Helen Vera Purcell Levao

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - With hearts full of sorrow yet overflowing with gratitude, we celebrate and honor the extraordinary life of Helen Vera Purcell Levao—a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, treasured sister, aunt, and a steadfast disciple of Jesus Christ.

Born on June 27, 1959, Helen returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on the evening of July 19, 2025, surrounded by family and her eternal companion. As her mortal journey concluded, she joyfully reunited with loved ones on the other side of the veil who preceded her in death: her parents, Tingey Merrill Purcell and Vera Ta'eleileumete Atiga Tuiletufuga Purcell, and her siblings Colleen Purcell Liufau, Marlene Purcell Fareti, Gladys Purcell Lindley, Duke Purcell, Melila Purcell, Tupu Laulualo, Danny Seiuli Purcell, Tioata Purcell Mulitalo, and Melody Louise Purcell, along with beloved siblings-in-love, nieces and nephews.

Helen was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sealed to her parents in the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, she deeply cherished this eternal bond, living her life with unwavering devotion and humility. She willingly and joyfully served in many capacities from Relief Society President, Counselor to Presidents, Sunday School Instructor, Ward and Choir Pianist and Organist. Notably, she only requested release from her calling as ward organist when her eyesight could no longer see the notes, but continued to harmonize to the hymns from memory or sometimes sing the version she knew best.

Her legacy of love is carried on by her eternal companion of 40 years, Vaimagotogoto Tino Levao, whose unconditional love for her was demonstrated through actions and hard work. Married and sealed in the Apia Samoa Temple on December 12, 1985, their union stands as an everlasting testament to love, service and faith.

Helen and Tino are blessed with three children: James Faletufuga Levao (Abby), Ariel Fuatino Levao Vitervo (Eloy Vitervo), and Jeremy Vaimagotogoto Levao (Kierynn). She adored and loved her grandchildren, who now carry with them her spirit, laughter, and joy: Vera Atoniga Levao, Faletufuga Callan Levao, Ta'agamanusina Aldwyn Levao, Clairisse Almira Ta'ase Levao, Elari Selena Vitervo, Vaimagotogoto Percival Levao, Feagaiga Iuli Ebenezer Levao, Tautua Alan Akihito Levao, Zoram Tulagalua Letuioatua Levao, and soon-to-debut baby Sofia Tausala Levao.

Helen also leaves behind her beloved siblings Max Purcell, Sapi Purcell Tuioletai, James Purcell, Fred Purcell, Larry Purcell, Karen Purcell Rodriguez, Ramona Purcell Porter, Hansina Purcell Enosa, and Julia Purcell Ah You, along with their loving spouses—her cherished siblings in love—and numerous nieces and nephews, each holding a special place in her heart. From the genuine hugs and kisses to the teasing tickles from across the hall, she loved each and everyone of them.

Her childhood, lovingly recalled by her mother, was marked by a special closeness with her father, who kept her very close and became their personal chauffeur everywhere they went. When Helen made the decision to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her father kept begging her to stay, but she had the heart to serve and later set an example and inspired her three children to all serve missions.

Helen graduated with honors from Leone High School, American Samoa, and was proudly inducted into the honor society. She was a student athlete and won 200 meter races and traveled extensively with the American Samoa Arts Council. Her commitment and dedication to learning earned her a Bachelor's Degree in TESOL from Brigham Young University–Hawaii in 2001.

Music was a part of everyday upbringing, where she shared memories of her father tapping the rhythm as each of her siblings would take turns practicing the piano. She then would laugh and name which of her siblings faked practicing and got away with it. She was always so proud and would tear up every time a video of her siblings singing on Facebook was shown to her . She often repeated how much her parents and siblings loved music and often shared with her children and grandchildren the power of music. Quoting one of her favorite passages of scripture: “The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me” (D&C 25:12), teaching her children and grandchildren that singing hymns or humming their favorite melodies was a way to continually overcome trials and tribulation they faced.

Additionally to music, her cooking always brought unity, laughter, joy, and camaraderie to the table. She was an amazing cook and when combined with her sisters, the aroma would fill the air and incite fond memories of family gatherings, numerous luau’s, family reunions and ward functions.

Helen taught the gospel through gentleness and meekness. Like her parents before her, she was often found pleading with the Almighty God on behalf of her family. To her children, she was a spiritual compass that guided them ever so gently with love and care to always remember “loto maualalo” humility and “Onosa’i” (patience). She often reminded her children of a metaphor learned from when her eldest played football years ago, to "be light on your feet," this way the spirit can guide them to wherever the Lord needs them to be.

Helen’s legacy continues to teach invaluable lessons:

● Faith, Hope, and Service are commitments, not convenience.

● True love is action, hard-work, faithfulness, and commitment to sacred covenants.

● A mother’s influence endures eternally, resonating through generations.

● “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” ~Proverbs 3: 5-6

● As the veil parted, we believe Helen heard the Savior’s welcoming words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

Though we mourn her departure, we hold steadfastly to the comforting assurance of the Plan of Salvation—knowing this is not goodbye, but "until we meet again."

We are grateful for your gentle reminders to always be faithful. To serve with all our hearts, might, mind, and strength. To use our talents and gifts in the Service of our God. Our lives are better, because we know you. We look forward to the morning of the first resurrection when we will hold you in our arms again.

Ia manuia lava lau malaga, Mom, ma tatou Feiloa’i Pea I Talosaga—We Will Always Meet in Prayer! 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9th at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 981 S Walnut Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501. Interment will follow at Cookeville City Cemetery. Elder Mark Riches will officiate. Her family will receive friends Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.