The Tukuafu's Home

July 8, 2013



Tukuafu's Round House

 Who would have expected it in Nauvoo!  Tonight we went to the unique, lovely home of Irene and Tomasi Tukuafu for Family Home Evening.  Three other couples went with us – the Forti’s, the Willeses, and the Petersons.  Irene told me when I asked her, “You bring 2 or 3 other couples and the treat, and we’ll provide the program.” 

Giant Recorder

Tomasi Tukuafu

Making Music Together



Tukuafu Duet

President Condie is the one who told us, “Don’t miss visiting the Tukuafus.  It will be a special experience,” and it was.  Tomasi is from Tonga, and they met at BYU Hawaii.  Irene was raised in the U.S. and was a convert to the Church at age 19, as was Tomasi.  They lived in Hawaii for many years, have 14 children and 50+ grandchildren.

Irene & Pat

Irene is amazingly creative!  She makes and plays harps, dulcimers, and psalteries.  Tomasi plays the autoharp and guitar.  They make beautiful music together.  She has a beautiful solo voice. Irene also creates and sells things out of wood – puzzles, nativities, kitchen spatulas, bread knives, hearts, stars, and anything else that strikes her fancy.  She makes delicious herb bread, which she bakes in cans so the loaves are round.  We were treated to a sample.





There is a wood shop in a small separate building next to the house complete with saws, drills, and all the necessary equipment.  Irene is also proud of her 30 year old Bernina sewing machine.

The Tukuafu home is their “dream home” – a round wood house with reclaimed wood, gorgeous stained glass windows, a wonderful view of the Mississippi River and its gorgeous sunsets. It’s just big enough for the two of them with one bedroom, and a loft – which is a guest room – one bed and plenty of room for sleeping bags.  Much of the furniture, stairs and railings are made of logs.  She asks their children to visit one family at a time.  They have been in this home for 2 ½ years and have yet to landscape or install a furnace/air conditioner.  They take things one at a time when they can afford them.

Pat walking the round room



Log Bed

Irene is a happy, optimistic positive, fun person to be around.  She and Tomasi are temple workers in the Nauvoo Temple.  We loved hearing their conversion stories and about their courtship.  Tomasi quoted poetry and scriptures to Irene on their first dates because he didn’t want her to think her was a typical Tongan “bush man”.  She says she is and that’s what she loves about him.  Tomasi is well educated and taught chemistry in high school in Hawaii for over 30 years to support his large family. 

Our lives are richer for having made these new friends in Nauvoo.

Just turn your head to the side... Irene in her Home...