Happy birthday Grandma. We miss you xXx

Happy Birthday Grandma. Missing you all the time xXx Christopher

Wishing you a blessed birthday with the angels in heaven even as you are missed here on earth. Rest In Peace

I think she's had a very good innings. Looking at the picture gallery tells a story. She was always surrounded by her loved ones. Such was her kindness, people gravitated towards her.  And she was very easy on the eye and behind all that was a gentle soul. Gone but not forgotten. You will forever be in our hearts. Sleep tight auntie.

May I extend my very sincerest condolences to the Tanoh family and everyone who knew this lady. She will be remembered for the wonderful family she gave to this world and her kindness to so many. RIP. Always remembered and never forgotten.

Dear Auntie Alvina, rest in perfect peace. Thank God for a life well lived. May the Loving Father receive you.

To our Dearest Auntie Alvira from the Sutherlands.

How does one accept that it is time to say goodbye to our bubbly Auntie Alvira. There are so many memories of our childhood and youth spent in her company with cousins galore especially behind the house at Dansoman with Mamama frying tatar 

Her home was so accommodating. She also loved to 'boss' with us and could be heard speaking just like a teenager saying 'Charle wontsei..' She loved the new jokes we brought from school and could give a powerful rendering of her own. She also generously shared gems of wisdom from her life story and her relationship with God.

Auntie Alvira was so supportive at different stages of our lives and none more so than when Efua T. died.

We are grateful to have had you in our lives, Auntie Alvira.
Rest in Peace.
Esi, Ralph and Amowi.

From Mike McDonnell - Angela’s Dad and Tasha’s Grandad

ALVIRA
A lovely lady
We shall never forget and
Our gratitude will last forever

Tribute from Adwoa Maame Sey

My dad never stopped talking about Auntie Alvira. She was a school friend of my mum's sister in law. This sister in law was the first of a number of wives!! of Lawyer Bentsi Enchill of Takoradi. She had cancer in the 1960s and was having chemotherapy in London and staying with Auntie Alvira. They were school friends. My Dad was also in London doing some Tech course or another. So he would pick Auntie Amy up and take her to see a film etc.

Auntie Alvira with her job and her house full of children would be so solicitous and cheer Aunt Amy up and fuss over her and one day my dad told her 'thank you'. She was so surprised and said 'oh I've known Amy for years, and it's not that I'm doing anything, really!'

So after Dec. 31st if Goosie was ever on TV my dad would say 'that's boy's mother is a very good woman'. It took me some time to prise the story out of him.

My dear Mama Alvira,
It’s with great sadness that I write this farewell message for you.
I will always look back on the beginning of my relationship with you and your entire family with fondness because you welcomed me into your home at a very traumatic and critical stage in my high school days and opened a whole new world of class, culture and freedom from everything I had known up to that point. Everything was different; the glorious food, music, the company of the likes of Nat, Gyekye, Apeaa, Dada & Kwame (of blessed memory.) That period changed what could easily have been a blurred future for me.
Your entire family became my new family as each and everyone of you embraced me with warmth and acceptance; and over several decades became inseparable; notably my lifetime of brotherhood and friendship with Nat, Barzini and Apeaa.
You were graceful in all ways and treated everyone you met with love and respect. 
We made many memories together; from the Dansoman days through London, Manchester, and back to Accra.
Like an eagle you kept a watchful eye over your loved ones with love and affection. It was not hard to see how much joy you derived from your grant children especially. It’s no wonder therefore that your children and grandkids can fearlessly soar to admirable heights.
You deserve our gratitude, honour and praise because you performed your parental duties with excellence and unwavering commitment and have left your footprints in the sands of time for your loved ones to follow.
Fare the well, Auntie (Mama) Alvira! May you rest now in eternal bliss; your work is done here. Even death has no hold on you, because you rest in Christ!!!

We (the McDonnells) were in awe of Mama when she swooped into Manchester at a moment's notice to look after Tasha, helping Angela to recover from her heart condition. She was warm, she told great stories about her life in Ghana, and for some of us, she provided our first ever fufu light soup. One way or the other, Mama has influenced many of us and without her we would probably not be where we are today. We're so sorry Aunty Alvira has left us. Lots of love to you all.

Tribute to Grandma

The one and only Mrs Alvira Tanoh – as she fondly loved to be called – was a titan of a woman! She lived a long and fruitful life across times of unprecedented change. A broadcasting pioneer, a fiercely independent woman, a pillar of her community and a deeply committed and active Christian. She was all these things and more. Indeed, her story was more remarkable than any tribute can really capture. But most important to us, she was our grandmother.

Yet she was more than just our mother or father’s mother. More than a lap to lay a head on or a heartbeat to feel. 

