Tributes

Capturing The Life of Our Angel

Your Tributes

To my namesake, from your sister-in-law Mirabelle

Nana Esi, you were a legendary part of the family. It was so effortless getting to know you over the past decade and a half because you were so sincere!

You helped me fit right into your Duker family and became my go-to person. You were the Duker Queen of sidebar chats—the fixer and the tactful rainmaker.

You were a second mother to my children and were so present in their lives—from when they were babies until now. Our WhatsApp chat logs are filled with pictures of them, their achievements, and plans about how to raise them in God's will.

We talked a lot about wisdom in marriage and how to be Proverbs 31 wives. We were excited to find and redefine the rhythm in our marriages.

Nana Esi, we have so much unfinished work together—on the Divergent Collective and the biomedical path to wellness. You have inspired me, and I will honor you by bringing these urgently online.

I know you looked up to me, and I tried to teach you more about self-preservation. You were also such an energizer bunny, and you taught me more about sacrifice. A few months ago, you dropped everything to help my mother when she needed haematologists. My family is truly grateful for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Nana Esi, our time together has been abruptly cut short. I am hurting and trying to understand it all. I miss you! We have been told that you lived the fullness of God's time. Your departure has hit me harder than any other loss in my life. I find comfort in 2 Timothy, knowing that you have fought the good fight and remained faithful to our God through it all. I believe you have opened your eyes out of this pain into Jesus’ arms. I am grateful for your sisterhood and your friendship.

I’m looking forward to sharing praises forever with you on the other side of eternity. I love you, chica.

Tribute from Zoe and Isaac Duker
Niece and Nephew

Auntie Nana, we miss you! We had so many awesome times with you—filled with fun, laughter, and of course, yummy food. You were always so kind and caring to us, and you encouraged us to be amazing. You created countless precious memories with us.

We hope you are happy with God, and we know that you are in heaven.
We love you. Thank you, God, for Auntie Nana.

Tribute by Naana Duker
To my Big Sis

I never imagined I would be writing this to you, but unfortunately I am—and honestly, it feels terrible. I find myself hit with waves of grief whenever your face flashes across my mind or I see pictures of us, smiling together as if we had all the time in the world. Even as I write this, there are tears in my eyes, but I know you’re in a better place and you wouldn’t want me upset for long.

I’ll miss our holiday hangouts, yelling over Uno cards and buying houses in Monopoly. I’ll miss the restaurant hopping and the most delicious recommendations you had on every menu. I’ll miss your gift of making me feel like the most important person when we were together. I’m glad I took so many pictures of us together. Above all, I’ll miss your hugs the most.

I truly wish we had more time together, but I’m forever grateful for the time we did have. I promise I’ll drink more water. I love you more than words can ever fully express.

Love,
Naana

Tribute by Nana Esi Korsah
A Tribute to My Twin, My Sister, My Heart — Naesi.D

My Twin,

From secondary school to soul-deep sisterhood, you’ve been one of the greatest loves of my life. We’ve journeyed through everything together—from church hopping to food tasting, from academic paths to career leaps, from interesting relationships to choosing great husbands who joined in our friendship. Every chapter with you was a celebration, even in the hard times.

I will miss all our dates—from our secret diary conversations to our strategy sessions to talk about business. What a privilege it’s been to witness you becoming not just the powerhouse behind Aves, Aspire, and SCAI, but the extraordinary woman you are. You built with grace, led with fire, and loved with a heart so wide it held us all.

We manifested our futures in prayer, in laughter, in late-night talks, and we were always so intrigued at how we were living the lives we prayed for—but not this plot twist, Nana. Still, I thank God for the gift of you. Thank you for believing in me, for loving your god-daughter Reine as well as Arie as your own, and for being my loudest cheerleader and my softest landing.

You always sent me a blue heart when we were apart and a red heart when we were close. It’s all blue hearts from here, Nana—but your love remains close, always.

My sister. My twin.
Thank you, Naesi D.

Love you forever,
Naesi K.

Tribute by Tema International School
Honouring the Life and Legacy of our Alumna, Nana Esi Duker – TIS IB Class of 2008

We give thanks for the life of Nana Esi Duker (IB Class of 2008), a cherished alumna of Tema International School. She joined us in August 2004 as a Grade 9 student and quickly became known for her compassion, intellect, and commitment to learning and service. Her presence enriched our community, and her legacy continues to inspire.

