Ilaisa Pailate

Click here to join the funeral live stream. (Passcode Pailate)

Ilaisa Fiefia Pailate passed away at her home on May 5, 2026 while surrounded by her loved ones and family. She was born on December 24, 1954. She is the oldest of 11 children born to Ponove and Mele Tuliakiono.

Ilaisa married Lolesio Pailate on February 12, 1976. And before they knew it they were already a family of six. Her husband couldn’t see a future in Tonga. So he thought it was best to seek a better life elsewhere. Her husband made the difficult decision to leave her and their four children behind to try and make it to America. Once Lolesio made it to America he moved from state to state and had chosen to set roots in Utah. Not long after, he sent for Ilaisa to come state side. They had lived in Salt Lake City for a time but ended up settling in Cache Valley, Utah. Lolesio and Ilaisa fell in love with a small town called Avon and raised five more children. Lolesio and Ilaisa still had four children back in Tonga. So with the help from the community and hard work they were reunited once more.

Ilaisa was a hard working woman. She worked at E.A Millers for a while but saw a better opportunity with Schreiber Foods in the mid nineties and retired by 2018.

When Ilaisa had time to herself she enjoyed planting flowers, sewing traditional apparel, knitting, embroidery, and talking on the phone.

Ilaisa was preceded in death by her parents Mele and Ponove Tuliakiono, her husband Lolesio Pailate, and her grandson Laulea Fiefia.

She is survived by her children Emanita Corona, Matila Fiefia, Isita Fakalata (Lopeti Fakalata), Keleto Mailau Pailate, Ponove Pailate (Rachel), AnaMalia Pailate, Kolosia Ibarria (Jesus Ibarria), Haloti Pailate, Mele Giraud (Christopher Giraud), Seini Pailate, and her many grandchildren.

Ilaisa will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.