Grandma was the warmth that we could lay next to at aged 4 or aged 24, while she regaled us with stories. The nuns in the convent school, the Lady Precious Stream play, the GBC announcements, and the kind man who gave her the 4 shillings to help her get into secondary school. She had a memory like no other!

She was “Dansoman”, the shelter under which some of the best moments of our formative years were crafted and engraved into our memories.
Grandma was the thoughtfulness and hospitality expressed in her iced tea, ginger drink, cakes and pastries – the ones that were especially for guests. The same ones that we perpetually eyed and clandestinely tasted at odd hours!

She was the discipline embedded in her commitment to the church, her ferocious insistence on doing things properly and her policing of precise language with her beloved friend Daniel Jones. She was the independence in her fiercely held principles and unwavering faith, while also being the accommodating spirit that would debate opposing perspectives and ideas.
She was the love that made sure the generations that followed had a place to call home. The same love that led her across borders to spend time with her grandchildren. That powerful love that extended the meaning of family beyond mere biological and legal bonds.

She was the anchor that centred our family – a sanctuary of common ground because no matter our different views and ideals, we all love her. No effort was spared to plan gatherings and parties around her light.

She was the laughter, humour and good cheer in the jokes shared with people of all shapes, sizes and ages, the joy-filled family get-togethers and even in the peace signs she made with her fingers in photos. Always reminding us that youth isn’t simply a function of our physical age.

Grandma was the beauty captured in more pictures than we can count and an endless collection of sewn cloths and headscarves – a fashion influencer before the Instagram age! She was the love of life embedded in the innumerable wedding cakes she cut, the infinite “morsels” of food tasted from unsuspecting plates, the knowing smiles and the mischievous grins.

It still feels strange to use the word “was” when talking about her. We see parts of that warmth, shelter, thoughtfulness, intelligence, independence, discipline, love, laughter, and beauty in each other and in those that have joined together to remember her. For some, these traits were from her direct influence, for others they were a light they could bask in and emulate. For us all, she enhanced those traits within us because she reciprocated in multiples without hesitation when she saw even a tiny spark of good in others. Truly, she laughed with many, prayed with many, encouraged many and comforted many.

So, it doesn’t quite capture the truth to say that Grandma was. In each of her family members – immediate, extended or adopted and in those she touched, the essence of her values and character lives on. It feels more true, more hopeful, and more inspirational to say that Grandma is. Because as long and as we carry even the smallest piece of her with us, she remains in some way. Perhaps she continues to exist – continues to be – in the most meaningful way that a human can. She continues to be in the love she shared with us and the love she taught us to carry, cherish and share with others.

And so, Grandma – the one and only Mrs Alvira Tanoh – to you we say thank you. Not just for who you were, and what you did while air filled your lungs, but also for who you will continue to be in our hearts and minds.

We will surely miss your presence more than words can say. But we will also carry you in ways that words can truly never do justice. We love you Grandma.

Rest Well!

From all of the grandchildren

The thing that Grandma symbolised for me the most was warmth! And it was an all-embracing warmth. The warmth she so genuinely and effortlessly radiated was so wholesome that it always made me feel very safe and welcome in her presence. Grandma had loads of warmth to spare and it seemed to engulf all those who came around her. Wherever Grandma was always felt like home to me. Grandma constantly said I looked very much like her and I was always secretly delighted that in her eyes, I had at least inherited some of her elegant beauty. I will miss Grandma so much. But she will always remain with me. ‎May she forever rest in beautiful peace and warmth.

Natasha

                  ★Tribute to my wonderful Grandma★

Grandma, you were a titan and we knew it! Your passion for love, truth, justice and family were fierce. Anything less was unbearable!

Your love for God, your children, Karen, Eibhlin, Angela and your grand children was unshakeable. Not a drop of love was wasted.

Grandma, in a world that is increasingly loveless, robotic and inhuman, it is hard to tell what is true, and what is not, and where love is and where it is not. You were a blinding light in the dark shouting, “quick, come this way!” for all those who could hear.

Grandma, who I am, I owe to you. I am so proud to be your grandson. I will tell your descendants your story and try and teach them the things that you taught me.

I will tell them about “Grandma Mountain”, who loved us so much and let us play on her back, and whose wonderful laugh warmed the halls of our souls.

I will tell them about Grandma Alvira, our grandmother, our playmate, our protector, God’s shield maiden and our guardian angel, who was titanic love, titanic truth and titanic justice.

Goodnight beautiful grandma xxx I’ll watch for you in the ★stars★.

(And just so you know, dear reader, that the last time I saw Grandma, she wouldn't eat her lunch unless I was going to share it with her. So I had to eat, so that she would.

I knew something special was happening at the time, but I didn’t know what. I didn’t know that this was the last time I would see her alive and even at that last time, she wanted me to know, that she loved me)

From Affafa (Christopher)

The pain of losing your Mum is indescribable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all- Goosie, Apeaa, Nat and Barzini and the entire family. Keep her memory alive by remembering the good times and the lessons she taught you all and your kids over the years. In time, you’ll find the tears will slowly turn to laughter as you remember funny moments with her. Our heartfelt sympathies- the Addo-Quaye and Lomotey families.