A gentle yet determined spirit, Nana Esi was a deep thinker, a lover of poetry, and a compassionate soul whose concern for the well-being of others was always evident. She was full of life and energy and immersed herself in school and hostel activities with enthusiasm. She brought joy to her peers, support to her friends, and was a delight to every teacher who had the privilege of knowing her.

One of her hostel parents, Ms. Irene A. Koree, former Cecilia Hostel Parent, fondly recalls:

“She was a lively and sweet soul who immersed herself in hostel life despite the challenges that arose with her health. Her enthusiasm and passion for inter-hostel competitions were contagious. During such events, she was sure to attend every brainstorming, planning, and rehearsal session, and on the day of performance, she was a real trooper. I am not surprised she carried this vivacity into life after school, and by that made a lasting impact on many who encountered her. Rest well, Nana Esi; may the Lord reward you for your labour in Him.”

After graduation, Nana Esi remained deeply connected to her alma mater, often returning with admiration and pride, eager to mentor and inspire. Her passion for sickle cell awareness, born of her own lived experience, became a powerful bridge between her advocacy work and our students’ learning journeys. In 2016, she founded the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative (SCAI Ghana), a non-profit organisation through which she reached thousands with health education, community outreach, family support, and patient advocacy. Her leadership created a lasting impact across Ghana and beyond, amplifying patient voices and equipping families with knowledge to make informed health decisions.

This same dedication shone through when she partnered with TIS students on CAS projects, mentoring those who wanted to create awareness around sickle cell. One of our alumnae, Malaika Web (IB Class of 2020), reflected:

“I had the privilege of working with Ms. Nana Esi Duker during my IB CAS project on sickle cell awareness in 2019. Ms. Duker was a warm, intelligent woman whose dedication to the sickle cell cause was truly inspiring. As someone who has also lived with complications from sickle cell, I knew firsthand the importance of her tireless work in bringing awareness to this condition. While I am deeply saddened by her passing, I am certain that her impact and legacy will not be forgotten. Rest well, Ms. Duker.”

Her advocacy work was not only born out of personal resilience but also out of her passionate belief in education as a tool for empowerment and change. During the 2019 Nairobi IB Conference, where TIS staff presented, Nana Esi attended every session, joyfully declaring to others: “This is my alma mater. I am a living testimony of the TIS experience.” She bonded with our team at that conference, sharing her vision for education and her deep pride in her mother’s school, Aves International. In her conversations with management and teachers, she was a source of encouragement and inspiration, reminding us of the power of education in shaping lives and communities. Nana Esi was always eager to learn, always ready to share.

Although her journey on earth was brief, her life was profoundly meaningful and purposeful. Nana Esi lived fully, loved deeply, and served passionately. We will always remember her as an alumna of distinction, a Cecilia Hostel lady of class, whose elegance and strength reflected the values of her hostel—and, above all, as a woman of courage who made the world a better place.

The TIS community celebrates her life with gratitude and pride, comforted by the assurance that her legacy—through her advocacy, her voice, and her impact—will continue to inspire generations to come. She will forever remain a member of our TIS family, remembered not only for her achievements but for the warmth of her presence, the brilliance of her mind, and the compassion of her heart.

Farewell, dear Nana Esi. Your light will never fade; you will remain forever in our hearts.

Tribute by the Bonsu family
To Our Darling Godmother

You were more than just an auntie to us—you were also a mother. The way you cared for us, loved us, and understood us is something we will forever cherish. You had this remarkable gift of always being there when we needed you most. Whether we were facing challenges, celebrating milestones, or simply needed someone to listen, you always showed up with your radiant smile. Even in difficult moments, you had this incredible ability to find something to smile about—something to be grateful for.

Though we will deeply miss your physical presence, your spirit lives on in us through all the memories we have shared and the lessons you taught us. As difficult as it may be, we know that you would not want us to be sad. You would want us to remember your smile and be happy every time we think of you.

Our sweet Godmother, our dear Auntie Nana Esi, always knew how to put a smile on our faces. You loved us so much from when we were very young and showed us what it felt like to be loved. You were always a source of joy when we were with you, and you were particularly good at diffusing even the most challenging moments and reminding us that there is always hope.

You are no longer with us, but we will always treasure the memories, the laughter, and the stories you so willingly shared with us. We promise to live in a way that will make you proud—to keep smiling, to keep loving, and to keep spreading the joy and hope you taught us. Your light will always shine through us.

We entrust you into God’s loving hands, knowing that you are at peace and resting in His glory.

