Honoring Aunty Mo

Submitted by:  Harriet Kirkland, Guest Relations Specialist 

The Center has lost a beloved Aunty. Moana (Aunty Mo) Kaula’u passed away suddenly on March 22nd.  

Delsa shared “She was a volunteer “tutu” for the night show when she passed away. She had been an employee until we closed for covid. That’s when her hours for her BYUH job changed and it required her to work until 8 pm so she had to resign from PCC. However, she missed “the (night show) kids” so much that in February, she offered to volunteer on Saturdays, her day off, and we loved having her back in the show. Her passing really affected the cast. Her husband Matt, is a full-time employee in the FM Division.” 

Her absence is being felt across the world. We would like to share a few other heartfelt remembrances: 

Shannon Galeai 

From schooling me in netball and touch to Kapa Haka, Kiwi Club, Foodfests, Culture Nights, Songfests, feeds, devotionals, firesides, socials, tangihanga, random as performances, late-night practices, 7-11 runs, convincing me that the Kiwi Club needed to do service at my house and everything else in between that you can possibly think of – you were always there, always supporting. You supported us as students, as graduates, newlyweds, and as parents with our own families.  

We will miss you dearly Mo, and are so grateful for the treasured and cherished times spent together.  

Chesser Cowan  

…The first thing I saw was you wearing a black shirt. As we got talking you straight away made connections with me. Some of my cherished memories with you were when you supported me as the Aotearoa chapter club president. You were always the first person who rocked up to culture night practices and open gym nights. You took on various roles in the community and went above and beyond for us. I love that you were always honest with me and I could tell you loved everyone. I’m grateful that we were able to have our little laughs and catch-ups backstage. Little did I know that would be the last time I’d see you. Moe mai rā aunty  

 

Here are just a few facts regarding her history with the Polynesian Cultural Center: 

Student employee 

1/1/16/85           New Hire: Laundry Dept 

4/29/85               Transfer to Reservations as a FIT Reservationist 

2/25/89               Terminated: Found employment at BYUH 

Community employee 

8/21/09               Night Show: Feature Dancer (Tutu) 

4/6/20                  Terminated 

Volunteer Tutu, Night Show 

Feb 2021 – Mar 20, 2021