Help with Tremendous loss- For Max and Rosalina Petelo

Update: Our nephew Max's final service and laying to rest ceremony took place last Friday 28/02/2025.

To our family and friends in Samoa, Tuvalu, Kioa Island, Fiji, New Zealand and all across the globe thank you for your messages and reaching out.

The journey in grief and raising two beautiful grand babies continues.

Please continue to share this link to those family and friends and community networks you know near and far. The family appreciate your love, prayers, and support as they navigate their life without their children Max and Rosalina in it and continue to pour their love and energy into raising Rosalina's two children.

Alofa Atu

Our tremendous loss:

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the recent passing of loving family members, Neuri (Max) Petelo and Rosalina Petelo.

Max passed away suddenly whilst at work on 11 February 2025. He was a beloved family member, friend, and selfless member of our community. His generous spirit, and unwavering kindness will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rosalina passed away suddenly in hospital whilst 27 weeks pregnant, only 6 months ago. Rosalina was a loving and dedicated mother, partner, daughter and family member. She also shared her brother Max’s generous trait and worked in a field of helping support indigenous students. Rosalina had the most beautiful and infectious smile and a spirit that brightened every room she entered.

Rosalina’s surviving baby daughter has been honored with her mother’s name. Mumma Rosalina also leaves behind her 3 year old son Ueseli, this gorgeous boy has special needs and is feeling the loss of not having his mother here physically. Baby Rosalina and Ueseli continue to be showered with love and support by their grandparents Karite and Avalogo Pa who dedicate fulltime their help and support to their dad Tim in raising the two young children.

As we navigate this incredibly difficult time as a family, we are seeking support to help Max and Rosalina’s parents Karite and Avalogo Pa who are experiencing immense and raw grief of losing both their children.

The impact and upfront costs of the funeral service was overwhelming 6 months ago with the loss of Rosalina and this is compounded with the recent loss of their son Max. The family are now finding it extremely difficult to navigate their loss, and therefore as an aunty I am putting the call out to all our extended villages and community for any contribution, no matter how small, which will help ease this burden and lighten the load carried during this time of grief.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received from friends and family, and we appreciate any donations that will help honor both Max and Rosalina, and help Rosalina's children and a family in need.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and generosity during this heartbreaking time. Please keep Max, Rosalina and the Petelo family in your thoughts and prayers.

With gratitude and love, Aunty Doreen and Petelo Family ️️