With love,
Nana Yaa, Nana Agyeman, and Nana Bonsu

Ode to Nana Esi Duker by Emefa Agyeman

By chance we met, but when I look back, I know it was not a chance encounter. God knew I needed you, and He orchestrated it. By choice, we became friends, and by choice, we cemented it into family. You are my sister, my friend, and family in every sense.

I remember you asking me one day while we baked, “Ama, do the kids have a godmother?” I replied, “No.” You promptly responded, “Then I am the godmother of the children.” “Of course!” I replied. At the time, I did not realise how seriously you meant it. The years proved it, and never once did you falter in being present. Nana, thank you, thank you, thank you.

You never took the role of godmother lightly. You planned a whole godmother ceremony to mark it, and you showed up at every turn. My three children—Nana Yaa, Nana Agyeman, and Nana Bonsu—became your babies, and you raised them with as much love as we, their parents, did. You shared in their birthdays, graduations, godmother dates, school decisions, career paths, and internships. Even before your marriage, you went on a date with them and Mac to ensure they liked him—such consideration. You were present. You cheered them on, prayed, corrected, guided, and poured into them. Only recently, when Nana Yaa celebrated her birthday, we missed you so much. I know you would have been there, but alas! What a void.

Just before Nana Agyeman returned to school, you took your babies to lunch. You planned holidays, school, and fun times, laughed with them, and poured into them that day. They were looking forward to it with so much excitement. They always came back delighted after dates with you. On their last date, they said to me, “Mummy, Auntie Nana said we should come for a copy of her house keys because it is our home.” They loved that you made them a part of your life. They never doubted that you loved, wanted, and chose them, and they, in turn, loved, wanted, and chose you.

And even now, your presence is still felt. Nana Yaa and I had a conversation before she went to school. She said to me, “Mummy, Auntie Nana and I discussed this, and I am aware she is watching me, so I will constantly strive to make her proud.” The boys also said they are going to make sure they make you proud during their respective exams. You have made my life easier by having the crucial conversations in advance. Nana, I doubt anyone can fill this void. I can say with my full chest that if I had to count three people who love my children as much as I do, you would be present. If two, you would be present. And if there were just one, you would still be present.

You reminded me of things I said years ago—things I had forgotten—and you would tell me how profound they were. You never let me forget who I am. You would always say, “Ama, what?” with a shocked expression if I even thought otherwise. Then you would say, “Ama, you are that girl.”

On July 25th, we had lunch together. I had just finished an interview, and I was apprehensive. You said to me, “You will crush it.” When the result came, I had. I had broken the scale. I received an 80 percent scholarship for an organisation where people usually receive between 20 and 30 percent at most. I sent you a screenshot of the email, and you texted back in capital letters, “I TOLD YOU!” You were my encourager, my hype woman, and accountability partner in everything—from weight loss to career goals and everything in between. You never allowed me to doubt who I am. I will always remember that. You are special, Nana.

Just a few weeks ago, you looked at me and said, “Ama, I want you to be happy. I am so proud of you. You are deserving of all the good things—the love, care, and favour. And also, the strides you are taking make me so proud.” When doubts tried to creep in, you silenced them with certainty—always affirming, always lifting. I will continue to make you proud.

I always teased you about your “compartments.” You had so many people drawn to your light, yet somehow everyone felt thoroughly special—a testament to how special you are. When you call someone your person, you show up and show out.

We had holidays planned, birthday lunches planned, and work and laughter waiting. And now all I feel is the ache of your loss. Who will sit with me to map out the children’s academic journeys? Who will call me on the phone and scream, “Amaaaaa!!!” in the unique way that only you can?

I miss you so much. This is one of my most difficult adult experiences. Must I now experience joy in life and refrain from calling you to share it? Must I laugh at things I know would crack you up without your laugh echoing back? Must I discover new recipes and bake without you trying them first? Who will I make portobello mushroom salad with? Must I dance to “Dansaki” alone now? Who will I shout, “Make we scatter this place tonight!” at when the song comes on? We were so excited when Morocco became visa-free; you sent me the itinerary again on August 23rd. Must I go by myself now?

I was not prepared for this amount of grief and sadness. We had spoken of your birthdays until age 80 and beyond, and so this was not an expectation I ever considered—that I would be saying goodbye to you on earth. We had a ton of plans, Nana, but now the silence is deafening. The grief, overwhelming.

