TALEBULA KATE | 3 July, 2023, 4:16 pm

Fiji’s first woman deputy prime minister Dr Meraia Taufa Vakatale was farewelled by close friends and family at the John Wesley Mission Church in Suva last Friday.

Ms Vakatale lived most of her life in the civil service as an educator, politician and also became the first female acting prime minister for Fiji.

Former and current Adi Cakobau School students, Turaga na Vunivalu na Tui Kaba Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa were among those who paid tribute at the church service.

She became the first indigenous woman to be elected as a Cabinet minister and served as the minister for education, science and technology from 1993 to 1995.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as eulogies were delivered by close families and friends of Ms Vakatale’s days as a teacher, diplomat, and mother.

Daughter, Alanieta Vakatale, said her mother still lived on, not only in the lives of her family but also in all her friends and those whose lives she touched.

“She always challenged us as a family to do better and be better always,” she said.

“Above all, she taught us never to take ourselves seriously, to have fun and laughs in our lives. We will miss her.”

Ms Vakatale is survived by a daughter, four stepdaughters, three grandchildren connected through nieces and nephews raised throughout the years. She was laid to rest at the Lovonilase cemetery.