Tribute to Auntie Alvira from the Condua and Budu-Arthur Families

“Alvie!”; “Mi Cusson!” was what our mother and Auntie Alvira used to call each other. This relationship began in 1951, when they met in St. Monica’s Secondary School, in Mampong. They found themselves in Martinson House, dormitory 2 and became sisters after that. The bond was further tightened through the close relationship between her late husband Mr. Tanoh and our Auntie Anna’s late husband Mr Armaah. With these links Auntie Alvira, Auntie Anna and my mum became more than friends…we were family.

The fun times we had when in primary school Auntie Alvira would come over to visit! Panyin, Kakra and I would clamor to braid, comb, style, curl auntie Alviras’ long hair….and she would let us! She let us practice all sorts of strange hair styles, always with a smile, a laugh. She would encourage us as a group to write, direct and act out plays, which we did with Apeaa as producer and director and Gyekye, as a very reluctant and uncooperative actor. We modeled in fashion shows with Auntie Alvira as our main cheerleader.

We all have a vivid recollection of how once on a trip to Essikado, when we must have been in primary school or thereabouts, the parents stopped by the roadside to buy coconuts. We all watched in wonder as Mama and Auntie Alvira started behaving as if that was the first time, they realized that coconuts contained both juice and edible fruit. They praised God on this absolutely wonderful accomplishment! Gods water and Gods fruit all in one place! They went on and on and on. Incredibly, just a few days before Auntie Alvira passed, Mama called her to chat….and they continued their conversation of Gods water and Gods fruit! A good 50 years later!

When we each remember Auntie Alvira, we remember the joy, the laughter, the fun, the optimism, her faith in God and the sheer beauty of her spirit. We know that her children are our siblings from another mother and know that our family relationship will endure.

Rest in Peace Auntie Alvie. We will always cherish the moments we spent with you.

Tribute from Augustina Akwei ANYEMI Dansoman

"Then I heard a voice from heaven saying "Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord."
"Yes indeed" answers the Spirit "They will enjoy rest from the hard work because the results of their service will go with them." Rev. 14:13 GNB

Oh, How do I condense a relationship for almost fifty years into a few lines? Impossible, almost.
I met Mrs Alvira Tanoh when she joined the GBC in 1958. By her amiable nature we soon became friends. We worked in the Programme Operations Department until she moved to GTV.
We were feverishly looking for houses in Dansoman. By coincidence we were allocated houses on the same street. In fact our houses are directly opposite each others. This strengthened our friendship which over the years became more that of a family.

One of the many episodes we often recollected and laughed about was the day we went to credit gari for our young secondary scholars. The weather was not good but we thought we could make. However, a few metres to the house, it started drizzling. Alvie said "Adoley, you know I can't run, you can so do that before we end up with soaked gari". It was Alvie who rather got home soaked.

Anyemi, you were the Big Sister to me. What comes to mind was the major roles you played in the marriage of Nana, Maame and Dina. We are so grateful.
Anyemi, I will really miss you.
I am however consoled that you are at peace with your maker.
Alvie, take your deserved rest till we meet again
Anyemi, Fare thee well
Anyemi, yaawo jogbaŋŋ

To Goosie, Karen, Nat, Apeaa, Barzini, Christopher, Arelo, Nii Nii, Nii Laryea, Natasha and Eibhlin.

Have my deepest sympathies. Praying for God's comfort for you all at this difficult time.

May Grandma Tanoh's beautiful soul rest in perfect peace.

Aunty Bayo

SOME RECOLLECTIONS OF TIMES WITH AUNTY EWURABENA.
From Nana Nyan and all THE SWATSONS
I won't be able to forget Aunty Ewurabena in a hurry.

 Somehow Aunty Ewurabena was always a part of our lives or rather we were part of hers. Orokuwa and Okoma stayed with her during their primary school days at Datus in Dansoman.

I stayed with Aunty Ewurabena too, for sometime just before l completed form five and so on.

I remember AE's kindness to all and sundry. I particularly recall the period just after l was discharged from Cardio Centre, Korle Bu following the terrible accident l had around late 1998. AE threw an invitation to me, to wit, l could come over to Dansoman to recuperate.

I quickly honoured her invitation and that period still holds interesting memories for me.

  After supper we would usually sit in the yard, close to the right fence wall and enjoy the breeze while we talked just about anything.

   I was amazed at the way AE could still recite copious portions of the books she read for literature during her school days. And oh, she regaled me with anecdotes of her youthful days with her sisters; Babs and Sister Ani,as she affectionately calls them, at St Monica's Primary in Cape Coast.