You loved us, and we knew it. We loved you, and I know you knew it. That is my comfort: that you knew you were cherished. I wanted this to be an ode because you live on in us. You live on in our tears, in our laughter, in the children you nurtured, in the prayers you prayed, and in the love you gave. I could fill a thousand pages just talking about you. I hope these words convey a sense of who you are to me.

Grief is here because love is here. The ache we feel is proof of how deeply you matter. Yet even in the heaviness, we hold on to God’s promise: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). And I trust His word that “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Now I have two angels in heaven watching over me and your babies—you and my dad. We will make you proud. It is a promise. Thank you, Nana Esi, for every moment, every word, every embrace. You remain a blessing. You remain a gift. You remain embodied in our love. We love you forever and, as you would say, endlessly.

With all my love,
Your Ama (Ama Emefa Xatse Agyeman)

Tribute by Val

My dear Nana,

There are so many things I wish I had said while you were here with me. I never imagined a life without my little sister right next to me. Ei Nana, my heart is broken.

Lately, Sundays are the toughest days for me, because there are no “Wake up, let’s go to church” messages from you. In our next life, I promise I will pick up your calls on the first ring—you will never have to wait on call waiting again. I will take you to Kozo as many times as you want, buy you your favourite cheesecake from Polo every day, and keep you stocked with all the dried fruits and plantain chips you could ever want. But now I ask myself—how am I supposed to go to all these places without you by my side? I would do anything to have you back here with me, Nana.

Thank you for sharing your light with me and for making the last seven years of my life so beautiful with the purest love and care I could ever imagine. You were my safe place, my joy, my sister, and my friend.

I miss you, Nana Esi. I miss the sound of your laughter, the glint in your eyes, and the little dance you did whenever you tasted good food. I miss our quick hugs at your gate in the evenings on my way back from work. I miss you shouting, “Ei Val, are you sleeping? Come on, wake up!” when I was dozing off on our late-night video calls. I miss all the wisdom you tried to pour into me that my stubborn self didn’t always listen to. I miss the way you shouted “Big sistteerrrrr” when you saw me, and even the way you completely ignored me when you saw Kofi. Oh Nana, the memories are endless.

I keep saying to myself, “I can’t wait to tell Nana this”—and then reality sets in and my Nana is not here. How am I supposed to face life’s highs and lows without you? You were an angel on earth, and I know you are now watching me from heaven, smiling, still cheering me on.

You will forever be in my heart. Till we meet again, my little sisterrrrrrr… keep resting peacefully.

Tribute by Jesse
God daughter

To my Beautiful Godmother,

“A godmother is a gift from heaven above, bringing pearls of wisdom and never-ending love.”

Many people are given godmothers at birth or in their early years of life, but mine was different—mine was special. God sent you into my life two years ago as my guardian angel, and from the very first time we met, you saved my life. Even without knowing who I was, you showed me so much care.

On the day we first met, I had a medical emergency. I remember slowly slipping away, but the sound of someone praying for me—calling my name—brought me back. From that moment, I knew you were heaven-sent.

Since then, your presence has been felt in every aspect of my life: from birthdays to parent-teacher conferences, from IB final exams to my university decision. Your dedication to my education shaped me into who I am today. You always cheered me on, even when I felt the world had turned against me. You constantly reminded me of how proud you were of me, regardless of my performance in school.

I remember you once said, “I will never hold any negative thing against you; I will always dwell on the positives.” You believed in me, encouraged me, and reminded me of my worth. You instilled so many values in my life. Spiritually, you prayed for me constantly and encouraged me to love God with all my heart. Academically, you supported me and gave me countless opportunities to excel.

You were loving yet firm. You stood strong on honesty and integrity, and your legacy will continue to live on through those and many other values you passed on to me.

You took a personal interest in my university decision and pushed for the UK, knowing it was closer to home and would make it easier for you to see me. Without thinking twice, I followed your guidance, because I always trusted your judgment.

Not only did you save me, but you also helped my mother in unimaginable ways. As a single mother of two, she carried so much—but you lifted that weight from her shoulders and calmed the storms in our lives.

I still can’t believe I’ve lost you. How can I come to terms with such a great loss? The void you have left behind is immeasurable, but I take comfort in knowing that your legacy lives on—in the values you taught me, the memories we shared, and the love you gave so generously.

The love I have for you has no bounds. Your place in my life and my heart is permanent. Everything I do now is dedicated to you, a reflection of the love and care you poured into me. I will continue to make you proud. We will miss the light you brought into our lives. Your beauty, grace, and wisdom will always be a guiding light in my life.

Rest peacefully, Aunty Esi—my beautiful angel on earth and in heaven.

