The late Laisa Maraia Waka has been described as a quiet yet cheerful, compassionate and loving woman.

Ms Waka died after being stabbed by a man, not known to her, just metres from her home in Sockburn, Christchurch, New Zealand, last Saturday.

New Zealand Herald reported that Ms Waka’s 11-year-old son watched as emergency services tried to save a woman, not then knowing it was his mum after she was stabbed outside their home on Saturday.

The 52-year-old hailed from the garden islands of Fiji, Como, Qamea, Taveuni, and is married with four children.

She had four children, one of whom, Epeli Tunidau – the eldest – successfully completed the Fiji Police Force Basic Recruits recently.

Ms Waka’s sister-in-law, Arieta Kaloucava, said she (deceased) was a woman who loved her children dearly and always wanted the best for them.

“But unfortunately, the plan of meeting her children was fallen short due to this unforeseen situation,” Ms Kaloucava said.

“We were at a wedding with her eldest on Saturday when he got the call from his father (in Christchurch) on Sunday at around 5am relaying the devastating news.

“I didn’t know what had happened, but I was shaken up hearing my nephew crying in the early morning.

“We were shocked hearing this devastating news. We asked ourselves what went wrong?

“She was a strong and joyful woman, we believed that she may have tried to defend herself but regrettably she lost that fight .”

Since the COVID-19 restriction was lifted, Ms Waka and her husband had big plans for Christmas.

Ms Kaloucava said her sister-in-law had a surprise for them.

“Either they would come for Christmas or they would go over to Christchurch,” she said.

“This loving mother has always dreamt to return home and celebrate the rest of her time with her children, to see her children reaching their goals.

“Her children were everything to her and only God knows her plans.”

Ms Kaloucava recalled her last conversation with her late sister-in-law saying: “Love and be kind to one another, and take good care of my children.”

Ms Waka’s body will arrive at the Nadi International Airport tomorrow and will be laid to rest at Nabitu, Tailevu, on Saturday.

Feedback:  viliame.tawanakoro@fijisun.com.fj