  AE has this great sense of humour. She would tell me some really hilarious jokes ( l think Nat takes a lot after her in that regard) and we would have a good laugh.

  Back in the day, it simply was not possible to visit AE and not be made to enjoy her warm hospitality. She virtually wants you to have anything yummy, available in the house.

That was where l got introduced to iced tea, cold ginger drink among others,with all kinds of lovely cookies to go with it.

   Cartoons was one of her favourite items on tv and she would watch with close attention, enjoying every bit of it. But some of her friends especially Aunty Adoley, who lived in the opposite house, could not understand this at all. l easily could, because l belong to the club too.

  When it comes to sussing out new recipes AE was very adventurous. She would

try her hands on a new formular. If you happen to be on the scene, then it was bonanza for you.

A good serving of the newly " outdoored" meal would be placed before you and of course, your comments after the meal would be most sought after.

  Most women have just a passing interest in politics but no, not AE. She would ask your opinion on a topical political issue and after
hearing your response, proceed to share with you, her well-reasoned out thoughts on the matter.

Living with her at various times, though not for lengthy periods, was still time enough for me to observe that her love for broadcasting was not diminished. Given even the fact that at the time, it was not likely that she would get back into the profession.

   A quality l found most admirable in AE was her open-mindedness and yet the same person would stoutly defend what she believed in.
   I am very grateful and thankful to have had AE as my aunty. The memory would sure linger on.

  Brethren, on my own behalf and that of my folks, l wish to express our heart-felt condolences.

   Let's be consoled by the fact that ,no matter what; IT IS WELL.

 Aunty Ewurabena, your own Babs, Ama Parker, Nana Nyan, Charles Orokuwa and Okoma say; you will always be in our hearts.

Rest peacefully in the Lord.

My deepest condolences to Goosie Bazini Nat Apea and the whole family. Aunty Alvira was always lovely and pleasant whenever she met me. I know what got me through when my mum passed was knowing she was at peace ... at rest. May Aunty's soul rest in perfect peace ... Aunty da yie and may the whole family stay very blessed Amen

Korantema

Tribute by the Arthur Sisters

Mrs Alvira Ewurabena Tanoh, often called by us “Domestication”, “Mama de Mama”, “J.B. Akenkan” and “Wabane d3n, Ɔbane Shwii”. We gave Grandma these names because of her constant friendliness and accommodating nature, which was always there regardless of age.

Grandma, you were a precious gift from God. So beautiful inside and out. You possessed grace, love and patience. You touched our hearts in so many ways. Your home was a welcoming place for any special occasion we held. You were more than a mother to us. On our last-born’s wedding day we didn’t feel the absence of our own mother so much, because you placed the crown on the bride’s head and showered your blessings as a mother does.

You took Charity as your own daughter, the bond between you two was amazing. Her consolation is that she had the opportunity to support you in your old age. She wished you might have been with us a few more years, so she could more completely repay some of your kindness. But alas this was not to be.

Your door was always open to us and we felt at home. Your usual response to our greetings whenever we visited you was heartwarming. You will sit down and listen to anything we were saying. You had time for anyone and everyone. You always made sure there was enough food to eat and always asked us to feel free to stay and spend the night.

We will dearly miss you. But we believe you are rejoicing, in safer hands. We will surely meet on that beautiful shore one day.

Grandma rest well in the bosom of Our Lord till we meet again.

Da yie Grandma, Nyame nfa wo nsie

So sorry for your loss
Thinking about you...
Caring about you...
Now and in the
difficult days ahead.

With sympathy

To Nat, Apea, Goosie, Barzini, Christopher, Stephen, Arelo and James.

I was very sad to hear the news about Mama's passing, she will always be remembered for her dedication to Tasha's care when her mum was so poorly. I know she was a much loved and significant figure in Accra and in Dansoman's community. She will be greatly missed.

Oonagh & Jacob

                            -Alvira Massry-
                             My sister....

"A sister is someone who loves you from the heart,
No matter how much you were born apart.
She is a joy that cannot be taken away,
Once she enters your life,
she is there to stay.”

Alvira my sister, whom I never met,
fate kept us apart and did not let,
until a brave man, Chris, played the bet,
united our souls and a story is set

Alvira my sister, you left short and never waited,
meeting you was a plan that was plotted,
It is a blessing discovering a family you had,
celebrating the legacy of our late dad,

Alvira my sister rest in peace,
you will always be remembered with love and grace,
A lady who gathered a loving family,
Shined with hope and sympathy in any place.

Deepest condolences to all of you:
- Augustus Tanoh, Karen, Arelo and Christopher.
- Emmanuel Tanoh and Eibhlin.
- Eugenia Tanoh, James and Stephen.
- Frederick Tanoh nd Natasha.

From Ghassan Halim Massry, Rima, Sam and Lara Massry