Augusta Akua Sena Gabianu

The story

Madam Augusta Sena Gabianu was laid to rest in her hometown of Agbenoxoe (Agbe-nor-where) on Saturday, 23rd January, following a pre-burial mass held at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Cantonments, Accra on Friday, 22nd January. A thanksgiving/memorial service was held the following Sunday, 31 January at Christ the King, followed by a lunch in her garden at Lalibela Cottage. All events were very well attended. Our entire family is extremely appreciative of all those who came to honor her.

Memory wall

27 tributes have been left in memory of Augusta Akua Sena Gabianu.

• rondazg

  🕯 A candle was lit in memory.

• sandra.sala

  My sister Dela, Words can hardly express how sad I was to hear of your mother's passing. I retain fond memories of the few times I got to see her, and of all the stories you told. My fondest is of your 15th birthday party in Addis. No matter where I went throughout the house, or yard, she was always there laughing or making everyone laugh, calling out for you, dancing, singing... so full of life! I hope you will also remember all the best times you had with her. Loss is extremely difficult to bear, but she is with the angels now and resting in peace. I pray for comfort for your family. We love you and are always there for you if you ever need anything - anytime! Dovelle, Sandra & Micah Sala-Diakanda

• jlevitt

  🕯 To my dear sister, friend, confidant and Believer in the power of Christ, I love and miss you! You have been a transformative force for good in my life and in the lives of so many people. During my darkest hour you nurtured my soul with love. I am eternally grateful for you and the special relationship that we shared. I would travel around the world to be graced by your presence one more time. I miss your boisterous and contagious laugh always accompanied by a backward tilt and a knee slap. I miss your radiant smile and finger pointing. I miss your quick witted retorts and keen thoughts. You were smarter than most but made everyone feel empowered. You lived with a rare moral compass and never turned your back on family, friends and most importantly, Africa. You always represented Africa with dignity, truth and passion. You embodied and in many ways redefined the true essence of the African woman. Sena, you were and are a pioneer that broke the glass ceiling for African women for over five decades. You dared to dream and walked in faith never doubting God’s greatness or his purpose for you. Who has a bigger heart than you? Who sacrificed more for her children than you? Who modeled excellence more than you? Who loved the disadvantaged and disenchanted more than you? I miss our conversations and the wisdom you always imparted. I miss our quite moments of observation from garden homes in Addis Ababa to Chicago high-rises and botanical gardens in Aburi. You lived Pan-Africanism hosting my African-American law students for over a decade introducing them to the best of African culture and themselves. Your legacy is measured by the hundreds of souls that you invested in with love, grace and mercy. If the world had your heart war and poverty would be replaced with peace and abundance. If the world had your spirit love would supplant hate and every child would live in a loving home. If the world had your conviction for equality every woman would live in parity with men. Sena, the world is better because you dared to live. I am grateful to God for your life and humbled by the many was that you enriched mine. I will always love you. Jeremy I. Levitt

• amma

  🕯 I never had the opportunity of meeting your mom but your description of her in our conversation revealed how you cherished her so much and how she meant the whole world to you. I always listened with so much admiration how you narrated one story or the other about your mother. I secretly took much inspiration on your relationship with your mother and how she did her best to provide the best for you in her limited years on earth with you. Dela, I know that when fond memories of you and your mom crosses your mind you are sorely going to miss her but know this one thing, she lived a well spent life. She lived for you and for the many others who were privileged to have had one relationship or the other with her. She was indeed a great mother. I remember the day you came to the office with a packed food and with so much delight said "this was prepared by my mother for me. You see if my mother will prepare lunch for me then you now what that means..." I listened with so much admiration. I greatly feel the loss but in ending I will leave you with this passage of scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - " But I would not have you ignorant, brethren,concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Amen. Please encourage yourself with this and know that God comforts the brokenhearted....Much Love

