileava Alitu Talili, and Sipusi Naea; and her spouses, Bonifacio Delos Santos (D.O.D February 1984) and Taunauuga Lameko Lavata'i (D.O.D April 2010).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm in the church located at 500 West 905 North, Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Orem Nursing & Rehab, Canyon Rim Hospice, and Monument Health Canyon Rim Nursing, Olpin Family Mortuary for their compassionate care and dedicated service.

Julie’s life was a testament to love, faith, and family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.