Tribute by Akosua Mate

How do I use language and vocabulary—concepts conceived and created by the human mind—to describe someone whose life and essence were larger than what the human mind can conceive? Someone who was everything—by any reckoning, every standard, and beyond question. A bosom friend, in every sense of the expression, whose friendship created some of the deepest and most significant milestones and shifts in my life. Nana Esi changed my life forever, in ways that are profound and permanent.

We met in high school, maybe some twenty years ago, at Tema International School—but we did not immediately hit it off. She joined the boarding house in the middle of our IGCSE program and was brought into my room. As the room monitor, it was my duty to ensure that the room woke up on time, completed their chores, and got ready before the hostel mistress came to inspect our rooms. To my shock and horror, Nana slept through the wake-up bells, through the chaos and bustle of the chores, through everything. When the bell went for inspection, Nana would casually rise from her bed, as one waking up from a luxurious slumber somewhere in the Maldives, and begin to get ready. This would have vexed my spirit so much that our hostel mistress eventually had to move her into another room. Before the term ended, however, we had become friends. We even had a secret competition for the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) prize at the end of our IB year, since both Nana and I fancied ourselves astute philosophers. She won the prize, and though disappointed, I knew that no one else deserved it. Nana was charming, funny, and sweet—but also full of deep wisdom and extremely clever.

After high school, we both moved to the UK for our undergraduate studies—Nana in Surrey and I in Aberdeen. We spent a lot of our time on Skype and met up most summers. But, as you might know, when Nana welcomes you into her life, she offers you everything she has: her time, her support, her family—every single resource. Nana and I spent many summers as roommates in her family’s home in Raynes Park in London. During the day, I would go to my job in the city and come back home, and we would talk late into the night. Realising it was now midnight and I would need to be up early to catch the bus, and then the train, and then walk another seven minutes to my office, we would promise to make sure we slept early the next night—a promise we seldom kept. We talked about everything—boy trouble, food we liked, music we enjoyed, things we feared, and everything in between.

But the most paradigm-shifting conversation we had was about our faith. Nana showed me Christ. I had recently become born again, and outside of attending the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Aberdeen, I didn’t know much else. Nana prayed for me, sent me links to sermons, took me to Hillsong Church, taught me scripture, bought me Christian literature, invited me to Christian conferences, and shared her favourite Christian music with me. She essentially held my hand through those early stages. She carried me. Nana showed me Christ in the way she lived and especially in the grace she extended to others. And so, in watching her, I, too, grew in my love and devotion to God. The hunger and curiosity she stirred up in me led me to start a Skype Christian fellowship called EPIC (Extraordinary People In Christ), where many of us met to grow together. People who saw Jesus in my life were seeing the fruits of the seeds that Nana sowed. My children know Jesus today because of the seeds that Nana sowed. My children’s community will know Jesus through them, because of the seeds that Nana sowed. That community’s community will know Jesus because of the seeds Nana sowed. And for generations to come, my descendants and everyone connected to them will know Jesus because of the seeds Nana sowed. What a gloriously blessed life. I have no doubt—not a single one—in my heart that the angels have received her with great joy and jubilation!

When my life began to look a little different and Nana saw me struggling with some of life’s challenges, she reassured me. And don’t hear this and think of some passive encouragement—no. Nana poured into me. Very actively. Very intentionally. She would drive to me at work, armed with a sandwich. We would sit in her car, and she would speak life into me while I cried. She would hunt me down and drag me out of dark feelings and thoughts, reminding me that I was special. She would send me long messages, affirming me. She was my oasis. In a world where we often have to pull up our shoulders and face life, Nana offered me something that was priceless: softness. Nana created space for me to be soft. We would often go out for meals and leave crying. We never left each other without reminding each other that we were so important and special to each other. It was like a ritual—although it always happened spontaneously. I have always wondered what the waiters and waitresses of Accra think of us—two girls joyfully walking in together but leaving in hugs and tears. We did this especially on birthdays. This year, on my birthday, Nana FaceTimed me, and for eight minutes she poured what felt like life and strength into me. Of course, we were both crying ugly tears by the seventh minute, and the last minute of the call was completely garbled.

