By Ruza Zivkusic
PIANO tunes and gospel songs filled the hall of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Church in Deer Park last Friday as more than 400 people farewelled Veisinaia Vaai, who was killed outside Sunshine Hospital as she crossed Furlong Rd on 21 June.
Close relatives of the Vaai family wore torn mats around their waists, symbolising sadness over the loss in the Tongan culture.
Mrs Vaai, 37, was remembered for her warm smile and her gentle nature, who loved life and gave her all to her seven children, including her two-month old son.
Her husband Tevita Tali sat at the front row in the church next to his wife’s white coffin.
He was surrounded by his daughters – except one, Hola, who is still struggling for her life in intensive care department at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
A car hit the 11-year-old when she was crossing the road with her mother.
Oldest daughter Poligni, 16, said Hola was unable to speak and has not been told of her mother’s death.
Speeches were made by church members during the two-hour-long service with many fighting back tears.
Her manager at Laverton’s New Farmer factory, Leigh Gunn, where she worked for the past seven years, described Mrs Vaai as a woman who had a “mind of steel”.
She was a popular employee of joyous nature who brought fun to the workplace, Mr Gunn said.
“She had the best smile. It’s something that will go with us for ever,” he said.
Other mourners sat quietly during the service, some resting their head on their partner’s shoulders and wiping away tears.
Despite the sadness, Mrs Vaai’s daughter Poligni managed a smile when she took her crying brother outside to be fed.
It is something the teenager will have to get used to with her mother gone.
Heather Lino, Mrs Vaai’s sister-in-law, said she felt sorry for the children knowing how hard it would be for Mr Vaai having to fend for them on his own.
“Everybody’s hit very hard by this tragedy. Everybody she’s come in contact with she’s touched their hearts,” Mrs Lino said.
Work colleague Vicky Campbell asked why a life needed to be taken so close to traffic signals being installed on busy Furlong Rd.
“It’s a shame that it takes somebody to be tragically killed for anything to happen,” Ms Campbell said.
A Brimbank City Council spokesperson said council would not make a comment on a “sensitive, personal matter for the family”.
Last Friday’s service followed a family service on Thursday night where more than 500 people came to remember Mrs Vaai.
Mrs Vaai was buried at the Memorial Park at Altona North.
A message written in the condolence book read: “God be with you till we meet again in the presence of our loving Father in heaven.”
