Mariana E. Tillipau

Mariana Ekipwich Tillipau, age 65 passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at her son’s home in Oakland, IA. She was born in Sapore, Fefen to Ainrick & Enisa Tillipou. She was the 4th child out of 6. (James, Norenis, Manida, Manisy, Mariana & Delta)

In 1985 she got married to Leo M Dillipau and they had kids Merlisa, Apolonia, Jonathan. They later moved to Hawaii in 1990 to seek opportunities and allow their children to attend schools. In June of 2001, Mariana and Leo M Dillipau would renew their vows at Saint Joseph Catholic Church.

Mariana worked at different places, Mauna Loa Macadamia, for a few years in a commercial company in Waikoloa, Hawaii & also at a banana farm.

In 2010 Mariana & Leo became church members of ACIM (Apostolic Church International of Micronesia) and became pastors in 2011. Since then, they’ve been active within the church and traveled around the states for the word of God.

Mariana was loved by so many of her families especially her grandkids and great grandkids. She was always welcoming and making sure she gave you the best hospitality! She loved to bake sweet rolls, fried donuts, cooking different local dishes and just so many more foods I just can’t name because there were just so much that she made sure that everyone was well fed. She was a very strong determined woman. If she learns something new, she will practice it until she becomes the best at it! She was the best at crafting.

Mariana and Leo came to Sedalia, Missouri, for a church conference last year in 2023 and decided to stay in Iowa with her kids for a bit and was supposed to leave back to Hawaii in February 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic. The service will be webcasted for those who could not attend the service. Following the services, a luncheon hosted by her family in the Community Room of the funeral home. Mariana will then be returned to Hilo, Hawaii for a second service and burial at the Alae Cemetery overlooking the ocean from the hilltop. A place she always wanted to be.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA is caring for Mariana and her family and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com. Services in Hilo, Hawaii will be cared for by the Dodo Mortuary in Hilo.