This year, on her birthday, it’s different. It’s very different. The plan would’ve been to take her out for dinner and have her cake brought out with the obnoxiously loud birthday song from the Labadi Beach Restaurant staff. And then after that, tell her what a gift her life is to me, tell her how grateful I am for her friendship, and how hopelessly lost I would be without her. What I will do, on this occasion of her birthday, is reproduce her text message to me on my birthday in 2024, because it perfectly encapsulates my feelings today:

“I get extremely emotional on your birthday. Every year. I always try to leave you a thoughtful and heartfelt note that you can keep coming back to; it’s nowhere near enough to just say some equivalent of ‘happy birthday’ and be on my way. I’ve always wanted you to know that I’m praying for you, that I love you, that I’ll forever be by your side, that you have changed my life, that you are God’s most beautiful expression in human form. I hope I have been able to adequately convey that to you in the past. This year, though, I really feel the need to go back to the basics. I just want to wish you a very happy birthday, because more than anything, I want you to be happy, my love. I keep telling you this: if anyone deserves happiness in this lifetime, it is you. You may not completely accept it, and knowing you, you will even feel undeserving. It doesn’t make it any less true. My singular prayer is that your new age is full of joy. I know that the heavens and the earth will smile on you, Akosua, because I have asked in Jesus’ name. Therefore, I consider it done. Happy birthday, my sister. I love you deeply, infinitely. P.S. I was determined to hold it together but I was crying by the end of the message lol I’m such a punk.”

Happy birthday, Nana. Thank you for sharing your life with me.

Tribute by Rosemary Owusu

“…… Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them.” – Revelation 14:13

Words are hard to find in moments like this, when family and friends have gathered to say a final goodbye to someone as special as you, Nana Esi. This is a day I wish were not real.
Your passing has left a heartache that only God can heal.

I first met Nana Esi in 2004 at Tema International School (TIS). At the time, we were not particularly close. But in 2008, after I had left TIS, life brought us together again when we both discovered that we would be attending the University of Surrey. From that point, our story as friends truly began.

Throughout our years at Surrey, we lived in the same student dormitory, often on the same floor, and many times with our rooms directly opposite each other. We practically did everything together—from grocery shopping, where we cheekily pushed Tesco trolleys home to avoid paying for a taxi, to cooking, spending weekends together, and attending church.

One of the things I loved most about Nana Esi was her gift of teaching the Bible. Our study sessions were so rich because she had a way of breaking down Scripture to make it clear and relatable. She touched not just my spiritual journey but also the lives of many around her.

Nana had an open heart. She was warm, friendly, and deeply loved. I often returned from lectures to find our kitchen filled with her friends whom she had invited for a meal. At times it felt overwhelming, but that was Nana’s way—always making people feel welcome, always opening her doors.

Our bond deepened with time. Even when I moved on to law school in Birmingham and she continued her studies at Surrey, our connection never wavered. In fact, it was during one of my visits to her that I was introduced to the man who would later become my husband.

Nana Esi was more than a friend to me; she became my sister. She was understanding, caring, a safe keeper of secrets, non-judgmental, and always ready to help solve a problem. Truly, words cannot fully capture who she was.

Her passing is very hard to comprehend. Yet, in my grief, I remain grateful to God for the gift of knowing her, sharing life with her, and calling her a sister.

Nana, I miss you dearly, and I will continue to miss you.

Finally, continue to live in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Tribute by Nicole Effie Aggrey-Fynn
First ever student from Aves International Academy

Auntie Nana Esi, as I affectionately called her, was many things to me: a friend, a sister, and someone I looked up to. She was always smiling, and I admired her perseverance and hardworking nature, especially in the way she dedicated herself to her initiatives.

As a child, I spent Christmases and Easters with her family, and those memories remain some of my most cherished. What I will never forget is the warmth of her hugs—the kind that made everything feel okay.

I will always carry her smile, her strength, and her love with me. She left an imprint on my life that I will never forget.

Sleep well, Auntie Nana, till we meet again.

Tribute by Christy-Ann Nartey (Kiki)

When I think of Nana, I think of sunshine. 🌞 She was a ray of light in mine and Manny’s life—always lighting up the room whenever she walked in. She carried hope and encouragement, especially when we both needed it most.

It meant so much to have each other’s backs in our fight for good health. She understood my quirks and accepted me fully. Truly, she was a soul sister. Nana showed up in my life at just the right time, and it’s beautiful to see how she left a piece of herself with everyone she met.

We will love her and remember her forever. I thank God for the gift that was Nana.

Tribute by Jennifer Owusu

To know Nana was to experience love in such a pure and intentional form. Even in our grief, I’m so thankful to God for allowing our paths to cross.

From the moment I first met Nana, it has been a journey of discovery, growth, and unforgettable adventure.

