Natasha Fiapagopago Fuimaono

Natasha ‘Tasha’ Fiapagopago Fuimaono was born in Gardena, California on January 22,1985 to Faitauamalefanaufaimafilifaiesea Philip Fuimaono of Leone, American Samoa and Mafatua Cerena Taesali of Pago Pago, American Samoa. She was preceded in death by her father and sister, Cerena Oliana Fuimaono. Tasha is survived by her mother, older siblings: Michael Faitaua Fuimaono, Alexander Faimafili Fuimaono, Nicholas Taeleiletoto Fuimaono and Christopher Philip Fuimaono, nieces: Nicole, Tiani, and Ilove’a Evelyn, and nephews: Diego, Tini, Kyrin, Noble and Philip Hugo. Also, she leaves behind her most beloved fur babies, Afi Marie and Powder.

Tasha spent her early years running alongside her brothers in Long Beach, Ca, before moving to Pago, American Samoa with her brothers to live with Uncle Augustino ‘Tino’ Taesali, and Grandma and Grandpa Taesali. Tasha loved her ‘Goosebumps’ books, Disney/Pixar shows, and was a beast on the basketball court. She played throughout middle school and high school, even lettered while playing in Pearl City, Hi. After her father’s passing, the entire family moved to Salem, Oregon where Tasha was an Oly at Sprague High School.

Tasha was an old soul who loved being with family and spent much of her 20’s supporting her brothers through their music endeavors. She was even a backup vocalist for their backline band ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ and the absolutely best hype person. She told it to you like it is and always pushed you to be the best version of yourself. One of her best attributes was that she was a nonconformist. If “Let them” was a person it was Tasha. Her energy was so positive that you left conversations with her feeling lighter, your burden lifted and any anger you thought you had was eased. Tasha moved in silence, but her presence was always known and felt.

Tasha held many jobs throughout her life, yet her most fulfilling one was as a Community Resource Specialist through the Office of Equity, Access, and Advancement at Salem Keizer School District. Her focus was on serving all the Pacific Islander students in the district. This was not just a job for Tasha, but truly a calling. She spent countless hours looking for resources and providing support to her students and families throughout the district. Also, Tasha was the best co-worker, always available, always willing to help, and always ready for lunch breaks with her brothers Alex, Nick, and Chris.

While she never married and did not have children of her own, Tasha was the absolute best Aunty to all her nieces and nephews and was never afraid to admit it. If they needed a ride to school, Tasha was always a phone call away and often had a snack waiting for them. If they wanted out of chores, they called their Aunty Tasha. If they wanted a break from mom and dad, they called their Aunty Tasha. She had a hand in raising each of them.

Second to them were her fur babies, Afi Marie and Powder. Tasha fell in love with hiking and being outdoors - She was a free spirit who found the greatest peace on walks in the wild with her Afi Marie. She took walks in life that others only ever talk about.

Tasha was the epitome of being the best - Daughter, Sister, Aunty, and Friend. There was no one more loyal than Tasha. A true 1 of 1.