My funky grandmother, the life of the party and the best cook. We spent many days in the backyard in Bamenda, and in your kitchen in Wum. Always rewarding me for little acts from having my bamboo toycar made, to “dashing” me coins randomly all the time. I know I said not to go before My money came, but our memories and time can never be traded for anything.You lived a full life, may you rest in peace Dada

Before she was Dada, she was Auntie Mary. In fact, I first heard my aunt referred to as Dada long after the dictator with the same moniker had been deposed and I must have had a puzzled expression on my face as she was the furthest thing from dictatorial.

Over time, as her siblings including my mother passed away, and as there were fewer and fewer people around who had visceral knowledge of the family, Dada and I became closer. We had never really engaged in small talk. I was either making her laugh with my bad humor or she was telling me that it was time to eat. If there was a matter to be resolved, we dispatched it in no time. I’m not certain why, but we had a measure of understanding that did not need words and may have been the result of shared joy and pain over a long period of time. But I psychoanalyze.

It is said that a man marries a woman and hopes that she never changes while a woman marries a man and hopes that he changes. I can state that I mostly knew what to expect from Dada as she did not change with the season. Unlike marriage, I did not have a say on who my aunt was, however when we meet again, I would have done well were she to declare “Ollie, you dun change for the better”.

Dada, I will be forever thankful for your steady hand and wisdom.

Personal tribute to Dada on behalf of the Ndimbie’s
Oliver Kimka Ndimbie, M.D., Flower Mound, TX, May 5, 2021

Dada, my granddaughter, go well. You know we had a very special relationship but life overtook it. Dada my granddaughter was a great mother for all who came by her, a very generous heart to all, and our excellent support when no one could notice us in our humble beginnings. May her pleasant soul rest in perfect peace.
Henry Ngomesia

Dada, my daughter, I still cannot believe you are gone.... suddenly, without any warning. I wish I knew the last time we spoke that it would be the very last in this physical world.... when you tried telling me as you did several times that your health is ailing and you are ready to go, I brushed it off and we laughed as we always did that your punishment for thinking that would be a very very long life!.... if I had even the slightest feeling that it would be the last time, I would have listened more, committed to memory the way you always say “my mama”, the sound of your laugher and the radiance on your face when you smiled..... I am not crying that you are gone because I know you were ready to go. I am crying because I will miss you so very much. But I will take comfort in the fact that you are always with us. We love you soo much. We miss you.
Your Mama, sisters and brother