Nana believed in growth—not just for herself but for everyone around her. She encouraged us to rise, to stretch beyond the limits we set for ourselves. A fine example comes to mind: when I once told her how frustrated I was that an all-night service I used to attend had been stopped indefinitely, the next time we met over lunch she looked at me and said, “Jen Bear, why are we waiting for them to resume? We can start one ourselves.” And with that, it was go time. Within days, she helped start our all-night sessions where the move of the Holy Spirit was so evident.

I remember how thrilled she was when I mentioned inviting a great musician she had been listening to and wanted to meet—our very own Manuel. Soon we had our members, our structure, and before long we became a close-knit family. Nana wasn’t one to stop there. At one of our start-of-year meetings, she came prepared with a plan. She asked each of us to share our goals for the year and challenged us to hold each other accountable. That night, our all-night group became what she named the Prayer & Purpose group, and I’m so glad to say that we each achieved much of what we set out to do.

That was Nana—a force who created spaces where others could grow, pray, and thrive. She didn’t just dream; she built. And she carried us along with her.

She wasn’t all serious business, though. Nana was fun! She was fully invested in our game nights, which always turned into unending conversations. We would step outside to see each other off, only to find ourselves still talking for ages. Nana would eventually laugh and suggest we just go back inside. Looking back now, those moments were their own kind of all-night session.

Her adventurous spirit drew us closer together. She loved to travel and was truly a fellow gourmet-loving babe. Nana wasn’t simply chasing destinations—she was creating moments and building memories filled with so much fun and laughter. I cherish these memories so dearly now, more than ever before.

Nana, my sweet girl… though we only knew each other for just over three years, it feels as though you had always been part of my life. That was your gift—you wove yourself deeply into people’s hearts so that time didn’t matter. To me, you were more than a friend. You were a confidante, an encourager, and truly, a sister.

I will miss what we had, Nana, and your memory will always be with me.

Today, on your birthday, I join your loved ones—your husband, family, and the beautiful community you built—in seeing you off on your ultimate adventure to our Father in Heaven, where we believe you will stay with everlasting peace.

With Love,

Jennifer Owusu

Tribute by the Aves International Academy Board

With a heavy heart, the Aves School Board pays tribute to Nana Esi, as we all called her. Her dedication and leadership touched countless lives. She fostered a nurturing environment, building strong relationships with students, parents, teachers, and staff. Her compassion, empathy, and kindness earned her the respect and admiration of many. She demonstrated great humility, always willing to listen attentively to concerns, and take feedback and advice. She also offered guidance and support, while celebrating successes.

Nana Esi embodied the values of Aves, and her legacy will continue to inspire us. We'll miss her warmth, wisdom, gentle spirit,  her soft-spoken voice, her phone calls and messages, but we're grateful for the memories and lessons she shared with us.

The Board would like to extend our deepest condolences to her dear husband, parents, siblings, the entire family, the whole school, and loved ones. May her legacy continue to guide and inspire us."

Rest in peace, Nana Esi.

Tribute by Papa Branful

Nana

I will miss your voice, your presence, your smile, your kindness. I doubt I ever cried in front of you, but Nana, this one hit me to the core, and it hurts.

I will never not want to make you laugh, so here it goes: I have owned these particular tinted sunglasses for a while and hardly ever worn them, and after hearing about you—for the next 72 hours, even at midnight—I still had them on.

Sad it took this long for me to realise, but the pain made me notice how much of a light you placed around us, even when we did not experience your rainy days. Irreplaceable.

See you soon, sis—the kindest soul.

Tribute by Aziz

My first visit to your apartment to discuss internet connectivity—there at the entrance stood this young lady.

An angelic smile, calm demeanor, and a soft-spoken voice welcomed me to your apartment. Over the years I have come to know you as the face of the Duker family—devout, spiritual, confident, and respectful.

Nana Esi, you will be missed greatly.
Rest in peace!!

Tribute by Sam Opoku

My friend, my big sis,  I miss you: I miss your blastings, I miss your random "Sam, I have a problem with my car can you help me" or "Sam, when will you come and visit me". It’s painful that I won’t hear these things anymore but I am so happy that we got to spend time together. You were AN AMAZING woman.

Thank you, Nana

Tribute by Ella Agyinasare

If I had to use one word to describe Nana, I’d say light. She was always radiant, both inside and out. Very sweet, caring, and compassionate, she’d always send me the sweetest birthday, Christmas, and special-occasion wishes and prayers.
She was always ready with her beautiful smiles and warm hugs. Nana was simply full of love, light, and life.

