Iemaima (Asovalu) Lale Ena Peterson of College Place, Wash. passed away on July 31, 2021 at the age of 57.
Maima was the youngest child of Lale and Iliganoa Ena. She was born in her native country of Samoa along with her nine siblings, Malama, Peni, Peato, Aifala, Pitolua, Seilala, Eti, Vaemu and Siu in the village of Lotofaga Safata.
Except for a few years here and there, Maima and her family have spent most of their lives in Hermiston. At the age of 14 Maima came to America, following some of her older siblings, and continued her education and graduated from Stanfield High School. Shortly after, she was called to serve in the Apia, Samoa Mission for 18 months for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her love and passion for her family was unmatched, as she always sacrificed her own wants for current needs of the family.
Some time later, she married Michael Peterson and afterward brought into the world and cared for her greatest treasures, Chyeann, Moanamarie and Salote. Life’s adventures momentarily took their family to Utah for different spouts of time, and then landed them back in Hermiston for her girls to go through high school.
Maima always worked hard to support and provide for her family; she’s best known for her amazing chicken kabobs through her food vending at farmers markets and other community events. She taught her system to other family members who now carry on her business model and continue to bring smiles to those who bite into her secret chicken recipe.
Maima battled many health conditions over the last decade. Her determination to raise her kids and see them graduate was a driving force that kept her going. Seeing her daughter Chyeann serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Moanamarie graduate as valedictorian in 2019
were some of the proudest moments of her life. During the last years of Maima’s life, while both of her oldest daughters were off to college, Salote became Maima’s biggest helper and best friend, as she was always by her side with whatever Maima needed help with. On July 30, 2021, Maima was admitted to the hospital due to her medical complications and passed away on the evening of July 31.
She is survived by her three daughters; husband, Michael Peterson; siblings, Malama, Peato, Pitolua, Seilala, Eti and Siu; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and close loved ones.
Services were held on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.
Please share memories of Maima with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
