Samoan playwright and author, Papalii Sia Figiel, was laid to rest last Saturday at the Tafaigata Cemetery, surrounded by family, friends and loved ones who gathered to remember her life.
The Samoa Observer newspaper reports that her funeral service was held at Matautu-Tai EFKS Church.
In his sermon, EFKS Rev. Moli Moli spoke about the need for forgiveness and love.
“Unity is built on forgiveness, and that forgiveness is a sacrifice, not a feeling,” Moli said, urging those present to “let Sia go,” in reference to her passage to a better place.
One of Papalii’s sons, Malamalama, delivered the first tribute, thanking those who attended his mother’s service and kept his remarks brief.
Papalii’s older sister, Kuki Figiel, shared memories of Sia’s deep faith, recalling her recitation of tauloto, or Bible verses, during White Sunday.
She said one of Papalii’s journals from her time at Tanumalala Prison contained memorised scriptures.
Kuki also recited Psalm 23, a passage close to the family, and highlighted her sister’s intellect and deep connection to Aganuu Samoa, noting their late mother’s pride in her.
Other tributes were delivered by her younger brother, old girls from St Mary’s and her lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, who spoke about her life and work.
Papalii was found dead inside her cell at Tanumalala Prison on January 26 while awaiting sentencing in a high-profile murder case.
She had been in custody since May 2024 after being charged in connection with the death of Professor Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard.
Authorities have not publicly released an official cause of death.
Papalii was internationally recognized for her contributions to Pacific literature, including works that drew on Samoan storytelling traditions.
Born in 1967, her first book, Where We Once Belonged (1996), won the Best First Book award in the South East Asia/South Pacific region of the Commonwealth Writers Prize in 1997.