I thank God for the gift of her life. She was passionate about sickle cell awareness; she spoke about it and certainly made an impact. I remember the first time, a couple of years back, when we walked to raise awareness from Dzorwulu to 37 and back. It was such an experience.

The last time we met in church, she had these blonde braids—she was glowing—and we were all excited about the Heale Foundation and what the future held.

But God knows best and well.

Nana, this is not how I would have preferred to say this, but sincerely, I thank God for your life.
You will always be remembered.
Love you, hun.

Tribute by The Agbeko Family

A Tribute to Nana Esi

A soul who graced our lives with a quiet, radiant presence—polite in every word, gentle in every gesture, and pleasant in every moment shared.

Nana Esi wove kindness into the fabric of our days. Her thoughtful, soft-spoken wisdom and warm smile left an imprint on our hearts, a gentle reminder of the beauty found in compassion.

Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lingers in the laughter we shared, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely.

May her beautiful soul rest peacefully, and may her gentle light continue to shine in our memories forever.

From our family to yours.

Tribute by Portia Honu – Head of Human Resources, Aves

Nana, I was learning from you. You rubbed off on me in a big way. You let me speak up—maybe a little too much as a boss—I knew it, but you allowed it anyway. When things were good, you never missed my birthday. I’ll miss our lunch and dinner dates where we talked about everything but work. Even now, when I draft emails, I pause and ask myself, “How would Nana put it?”—and I try to mimic you. I’ll never forget your gift for rephrasing and delivering hard truths in the sweetest, most graceful way. Our graceful, beautiful gem—rest easy with the Lord.

Samuel Agyemang Frimpong – History and TOK Tutor, Secondary (Aves)

As a new staff member, I knew Nana Esi for barely a month. However, whenever she stood to facilitate any session during staff development week, her infectious smile would light up the room. She had an approachable personality. I pray the Lord keeps her soul in perfect peace. Thank you.

Christine Agbogah Ansah – Head of Early Years and Primary Division (Aves)

It is an extremely difficult time for me, and I still cannot get over the loss of our dear Nana. I have subdued my grief with work and dressing up. During the time I shared with her, we worked well and had a lot in common for the good of this institution. Such a beautiful gem. Nana, your legacy will live on. Sleep well, my beautiful Rose.

Ewurama Robertson – English Teacher, Secondary Division (Aves)

One of the most beautiful things that defined Nana Esi was her radiant smile. It was warm, genuine, and full of life—a smile that could brighten even the darkest day and chase away sorrow. Though she is no longer with us, the memory of that smile continues to live in our hearts, bringing comfort and reminding us of the joy she shared so freely. We thank the Lord for the precious gift of Nana Esi’s life and the light she brought into the world—a light that will never fade from our memories.

Jeffery Hammond – NSS Personnel, ICT Primary Teacher (Aves)

I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Nana frequently, but every time she met with the staff she was incredibly inspirational and passionate. She shared valuable insights, encouraging us to strive for excellence and make Aves the greatest. Her words carried weight, and her smile could melt hearts. One word that comes to mind when describing Nana is “Inspirational.” Thank you, Lord, for Nana’s life.

Samuel Kwaku Yeboah – Chemistry Tutor (Aves)

For the time I have spent at AIA, I am incredibly fortunate to have worked with Nana Esi. She lived a life that was truly well-lived, a beautiful example of the bond between a mother and daughter that every parent would be proud of. Her life and legacy are a testament that it’s not the length of a life that matters, but the depth of it. We will forever carry the pain of this loss in our hearts. If I had to describe Nana Esi in one word, it would be “affectionate.” Her warmth and kindness were a gift to all of us. Nana, your legacy will live on forever. Thank you, dear Lord, for Nana’s life.

Mrs. Powell – Secondary Librarian (Aves)

From the very first day I joined Aves, you welcomed me with warmth, kindness, and a heart full of grace. A true definition of a sweet soul and a well-mannered lady, you made the workplace feel like home for me. Over the years we worked together, we shared a special bond of love and understanding. I’ve witnessed your birthdays and other special moments with your loved ones cheering you on while you danced to that special song of yours, and I was hoping to witness more. I held a special place for you in my heart, and losing you is a pain that runs deep. Your gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering kindness towards me will forever remain with me. I’m missing your warm hugs and smiles. Rest well, my Angel. Thank you, Lord, for Nana’s life.

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