From left: Alisi Dileva Lutu, Asaeli Lutu, Ulamila Duguci Lutu, Emosi Nawaikalou Lutu, Adi Mowala Naimotu Lutu and Vasemaca Naiviko Lutu paying their last respects to the late Merelesita Lutu on March 9, 2018. Photo: Fonua Talei
Ni qai gole ena vakacegu noqu lewa!”
(Go in peace, my girl!)
Those were the touching words of Emosi Nawaikalou Lutu to her youngest daughter, the late trainee pilot Merelesita Lutu, yesterday as he farewelled her in a solemn memorial service.
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Ms Lutu and Pacific Flying School (PFS) instructor Iliesa Tawalo, 31, were on a routine training flight on February 26, 2018 when the Cessna 172 registration DQ-FTR they were travelling in crashed in the Delaikoro Ridge, in Macuata, during bad weather.
The Lutu family, along with hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to the 20-year-old at a jam-packed Centenary Church in Suva yesterday morning.
The memorial service was also witnessed nationwide live via Facebook.
She was buried at the Lovonilase, Suva Cemetery.
While speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Lutu said his daughter’s qualities would be remembered for as long as they lived.
Alisi Lutu laying the wreath on her late sister Merelesita Lutu's grave on March 9, 2018. Photo: Fonua Talei
“We know Mere was very close to all of you,” Mr Lutu said.
“She had qualities which we would remember for the rest of our lives … which was sharing and caring … and those are the qualities that she has left with us during her short stay with us for 20-years and nine months.”
Mr Lutu acknowledged the management and staff of PFS, colleagues, ex-students of Holy Trinity Anglican School and St Joseph’s Secondary School (SJSS).
“We appreciate your presence here today, moral support, messages of condolences and contribution.”
Ms Lutu was born on June 1, 1997 to parents Emosi Lutu of Nagigi Village in Savusavu and Adi Mowala Naimotu Lutu of Matawailevu Village, in Ra.
Edited by George Kulamaiwasa
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