Obituary for Alice Fofanah
Alice Fofanah passed away peacefully on March 13, 2021. She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and sister to a strong and connected family and she will be greatly missed.
Alice was born 1956 in Freetown, Sierra Leone to A.B. Fofanah and Josephine (Massaquoi) Fofanah. She is survived by her children Marina Nassip, Clifford Nassip (spouse Denise) and Donald Fofanah. The pain of her loss felt by her children is as strong as the love she gifted them over the years. What an amazing mother she was
Alice cherished her grandchildren with every breath she took. To Chantel, she would wish you laughter to soften the pain and courage to know yourself. To Ahmad, she would send glorious sunsets to warm your heart and comfort for difficult times. To Jill and Miles, feel her hugs when spirits sag and find rainbows in the clouds.
Alice is also survived by her brothers Ralph (Foday Lamin), John (Tungie), Augustine and Harold; and by sisters Melrose, Beatrice and Doreen; as well as extended brothers and sisters, especially Affiong, Sylvia and Jane and Agness. Each sibling holds cherished memories and bond with their beautiful sister, a bond never to be broken or matched.
Her mothering story extends to her many nieces and nephews. She was always a beacon in the storm for them when needed. A voice of reason and always only a phone call away, her unconditional love held no bounds.
Beyond her given family, Alice’s arms have gathered up friends along her journeys and adventures. And once she brought you into her circle, there was no going back. She held her friends forever. These members of her chosen family brought her immeasurable joy and comfort over the years.
Alice is preceded in death by her parents and younger brother Arnold Keyilla Fofanah, losses she felt to her last day.
A strong soul and natural caregiver, Alice spent her early years surrounded by family in Sierra Leone. She began cooking early side by side in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother. She was happy to oversee any large gatherings and provide vast amounts of African dishes for any celebration. “A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.” And that is what she did. Her love was in everything she made, from the preparation to the plate. Oh, how her food was enjoyed and treasured from Sierra Leone to London to the United States.
Alice loved fiercely, prayed with conviction, counseled with wisdom, and watched over her flock faithfully. She had a life full of Faith, Love, and dedication to her family. She did everything in her power to keep those she cherished uplifted. She was our loudest cheerleader, our brightest light and our strongest pillar. With faithful wings, she flew. And while her wings were ready, our hearts were not. How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
Alice was born 1956 in Freetown, Sierra Leone to A.B. Fofanah and Josephine (Massaquoi) Fofanah. She is survived by her children Marina Nassip, Clifford Nassip (spouse Denise) and Donald Fofanah. The pain of her loss felt by her children is as strong as the love she gifted them over the years. What an amazing mother she was
Alice cherished her grandchildren with every breath she took. To Chantel, she would wish you laughter to soften the pain and courage to know yourself. To Ahmad, she would send glorious sunsets to warm your heart and comfort for difficult times. To Jill and Miles, feel her hugs when spirits sag and find rainbows in the clouds.
Alice is also survived by her brothers Ralph (Foday Lamin), John (Tungie), Augustine and Harold; and by sisters Melrose, Beatrice and Doreen; as well as extended brothers and sisters, especially Affiong, Sylvia and Jane and Agness. Each sibling holds cherished memories and bond with their beautiful sister, a bond never to be broken or matched.
Her mothering story extends to her many nieces and nephews. She was always a beacon in the storm for them when needed. A voice of reason and always only a phone call away, her unconditional love held no bounds.
Beyond her given family, Alice’s arms have gathered up friends along her journeys and adventures. And once she brought you into her circle, there was no going back. She held her friends forever. These members of her chosen family brought her immeasurable joy and comfort over the years.
Alice is preceded in death by her parents and younger brother Arnold Keyilla Fofanah, losses she felt to her last day.
A strong soul and natural caregiver, Alice spent her early years surrounded by family in Sierra Leone. She began cooking early side by side in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother. She was happy to oversee any large gatherings and provide vast amounts of African dishes for any celebration. “A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.” And that is what she did. Her love was in everything she made, from the preparation to the plate. Oh, how her food was enjoyed and treasured from Sierra Leone to London to the United States.
Alice loved fiercely, prayed with conviction, counseled with wisdom, and watched over her flock faithfully. She had a life full of Faith, Love, and dedication to her family. She did everything in her power to keep those she cherished uplifted. She was our loudest cheerleader, our brightest light and our strongest pillar. With faithful wings, she flew. And while her wings were ready, our hearts were not. How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.