Alofa Talaave Valaile Obituary (2017)

1 Corinthians 13:13 reads - "And now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Ms. Alofa Tala'ave Valaile is the third child born to Chief Pale (Avaloa, Sr.) and Emeleka Tala'ave Valaile on the 15th day of September 1962 in San Diego, California. At the age of 1, the Valaile family moved to Seattle, Washington to fulfill Avaloa Sr's military obligations with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) at the USCG Base - Seattle at Pier 91. Alofa is one of five children, June (Kesi), Avaloa Jr (Judy), Eti (deceased), Elena. Alofa was raised in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of South Seattle attending Maple Elementary School, St Edwards School and later Holy Family School in White Center. Alofa is a proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Burien where she excelled academically and most notably in track and field for the renowned JFK Girls track team (1976 -1980) throwing the Shot Put and Discus. Alofa established herself as one of the premier throwers in the region earning All-American recognition and qualifying for the state track finals each of her four years in high school. In addition, Alofa set the school records in both the Shot Put and Discus both of which still stand to this day. Alofa's love for reading and passion for learning resulted in a variety of career paths. After earning her credentials as a licensed Beautician Alofa spent several years providing this vital service for thousands of clients in the greater Seattle area. Alofa spent a few years in the field of Medical Assistance for seniors after which she settled in to a 20 plus year career as a Transit Operator for King County Metro Transit. Alofa's passion for learning extended to the culinary field where she was a self taught Chef and Baker. Family and friends alike will miss Alofa's Christmas Holiday baskets including her famous cookies, chocolate fudge, candied treats and an occasional cheesecake delicacy. Alofa had a variety of personal interests, one which stood above all others is her love of God. Alofa happily served as the family "prayer warrior" for anyone who was in need of a prayer, a friendly word, a kind gesture of faith and encouragement or a firm but fair admonishment with a big hug to follow. The only responsibility which surpassed her love of God is being a loving caring parent to her only child, RaeLani Elena Valaile. Under Alofa's mentorship and encouragement, RaeLani graduated from Kennedy Catholic High School with honors, earned a double degree with honors in Humanities and Strategic Communications, from Seattle University, a Paralegal certification from the University of Washington and most recently earned her Masters Degree in Strategic Communications from the prestigious American University in Washington DC. Alofa will be missed by so many for her quick wit and personality, her smile but above all her zest for life and love of God and family. Moreover, she will be missed for strength and conviction in the good she saw in everyone she came in contact with. Alofa is a Sister, Cousin, Mother, Auntie, Friend, Mentor, hats she wore confidently, courageously and with integrity. Rest in eternal LOVE.