Empress Vida with friend Kathy
Vida was a faithful friend for more than a quarter of a century. We first met when she was the principal at Osu Salem School, and she approached us because she wanted to start a library for her students. There wasn't a free classroom but that didn't dampen Vida's enthusiasm. She found a small storage room packed with broken furniture and Vida saw possibilities
Vida was a faithful friend for more than a quarter of a century. We first met when she was the principal at Osu Salem School, and she approached us because she wanted to start a library for her students. There wasn't a free classroom but that didn't dampen Vida's enthusiasm. She found a small storage room packed with broken furniture and Vida saw possibilities. She was always wanting the best for her school. Soon after initiating the library, Vida retired from her longstanding career in education. Our friendship continued and grew with each passing year. My friend and colleague Joana Felih received ongoing calls to enquire about our well-being, and I received countless letters mailed from Ghana to Canada, each sharing her concern for my health and that of past Osu Library Fund volunteers from Canada. Her last letter dated December 12, 2000, was signed, "I am your old friend, Vida." During my twice-yearly visits to Ghana, Vida made and hand-delivered lovingly wrapped bowls of groundnut stew, my favorite, and Joana's too. It was on these occasions that we were fortunate to meet many of her family members. Vida's energy, love, and admiration for her family were evident. She also extended her warmth and kindness to our entire library family. Vida, we will miss you.
“The memory of the righteous is blessed.” Proverbs 10:17(KJV). Our beloved sister, affectionately known as Daavi Vida, was a precious gift to us all. She was the third of our late father, Alphonse Carpenter Kuma’s, who had fourteen children from three marriages and the second of our late mother, Erica Abra Abosti Fie’s, who bore eight children. Though you are no longer seen among us, you will never be absent from our minds. You were more than a sister, you were a second mother to each and everyone of us. The pillar upon whom the entire family leaned has indeed fallen. As a professional teacher, your nurturing spirit extended far beyond the classroom and beyond the family. You mentored and educated many young girls in town, teaching them both the value of learning and the grace of keeping a home. After completing Jasikan Teacher Training College, you were posted to Cape Coast. Despite your modest salary, you shouldered the responsibility of bringing your younger brother, Manford Fie from Leklebi Duga to Ghana Secondary Technical School in Takoradi, personally bearing all his school expenses without hesitation. Whenever any of your siblings were taken ill and hospitalized, you were always there– tending to them with compassion until they fully recovered. Among your many acts of sacrifice, one stands out profoundly: you lovingly adopted and raised our youngest sibling, Joan Esi Fie, from birth. You cared for her as your own child, nurturing her through every stage of her life until she came of age and began working. Your selflessness in raising Joan is a testament to the depth of your love and the extraordinary motherly heart you possessed. Your generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family were unmatched. Truly, a mighty pillar has fallen. Daavi, though our hearts ache with your absence, we are comforted by the beautiful memories you left behind. Your legacy of love, sacrifice, and strength will continue to live on in each of us. Rest well, dearest sister. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
“Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28 (KJV)
We are here today to honor the life of our dear grandmother, who was a strong, caring, and loving woman. We affectionately called her Granny, and to many, she was more than just a grandmother—she was a safe place, a comfort, and a friend. Granny was what we would call a shapeshifter—she could be anything you needed her to be. She was there to cuddle you when you needed comfort, there to make you laugh when you felt down. She created a home full of warmth and happiness, and whether you were family or not, she would love you, cherish you, and make you feel like you belonged. For some of us, she taught us how to be industrious from an early age, and that has shaped us greatly. We derived our business acumen from her. She taught us to stand strong in times of adversity and to love and forgive one another. We miss her love, her admonishing words, and her care. We miss her prayers and her heartfelt wishes on our birthdays. It was refreshing to hear her sing her favorite hymns and recite prayers every morning when she woke up and every night before going to bed. We miss the life-inspiring stories she shared with us—stories that strengthened us and gave us hope. She was truly a pillar of strength and inspiration to us all. Granny cared so much for us that we grew deeply attached to her. The news of her demise has broken our hearts because we hoped to have her with us a little longer. But God knows best, and we find comfort in knowing that she is resting in the bosom of the Lord. Granny, you were a powerful woman, and your love will live in us forever. We say thank you for everything you did for us, for your sacrifices, your prayers, and your unwavering care. Rest well, dear Granny. We will forever love you.
Héde nyuie.
Dzudzor le nutifafa me