Ethel Fetaomi Taua Mailo's Obituary
Ethel Fetaomi Taua-Mailo- our beloved “Komi” (56) passed away peacefully in home hospice in Salt Lake City on July 9, 2025 after a very courageous battle with lung cancer.
Komi was born on July 17, 1968 in Los Angeles, CA to parents Mataituli Safune Taua
(Amanave/Masefau) and Uluiva Leasau (Ta’ū, Manu’a) and grew up with her 3 brothers and 5 sisters. She spent a good part of her formative years in San Diego, CA where her love for the NFL Chargers was born, then moved to American Samoa 1974.
She was a proud member of the first graduating class of Tafuna High School in 1986 and was their first prom queen. Komi represented her alma mater fiercely the rest of her days. Even years after her own children graduated, you could still find her cheering at football games, or in the sun during school fundraisers- a proud Warrior through and through!
Komi was a very proud, loving and devoted wife and mother. She married James A Mailo (Fagatogo) on July 24, 1987 and together, they raised 6 children and were blessed with 6 grandchildren. Never was there a dull or quiet moment when her family came together, but she loved it that way. She shared her love for football, music, singing and dancing with her children and instilled in them her philosophy to always be kind.
She was such a hard worker. Even after an accident in high school left her with a disability, she did not let that stop her. She worked within her childrens’ schools to help with tuition and to be near them. Once they were older, she worked as a CNA for a time before starting with BlueSky Communications, where she devoted over 17 years of service.
Her legacy was full of life just as she was. She was always so creative, fun, kind, loving and was everyone’s favorite hype-man. Her absence leaves a deafeningly quiet void in her loved ones’ hearts, but her lessons of perseverance through the years along with the many beautiful memories of her help them to push through the pain.
In her final days, she was surrounded by loved ones in prayer and music, and we want to send her home in the same fashion. Please join us as we celebrate her life on August 06, 2025 and lay her to rest on August 07, 2025 at Greenwood Memorial and Mortuary. Services will also be recorded and live streamed for loved ones who cannot travel. Information will be posted closer to time of services.
What’s your fondest memory of Ethel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ethel?
Share a story where Ethel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ethel you’ll never forget.
How did Ethel make you smile?