• nathalie sawadogo

  🕯 C'est avec une grande peine que nous avons appris le deuil qui frappe notre collègue et amie Dela. Dela, les moments passés avec toi (il est vrai, en majeure partie dans le cadre du travail, mais aussi des moments d'échange et d'amitié) sont toujours agréables, constructifs et d'une grande qualité. Telle mère, telle fille, dit-on. Cet adage, en plus des témoignages lus sur la vie et l'oeuvre de ta maman, nous montrent quelle belle personne elle était et comment elle a illuminé la vie de ceux qui ont eu la chance de la connaître. Nous nous associons à ta douleur et te présentons toutes nos condoléances. Tout en nous joignant à vos prières pour le repos de l'âme de notre Maman, nous te souhaitons à toi Dela, à ta famille et à tous tes proches, que Le Tout Puissant vous donne la force nécessaire pour accepter ce départ, et que votre foi vous soutienne afin que vous puissiez poursuivre son oeuvre et continuer à rendre témoignage de sa vie. Que Dieu accueille Maman dans Son Royaume éternel. Union de prières. Nathalie Sawadogo, Abdramane Soura et Yacouba Compaoré depuis l'Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Population à Ouagadougou

• victoria

  🕯 Auntie Sena, Mama, i was in a state of shock when i heard the sad news. we communicated on Facebook during your last birthday and you were emphatic that i see you before your next one, i responded in the positive but informed you of a short programme i was going to do at GIMPA and will finish in November this year, little did i know that i was not going to meet you. i came in November and heard about your passing. My heart is full of sorrow because i am going to miss you dearly as well as the children at Hopeland whom You put smiles on their faces every Christmas by organizing Christmas parties for them. You were a selfless and an amazing woman and i will always be grateful for learning so much from you. Dear Mum, You were so gracious and kind to me and i will never forget the memorable experience. I will miss your smiles and pieces of advises. Your legacy of love and kindness will always be with us. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.Amen.

• amma

  🕯 So sorry for the loss of your mom

• music123

  🕯 Liebe Augusta, gestern warst du noch unter uns, gegenwärtig mit deinem Frohsinn, mit deinem Lachen, deiner ansteckenden Lebensfreude. Eine Frau und Mutter, die ihre Offenheit, ihre Hilfsbereitschaft ihren Rat immer bedingungslos geschenkt hat. Heute bist du nicht mehr unter uns, zumindest nicht leibhaftig. Schnell bist du von uns gegangen, viel zu schnell, für immer. Und doch, in unseren Herzen bleibst du unauslöschlich, verankert wie ein Schiff im Hafen, eingeschlossen wie ein Schatz im Schatzkästlein. Wir sind unendlich traurig, dass wir dich nicht mehr sehen, erleben, spüren können. Anselm Grün sagt, dass Trost von Treue komme, die bewirke innere Festigkeit. So wie du es immer getan hast, suchen und finden wir diese Treue in Gott, er gibt uns festen Boden unter den Füßen. Trost hat auch mit Trauen zu tun. Gottes Trost gibt uns das Vertrauen, indem er uns tröstet. Und so sehen wir dich bei Gott angelangt, geborgen in seinem Reich. Das ist uns Trost und lässt uns die Trauer um deinen irdischen Tod aushalten, überwinden. Herberta und Wilhelm Mauch Margareth Moser mit Familie Ralf Mauch und Barbara Monika Mauch - Mattes mit Familie Michaela Reichling mit Familie

• jmukwaila

  🕯 Dearest Dela, my heartfelt condolences on the passing on of mum. I am so glad I met her when I came to Ghana for your wedding in January. She was such a warm, kind, cheerful and hospitable person, she really took good care of us, May her soul rest in eternal peace. Even as you mourn her passing on, May God give you strength, comfort and courage, Much Love, Jane Mukwaila, Zambia

• cundie

  🕯 My deepest condolences, Dela, to you and your family for your great loss. May you all find peace and comfort during this time. Chi-Chi

• rondazg

  🕯 Madam Augusta Sena Gabianu I was so honored to be able to finally meet you on Dela's wedding day earlier this year. The light and love you gave off was incredible. Although you're gone, I know you'll still be smiling on Dela has she begins her own family. You are gone too soon but never forgotten! - Ronda ZG

• grace for sena

  🕯 It was a privilege to have been your friend Sena. Our lives are all the richer for having known you. We will never forget you and always will treasure your beautiful memory. You had the gift of benevolence and shared your happiness, care and concern with everyone. We love you Sena - your example shines on for us to follow. To Dela: Your mother lived a beautiful life of joy. Although we will all miss her, no one or nothing lasts forever. Her legacy of love and kindness will always be with us. "...her candles' burnt out long before her legend ever will...*

• jmb_interlockk

  May the God of all comfort, comfort you and your family during this time of sadness. Death is something unnatural, it was never in God's original purpose. It was the disobedience of Adam and Eve towards God law. This is what brought death and all of its effects upon mankind. But God has made a wonderful provision for all those who have fallen asleep in death, at John 5:28,29. God promises to resurrect all persons back to life. Just imagine your husband, father, and friend back in your arms once again. With no pain or sickness, new and young again. (Rev. 21:1-5) All in a beautiful paradise setting, planting flowers and playing with all types of animals. (Is. 65:17, 21-23) One day soon that will be a reality. If you would like to learn more on how you and your family can personally be there, please jw.org and look up the Bible tract "Can the dead really live again?" Please read this along with your copy of the Bible. May you fine comfort and hope.

