Lene Sopoaga

On December 28th, 2019, Faumuina Vele Lene Sopoaga better known to his friends as “Lene Sopoaga” left this mortal life to reunite with his beloved parents and brothers Fiti and Sopoaga who preceded him. Faumuina Vele Lene Sopoaga was 66 years old when he passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ituau Salome Fepulea’I Sopoga and their 5 children: Lisa Kathleen Sopoaga Rosales (husband Edward Rosales), Larvinia Roselani Niko (husband Samuel Niko), Beatrice Iemaima Tauasa (husband Lawrence Tauasa), Janice Nova Sopoaga, and Lene Junior Sopoaga (wife Sivolene Ika Sopoaga).

Faumuina Vele Lene Sopoaga was born on October 30th 1953 in Sa’anapu, Apia Samoa to Taelega Lene and Popo Uta’i Sopoaga. He was the 8th of thirteen children with 9 of them being boys and 4 girls. He grew up in Sa’anapu, attended Sa’anapu Primary School, and graduated from Pesega Church College of Western Samoa. He attended Teacher’s Training College where he met his eternal companion Ituau Salome Fepulea’i Sopoaga. He graduated with a Bachelors in American History, and Political Science from Brigham Young University, Hawaii. Following graduation Faumuina worked for the Church Educational System for 11 years in Samoa, before returning to the United States where he worked as a teacher for regular education, and later special education.

At the age of ten he and his brothers started a band “Matagi Mai Sasa’e” where he was both a singer and composer. He was known by his countrymen, friends, and family as a beloved musician, skillful educator, and devoted man of God. Anyone that met him left with a smile because he always wanted people to be happy. The joy of his life was his family, the purpose of his life was the pursuit of eternity.

We are so grateful for the love and support given to us at this time. We are grateful to experience full circle our father’s legacy through the loving response of everyone sharing memories, music, thoughts, lending their time, providing meals, and wonderful expressions of love for our father’s life of on this earth. Dad’s life is a testament to his faith in God’s eternal plan of Salvation. He knows that one day we will all be reunited, and that families are forever. Until that great day, may God be with us until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am, Thursday morning, January 9th, 2020 at 15330 Jeraldo Dr. Victorville, CA. 92392. There will be a viewing for friends and family at 8:00 am prior to services at 9:00 am.