Sarai Aviata (Siteine) Duffy

"Sarai" Aviata Duffy, beloved wife to Patrick Michael Duffy, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 5:00 PM. She was born Salaimanuva Aviata Siteine on November 30, 1948 to Aviata Siteine and his wife Tauvale Tafua at beautiful Solaua, Upolu (island), Western Samoa. She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings: Fualole, Selestine, Sameli, Salesa, Fualole, Maugasa, Lisona, Aoefa, Fitutasi, and Lynn.

Her surviving sisters are: Afegaotinoti, Olivia, Fuiono, Bonita, and Juliet. She has over 150 nieces and nephews and a multitude of grand nieces and nephews - many of which have predeceased her. 

She leaves behind 12 children and 35 grandchildren (2 deceased): William (Everett, Cole, Nathan), Jared, Aprila & Rick Pearce (Marcus, Sierra, Mason, Malosi), JoyAnne & Shane Harvey ( Miya, Braden, Brooklyn, Roenan, Jensen), Jennifer & Daryl Innes (Kayley, Donavon), Melody & Even Johnsen (Lynell, Ezra), Moana & Shawn Phillips (Mallay, Ira, Ammon, Taylor, Tyrin, Adrienne, Pharrah, Tyson), Corina (Cody, Cloe, Emma, Grace, Olivia), Rachel & Travis Rasmussen (Dayton, Brigham, Avea, Casten), Krystle (Mika), Duvina & Rylan Coles (Mia), Aeisha & Tanner Bergen-Hicks. 

Sarai was born Salaimanuva Aviata Siteine on November 30, 1948 to Aviata Siteine and his wife Tauvale Tafua at Solaua, Upolu (island), Western Samoa.  Spending her early years on a plantation/farm in nearby Sauniatu,  she then graduated high school from the Church College of Western Samoa in Apia, and was asked to become a teacher shortly afterwards.  She moved to Fiji to continue her education, then lived with family in New Zealand. 

She served as  a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in New Zealand before immigrating to Canada in the early 1970s. Her first marriage brought her many lasting connections into the Heninger family of southern Alberta. June 1st, 1991 she married her best friend and love of her life, Patrick Michael Duffy who came to Alberta in 1962 with his parents from western Montana.

Sarai was a devoted mother, dedicating much of her life to raising and encouraging her children. Many will remember her very energetic presence while cheering on her sons and daughters at sporting events - especially her drumming and her booming voice saying “That’s my daughter/son!” or “Get off my son!” 

She was a woman of many talents. She was a talented seamstress and made sure her children always had nice clothes. She was an avid cook and many will remember her famous barbeque events. She would spend hours gardening and always had colorful floral growth surrounding her property. She enjoyed singing and dancing and playing the guitar, ukulele, and piano. Many will remember her and her older children performing a variety of Polynesian dancing as “Prince Tafua and the Royal Samoans”. Her ability to organize events was extraordinary.

She was well known as someone who would lend an ear when someone was troubled. She exemplified Christlike attributes through various church callings and service to others. Sarai was one of the first to lend a helping hand or bring a meal - often through Spiritual inspiration. She will be fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched and deeply missed by all who were close to her - “to know her, was to love her”.  

She was well known by her extended birth relatives as the family historian. Her gift of an exceptional memory assisted in this task. She would often surprise acquaintances with being able to relate to them her knowledge of their family connections.

Sarai had an unwavering belief in, and love of, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . She would share her personal testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to all who would listen.

Mom, you will always be a part of us, in our hearts and in our prayers. We will miss you and fondly remember you in every moment of our lives.  "Se’i o tatou toe feilao’i ma si o tatou pele". 

Instead of flowers, the family is asking for donations towards funeral expenses which can be email transferred to automatic deposit at respects@siteine.ws or paypal send.

Friends may meet the family and pay their final respects at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home (703 - 13 St. N) on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 6:00-8:00PM. Funeral service will be held on Friday. May 19, 2023, at 11:00AM at the Stake Centre (2410 28 St S - next to Enmax) with a reception to follow. If you are unable to make it to the Funeral Home the evening prior, you can pay respects from 10:00AM - 10:45AM prior to service at the Stake Centre.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarai Aviata (Siteine) Duffy, please visit our floral store.