• kofibright

• kelly.henderson

  🕯 Dear Dela, Sincere condolences on the death of your dear Mother. - I can’t say how sad I am. But death cannot part one from what is deep in our heart. I have to think of my friend Augusta constantly. We had spent a lot of time with each other when I had been in Nungua. On October 17th she sent to me a long report with all her new activities. It was her last E-Mail I got from her! Augusta always worked wholeheartedly for so many people: for the street children, for the youth, for the women from Klagon, for the old men …She always did it being very competent but at the same time with all her love. Dear Dela, you and your whole family will miss Augusta very much. I too! For me she always was a motherly friend. I’m sure that the Heavenly Father received her with his arms wide opened. I am convinced that she will take care of all her beloved ones. But there is a gap now with regard to those whom she especially took care of. Dear Dela, we still want to commit ourselves further in Augusta’s projects. Perhaps you will tell us how to do. I am so sorry that I couldn’t come to the funeral. I’ll pray for you and your family. Sincerely Sister M. Britta Rose

• kofibright

  🕯 The beauty of a woman isn't in the clothes she wears, The figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes; Because that's the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman isn't in a facial mole; But true beauty in a woman, is reflected by her soul. It's the caring that she cares to give, the passion that she shows; And the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows. (Maya Angelou) In deed death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but Love also leaves a memory no one can steal. It is the beauty of your love we choose to remember not your passing away beautiful woman and dearest mother. Live on for you journeyed well. Your legacy will linger for generations and thank you for blessing us with Dr. Dela. My deepest condolence boss.

• msonou

  TRIBUTE TO OUR FRIEND SENA GABIANU From Moise and Zeinabou Sonou It was the early eighties, one day in 1982 when we first met Sena Gabianu at the Hazounmè’s house. Moïse Sonou and Guy Hazounmè were staff members of the UN/FAO Regional Office for Africa. Sena was holding the high position of Chief Director of the Ministry of Agriculture. Ghana was experiencing the worst economic hardship in Sub-Saharan Africa. We became closer friends of Sena and her two daughters, Nina and Dela when the Sonou’s family moved to a Government bungalow on the 5th Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra in 1985. We were living a few houses apart. Very often, our children, particularly Ismaël and Mèdessè would sneak out of our house. We were not worried as we knew exactly where to trace them to. They loved the fufu meal they used to get at Auntie Sena’s place. Early 1990’s, the Sonous moved from Cantonments to Abelempe. Sena joined the World Bank in Washington D.C. Nina joined the University of Science and technology, Kumasi. Dela joined us and became a member of our family while attending French School, Roman Ridge, Accra. Late 1990’s, Sena returned to Africa and was stationed at the World Bank Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I still remember one of our discussions on the effectiveness and impact of the contribution of the UN Agencies and the World Bank on Africa’s development. That was during one of my field missions to Ethiopia. Not surprisingly, Sena had very strong but pertinent and responsible views on development issues. She had sailed through both national and international civil services, with high level responsibilities. We miss you Sena. We miss your very warm friendship. Why should you depart without notice? Rest in eternal peace!

• adarkoh

  🕯 A candle was lit in memory.

• lesvert1

  So sorry to hear this news. What an amazing woman she was. I still remember visiting her in Ghana in 2005. She was so gracious and kind to me and made it a memorable experience. I owe her a huge thanks.

• nhafkin@gmail.com

  🕯 Your mother was a wonderful woman whom I am honored to have known and to have worked with when we were both in Addis Ababa. I am so glad that she was there to see her daughter become a doctor and married. You were always her treasure. She will live on in all the good works she performed.

