A Memorial Service for Tonga's Queen Mother was attended by the Tongans living in Seattle, Washington state, USA, on Sunday February 26.

Jorge Bartose told Matangi Tonga the whole Tongan community gathered on Sunday evening to pay tribute in an emotional three hours long Memorial Service in honour of the late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho. 

The service, organized by a working committee of Seattle's Tongan church leaders, involved 13 churches.  

The Queen Mother's grand-nephew, Hon. 'Uluvalu Takeivulai Fonua, son of Hon. Taone Tuku'aho and grandson of the late HSH Tu'ipelehake (Mailefihi) attended with Rev. Teukolisi Kongaika and relatives from Neiafu, Vava'u.

"Most, if not all who attended, were moved to tears as church leaders and community members took turns to pay tribute, remember, reflect and remind all of the Queen Mother's immense and innumerous contributions to Tonga."

Rev. Maka Vao of the United Methodist Church of Seaview gave the sermon, and choirs of the Free Church of Tonga, First Tongan United Methodist Church of Seattle and the Church of Tonga provided moving choral numbers.

The Queen Mother's Memorial Service was hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints and presided over by Bishop Roy Takataka and counselors Losiki Piutau and Siaosi Lotulelei.