Nellie Ario Sefo

Nellie “Ario” Sefo was born November 27, 1953 in Fagatogo, American Samoa to Sefo Falaniko and Savai’inaea Va’imaila Ietitaia Fa’amausili – raised lovingly by her mother and father; Fa’amausili Tavita. She passed away on the morning of April 4, 2023 peacefully at home, surrounded by her children.

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Ario was a beautiful Polynesian dancer who captivated with her graceful hands, subtle sway, and radiant smile. Her talents and musical gifts were naturally passed onto her children and grandchildren, along with her love of classic Samoan songs, infectious laughter with great company, sharing and enjoying delicious food, and her mostly appropriate sense of humor. But Ario’s greatest love of all was her family. She looked forward to every family gathering for any occasion, large or small. She could spend hours visiting with her siblings, whether it was on the phone, at home or a nearby restaurant that served mussels or phở. Her light shined the brightest in the presence of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson – and that glow would never truly fade away.

Ario is survived by her sisters; Mary Falaniko and Iupeli Lina Mageo, brother; Danny (Crystal) Fa’amausili, her children; Loleni (Cody Farris) Nu’usila, Jr., George (Mary) Nu’usila, Tanya (Setima) Uila, Ietitaia (Nakia) Nu’usila, Sefo (Katinia) Nu’usila, Mychal (Shalena) Falaniko, Manola (Derrik Oveson) Falaniko, her grandchildren; Nicolas, Sydney, Lily, Ninja, Legend, Uriah, Mariah-Malia, Sariah, Lei’la, Ietitaia Jr., Kahlei, Nuusila-Sila, Joyce, Elevina, Alice, Visan, Ana, Nia, Ario, J’Cyn, Kyre, her great-grandson; Austyn Rivers, and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ario is preceded in death by her father; Fa’amausili Tavita, mother; Savai’inaea Va’imaila Ietitaia Fa’amausili, brother; Dave Fa’amausili, sister; Deborah T. Fa’amausili, and daughter; Tamara Va’imaila Nu’usila. Ario’s eldest brother; Sefo Falaniko, passed away with his dear loved ones by his side on the evening of 04/06/2023 – and our hearts filled with light and love are with them during this time

A viewing will be held from 10:00AM - Noon, with a brief memorial service until 1:00PM at Memorial Murray Mortuary; 5850 South 900 East, Murray, UT 84121. Following the service, Ario will be laid to rest next to her daughter; Tamara Nu'usila, at Elysian Gardens; 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, UT 84117. (The services will be streamed live for those who are unable to attend.) We will conclude with a Celebration of Life from 4:00PM – 8:00PM at 2537 S 3270 W, West Valley City, UT 84119.