• tim

  Tribute to Auntie Sena by Tim Quashigah In mid-July 1996 (nearly 2 decades ago), tragedy brought me a fortune. This may sound strange, or silly, or even stupid. Rationally speaking, this may be unjustifiable. For, how on earth could the tragedy of one be the fortune of another? But that was it. I had not known Auntie Sena before then. Neither had I heard about her not even from the sister, Kate, with whom I have had some association in Ho. Florence, (Sister Kate’s daughter, and niece to Auntie Sena) had passed on at the time. I was one of the many mourners who had gathered to commiserate with the Gabianu and allied families in their moment of grief. Somehow, Auntie Sena couldn’t escape the attention of anyone present at the funeral. She was literally a significant entity, impossible not to sight. And so during the proceedings, I got introduced to Auntie Sena. I had no clue what fortune it was that was to smile on me for the many years to follow. Providentially - at least in my view - and however faulty such assessment might be - I had struck a chord with Auntie in very rare ways as my later visits to her home and family and interactions would prove. A striking feature of our interactions in later years was the extent to which she could sustain conversations in such ceaseless ways. I wondered how she kept us talking whatever, whichever, the topic, whenever I visited, or wherever we met. In many cases, I reckoned, she provided the much-needed encouragement and support no matter the circumstances. Not surprisingly, I clung to her as a cub would to the mother. In many ways, I held discussions with her regarding my course of life which was almost always important to her as though her life hinged on it. The last time - just the last time - when we met in her “cherished Lalibela Cottage home” during one of the daughters’ marriage ceremony, in typical fashion, she still ‘managed’ to ask what my current project was, the huge numbers of guests, regardless. You had better not see Auntie Sena if you had nothing you are working on, or working at. To her, you must always have one project or the other. She leapt for joy when I announced my project to her. As was characteristic of her, she gave me a pat on the shoulder, goading me on. Such was the character of this graceful woman we mourn today. It’s important to say that our paths were meant to cross in life. A few years ago, while a research intern at the Africa Security Dialogue and Research (ASDR), a think-tank in Accra, here again I met Auntie who was then a key member of the Governing Board. Given that the foci of ASDR are security and advocacy which she was passionate about, we had quite fruitful intellectual and nationally-relevant discussions bordering on human security, through national security to international diplomacy. Having worked with the World Bank previously, she brought professional perspectives which enriched our discussions at the private and corporate level. Sadly, I would miss all of that. Even more, I would miss her genuine counsel. Most importantly, I would miss her hearty laughter. Though it aches, I’m consoled she has “finished the race” with ace.

• lesvert1

  

• nataizia

  🕯 Aunty Sena , I met you for a short while but felt like I knew you for longer. Your kindness and generosity towards me and the Zambian entourage during Dela's wedding was just so so rare. You touched my heart without even knowing. Im grateful to have know you for just that moment and believe you are now with the angles in heaven. Dela my sister be at peace because mama lived and lived life to the full. She played her designated role on this earth and that you should be very very proud to have been chosen as her daughter. Know that her heart and kindness lives in you. All my love. Chi

• gfboakye

  🕯 George and I are saddened by your sudden departure. Indeed we were shocked to the core. Procrastination prevented us from visiting. If we had known we would have visited more often. We cherish coming your path through Dela. You brought up your daughter to care for other people. She was so helpful to me at Cornell, having decided to get a Master's degree at an advanced age. We also remember the surprise we got when my husband discovered the woman who had facilitated a scholarship so that he could study in the then Soviet Union at your 70th birthday celebration. You also provided advice that enabled us to secure a scholarship for our daughter in the UK. You'll forever be in our hearts. We'll never forget your goodness to us and pray that God will keep you in His mighty bosom till we meet again. Dayie, Auntie Sena.

• fkyeiarthur

  Sorry for your loss. Kindly accept my condolence. Frank Kyei-Arthur

• ndiop

  🕯 Dear Dela. Deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Mother rest in peace. Stay strong! You know she was proud of you and will be watching over you. Love, Nafi

• essie

  🕯 Auntie Sena, mama, grandma Sena... You endeared yourself to all Partiality was zero to all Love and affection was yours for all Indeed a precious gem is gone from us all Yours was a gift of seeking the prospect of others You polished them till their beauty came out for all to see We miss your smiles, laughter and good sense of humour Your children and grandchildren and all you endeared yourself to yearns for you We miss your hugs and warm embrace We were not prepared for your exit but we thank God for the special memories we have of you

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