Marsha Rae Finau

Marsha “Sia” Rae Finau-Heassler

Our dear Marsha “Sia” Rae Finau-Heassler passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025. Sia was born on September 23, 1979 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Suliasi “Lilo” and Isapeli “Oto’ota” Tu’akoi-Finau. Oto’ota taught Sia to support family and friends to the fullest extent. Lilo loved Sia with all his heart and knew that Sia was blessed with a spiritual gift to make people happy. Sia was proud of her Tongan/Polynesian heritage. She was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She believed in God, in loving and doing good to others, and lived her life that way. Sia attended Granite and Highland High School. She loved sports so much that when she was young she dreamed of being the first WNBA player from our family, hence, she was the loudest and best cheerleader for her children and her many nieces and nephews. Although she aspired to pursue various career paths, entertainment was her passion; she was in her element when she shared it with others. Sia married her childhood friend Brett Niu Heassler on September 23, 2006. They were perfect for each other! Throughout the many gigs and business ventures that Sia embraced, Brett’s support was constant and never failing. Sia was Brett’s queen and he made every effort to be by her side; behind the scenes, Brett played the role of an unsung hero without complaint or hesitation. Sia is a beloved mother to two beautiful children, Lousa-Sii Xavier Finau Heassler and Talimailani Valasi Heassler (AKA Baby Girl- Ms.Communicated). Sii and Baby Girl are everything to Sia. Sia attended every sporting event and performance of her kids and loved it with passion, never holding back her loud cheers. Sia stood up for family, friends, love, Proud Polynesia, Eastside Sugarhouse as an entrepreneur. Sia strived to uplift her family, friends and community. She is part of the “Sugarhouse Queens" with her sisters, Tea, Tanya, and Rina. She was the Event Promoter of several successful, jam packed shows not only as a business, but as a lifelong fan of many musical artists. She co-founded Project Embrace, by serving meals, and offering warm clothing from the trunk of her car to the homeless, which has grown and now offers a complete hot meal, and several donations of warm clothing, and hygiene kits in a designated homeless center location every Christmas morning. She makes friends with everyone with ease and considers them a friend for life. She front lined the Kava Lake City committee and organized the largest Kava gathering in history. She took her Mix and Munch venture and turned it into a kava bar. Sia is the life of the party. People gravitate to her because she loves to be happy and people feel the positive vibes she radiates. Sia will forever be in our hearts. We can only imagine the incredible reunion she has had on the other side with her parents and family! We love you Sia! Sia is Preceded in death by sister, Fetu’u Fipe Finau, mother, Isapeli Oto’ota Tu’akoi-Finau, father, Suliasi Lilo Finau, and niece, Sokopeti Brown-Yamazaki. Sia is survived by a large, loving family: sweet husband, Brett Niu Heassler, son, Lousa-Sii Xavier (Sosefina-Popo), daughter, Valasi Talimailani (AKA Baby Girl, Ms.Communicated); siblings Myrna Clark (Bill), Vameihengalu Vave (Lihai)(The late Dean Huhane), Lynda Brown (David), Susana Esikia (Vaha) Roger-Sa Finau (TaNika), Rebecca Litea Sitake, Soakai Finau (Tatiana), Junior Finau. Many nieces and nephews, and great aunt to grand nieces and nephews.

Services for Sia will be as follows:

Nofo’aki Putu (Traditional pre-funeral home visit to the family.): Wednesday and Thursday, February 19 & 20, 2025, 4:00-8:00 pm. Location: Finau-Brown residence, 2146 South Roberta Street South Salt Lake, UT 84115

The viewings and funeral service on Friday and Saturday will be held at the following location: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel 3805 South Main Street South Salt Lake, UT 84115.

Family and Friends Viewing: Friday, February 21, 2025, 5:00-9:00 pm. 

Family Viewing: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00-11:00 am.

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 12:00 pm~1:15pm. Interment to follow. Sia will be laid to rest at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Rd. West Jordan, UT 84084.

The Heassler and Finau families wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to all family and friends who have and will yet contribute toward the sudden funeral expenses. There has been a remarkable outpouring of love and support to Brett, Sii, Popo, and Baby Girl. Thank you for being with us to celebrate the amazing life of Sia. Rest in eternal love, Sia! “See you soon.” 

Thank you to Andres and Nayibi of Eternity Funeral Service and Memorial Redwood Cemetery.