Friends, family and co-workers of Laisa Maraia Waka Tunidau, in her 50s, gathered last night to sing hymns and share testimonies about their loved one.
The service was held at St John Moraia Fijian Methodist Church, in Christchurch, and was streamed live on Facebook; with family members saying Tunidau’s body will be returned to her homeland Fiji today.
The mother of four will reportedly be laid to rest in her husband’s town on Saturday – a week after she was fatally stabbed meters away from her home in the Sockburn neighborhood of Christchurch.
Acknowledgments were given by Tunidau’s colleagues, family, church community and an emotional Nemani Tunidau – her husband – who looked down at the ground before speaking.
Nemani Tunidau spoke about the grief their family is going through and talked about their children.
He also thanked the local community for the continued support they have received since the incident.
A representative of a retirement village in Ilam, where Tunidau worked as a cleaner, also spoke at the service.
A beautiful soul who greeted everyone ‘good morning’
The representative said colleagues and residents had been sharing stories about Tunidau over the past few days.
“[She was] quiet, friendly, kind, respectful, grateful and always, always smiling, ”said the staff member.
Residents at the retirement resort also shared stories and paid tribute to a woman who cared for those around her; with one resident describing Tunidau as more than her job description was.
“Laisa was a beautiful, lovely lady who cared a lot and was more like a caregiver to me – I will miss her so much. Love to all her family.”
Staff at the home acknowledged the warmth Tunidau brought into a room when she showed up for her shift.
“In the early mornings, Laisa brought new energy with that beautiful smile and staff always greeted her ‘good morning’ and asked how we were all doing.
“Laisa had a beautiful soul … staff always felt positive vibes when working with Laisa. She was a very proud mom, a loving wife and a member of the community.”
A giveaway page set up to help the grieving family reached just over $ 58,000 in donations.
A 37-year-old man has been charged with murder and is in custody.