The Samoan medical community is mourning the sudden loss of the nursing association's president Taulapapa Fesola'i Fa'amanatu Nielsen.
Apia, Samoa. Photo: Ramunas/123RF
Local media described the 84 year-old as the Samoan Florence Nightingale for her long service in healthcare.
Acting President and retired nurse, Solialofi Papalii Maka, said the death of Taulapapa is a huge loss not only for Samoa but for the region.
She paid tribute to her colleague, saying she had fought hard for better working conditions and higher salaries for nurses.
Taulapapa Fesola'i Fa'amanatu Nielsen's funeral will be held on Saturday next week.
