Obituaries

Mataniu Matilo Taaseu Foots, 55, of Newport News, passed away March 11, 2025

Born January 10, 1970, Mataniu Taaseu was a native of the island of Samoa, and spent most of her life in Mesepa, American Samoa. She was the daughter of Faaaga Su’apaia-Tuipelehake Sao and Mose Leo’o Ta’aseu. Mata was the oldest of five siblings, next came Talalelei Ta’aseu-Parungo(sister), Tipa Malosi Ta’aseu(brother), Kelegi Ta’aseu(brother), Opeta mose Ta’aseu(brother).

Mata grew up in a strong Christian family and was Baptized in 1978.She was a very active individual and was always involved in sports. She graduated from Pavaiai Elementary School in 1984, then from Taafuna High School in 1988; being undefeated in volleyball and basketball. After High School she served in the Samoa, Apia Mission from 1989-1990, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After her mission, she continued to work hard in Samoa and was always involved in the community and the church.

Mata married Jeremy Foots in American Samoa in 2001 and moved to the United States for the betterment of her children. Settling in Virginia, she had a beautiful family and continued to be involved in the church with various callings where she always treated others with love and care. Later she was sealed in the temple with her family in 2007. Mata then worked for and gained her United States citizenship. She continued to be a hard-working mother from working as a cafeteria lady for a High School, where she was loved by all the children, and a Den-Mother for her sons’ Cub Scouts pack, while at the same time, going to nursing school, graduating, and becoming a nurse. She was a loving mother and always wanted the best for kids. She was a great example of never giving up and having a strong faith in her Heavenly Father.

Left to cherish her memories are her five children, Harrington Taaseu, 30, Jeremiah Foots, 22, Joshua Foots,19, Josephine Foots,17, and Janice Foots,15.

She will always be remembered as a loving mom who was always active in her children’s lives, and someone who always loved to joke around and enjoyed life with her kids. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews, and an amazing Grandmother to Ava Taaseu.
A service will be held in her memory, at 5:00pm on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints church building, on 902 Denbigh Blvd., Newport News, VA 23608.