Ofa Vaimoana Talakai Craig Obituary (1940

Ofa Vaimoana Talakai Craig passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 84 in Provo, Utah surrounded by family. A beloved mother and a friend to all, Ofa lived a life that won’t be forgotten. Born on April 27, 1940, in Ha'apai, Tonga, she was the fourth of five children born to Kelepi Ikatauimoana Talakai and Suliana Foliaki Finau Talakai. Ofa attended Liahona High School, after which she received a scholarship to Tauranga Hospital in New Zealand. She graduated in 1969 with a nursing degree. She taught herself to speak fluent English and met her husband of 40 years, Archie Frank Craig. As a nurse, Ofa shared her energy and wisdom and helped people feel valued and loved. She was an example of integrity, selflessness, and honor and she never hesitated to help someone in need. Ofa had six children, Angela Suliana Rachel Craig, Pennelope Marilyn Penu Craig Davis, Joanna Ellen Craig, Daniel Alexander Craig, Archie Siope Craig, and Stewart Mortimer Craig. Ofa's career in nursing allowed her to obtain a work visa and move her family to Hawaii, and eventually California. She raised her family in Redondo Beach, but always dreamed of living closer to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so she made her final move from California to Provo, Utah. Ofa was devoted to God throughout her life. She lived a life of service, working and volunteering in multiple care centers, raising her children, helping her sisters, neighbors, friends and strangers alike, and practicing her faith in the church. Her testimony was felt everywhere she went, and she shared the gospel with anyone that was willing to listen. One of her greatest joys in life was providing for her special needs child, Joanna. Ofa and Joanna were inseparable and she loved her more than anything in the world. She sacrificed so much to keep her daughter close, protected, and loved. Ofa loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart and worked hard to nurture strong, loving relationships with each of them. She was always happy to share her life stories and testimony. Her love was felt throughout her family and was a strong force keeping everyone together when they were far apart. Ofa Vaimoana Talakai Craig was a beautiful soul who left a lasting impact on all the people in her life and those whom she met. Ofa is preceded in death by her parents Kelepi Ikatauimoana Talakai and Suliana Foliaki Finau Talakai, her son Daniel Alexander Craig, her husband Archie Frank Craig, and her siblings Siope Talakai, Taisia Sa'afi, and Sioana Ungatea Ngatuvai. Ofa is survived by her sister Mele Na'ati Talakai, five of her children, Angela Suliana Rachel Craig, Pennelope Marilyn Penu Craig Davis, Joanna Ellen Craig, Archie Siope and Grace Craig, and Stewart Mortimer and Jill Craig, and her grandchildren, Kalisi, Naomi, Leo, Elijah, Zoe, Gavin, Daniel, Annette, Joseph, Clara, Abigail, Gabriel, Penelope, and Isaac. From the Pacific Islands to the States, Ofa’s life tells a story that is worth sharing with the world. She will forever be in our hearts. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Pleasant View 1st Ward Chapel, 650 East Stadium Ave, Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends at the church Thursday, July 18, from 6-8:00 p.m. and Friday, from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com. Those unable to attend are invited to watch the services live: https://zoom.us/j/97088513946?pwd=cWVEUndTbEN5MDdPNllOeVJsWlVvUT09