Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to you today to let you know about the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother, Aifa'i Lealoa Puapuaga Levu. Recently, she received a breast cancer diagnosis; however, due to her advanced age, treatment was declined. Heartbreakingly within a month, she was failing to thrive and was taken to the hospital. Sadly, she passed away several days later, on September 16, 2021 from her weakened state and complications due to COVID. It was just two and a half months shy of her 98th birthday.

Although we knew the time would be near when our beloved grandmother would leave us for Heaven, we were unable to prepare for it financially. The truth is our family has struggled to survive since our grandmother's migration to the mainland USA from American Samoa more than 50 years ago. As a family, we have wrestled for years to maintain our cultural identity while trying to fight and escape the crippling cycle of poverty. Therefore, many of her children and grandchildren were unable to pre-plan for our beloved grandmother's departure. We were too burdened with planning for the right now, like so many of you can sympathize and understand. Unfortunately, purchasing life insurance, burial insurance, or even having a savings account is a luxury afforded only to the wealthy. While we have been able to put together the limited resources each of us have, there is still a large amount of her funeral expenses still needing to be paid. Here is a breakdown of some of the expenses accrued:

• Burial plot - $14,900
• Mortuary services - $7,300
• Grave marker - $5,000
• Celebration of Life Memorial Service - $4,000

As you consider helping us with honoring our grandmother with a monetary donation, I want to leave you with a poem written by my older brother, Chris. It speaks to the real treasure our grandmother sowed while on earth. While she did not leave behind a large estate or any earthly possessions, she did leave behind a legacy of perseverance and love; she left us a fortune that will not rot or be stolen.

"Lealoa"

Her laugh is musical.

Her smile, infectious.

Her Love, unconditional.

Her blankets, comforting.

She is waving to me at a place where the sea touches the sky.

There is a bright light behind her, 

and many people are with her.

“Hurry Kerisi!”

She smiles and turns to walk with everyone else.

She is young again.

I love you Grandma.

 On behalf of my family, I thank you, in advance, for your love and generosity. May God give you favor and blessing for your act of kindness in our time of need.

Grace & Peace,

Isabella Puapuaga Barrett