Azeb M. Gemechu

I think of Azeb often and miss our tea afternoons. An awesome neighbor she was.

Dear the Gemechu Family,
Can not believe it has been a year since Azeb passed. Every day when I am teaching my preschoolers I remember the times I worked with her.

I just read about Azeb in the Recorder, and I am so saddened by the news. She taught my son in Kindergarten at the Riverside SDA School. She was a wonderful teacher. She said my son, Jared, spent the first 2 weeks of school walking around with his hands behind his back. He was quietly observing. Every Friday I would pick Rahel and Aida up from school since we lived up the road from La Sierra Elementary. Then I would drive them to the Riverside school and trade kids with Azeb. Great kids.
A favorite quote of mine: "When a loved one becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." I have many treasured memories of that year. We moved to Northern CA after Jared's 1st grade year at La Sierra and lost touch. My love to Rahel and Aida. Love and prayers to Fred and both girls.

My prayers and thoughts are with you. I am so sorry I could not attend the services as I was in India. But we have this hope that burns within our hearts that we will meet again in heaven with Jesus help. My God carry you through this hard times. Love to all! Grace E. Lafferty

Dear Dr. Fekede and Azeb's lovely daughters. I was a classmate of Azeb's at Vincent Hill (1952). I think it was her first year away from her family. She was assigned to the "little girls" dorm.. Every "little girl" was assigned a big sister and I was asked to be the sister for Azeb. One of my duties was to help her with her beautiful head of hair...I used to cut it for her and make sure it looked presentable. I have very fond memories of Azeb and always knew she would live a life as a blessing to others. What a beautiful legacy she has modeled for her daughters. With deep condolences...Lobeth (Lowry) Johanson.

Dear Dr. Fekede, Rahel & Aida, We can't even imagine the tremendous grief you must be feeling at this time. We share your sorrow and pray to God to give you all the strength to keep you going through this difficult time. Azebye will be missed but not forgotten, and we will cherish her memory with fondness. May God be with you and bless you.
Aster & Sophie

Dear Dr Fekede and Family,
At a time like this,words from humans are inadequate to fully address the sense of loss
grief ,and the emptiness that you are going through.But there is ONE that can bring calmness ,peace, and full comfort and sustain you through it all . To Him and Him only we lift you up in our prayers. To Him, we commit you during this period of painful experience.
Bekele Biri and Asnaketch Mekuria .

Dear Fred,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will remember Azeb with great fondness for her warmth, spirit for life and wit. A was fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know her.
In remembrance of Azeb, I have sent a small memorial gift to IMAA.
Sincerely,
Colleen Wittenberg

Dear Fred and family,

No words can comfort you at this time, but my prayer is that God will
grant you the peace that passeth all understanding which only He can
give.

Dear Fekede, Rahel and Aida:

No word of sympathy can ease your loss. Memories you shared will forever be a part of your life. May her beautiful memories and joyful personalty provide you comfort and healing as you go through the mourning. We pray you find comfort in the warmth of family and friends.

Sara Berhanu, Samuale Negash,

Dear Dr.Fekade,
Our deepest condolances for the loss of your wife.
Waaqayyo sihi fi ijolle keetiif jajabina hakennu.
Abinet & Fekadu

Dear Fekede,

My family and I hope and trust that time has started the healing process for you, Rahel , Aida and the extended family, and that sadness is beginning to give way to celebrating the legacy of Azeb

Dear Fekede,

My family and I hope and trust that time has started the healing process for you, Rahel , Aida and the extended family, and that sadness is beginning to give way to celebrating the legacy of Azeb

I met you for a brief moment but you brightened that moment!

Dear Fred and Daughters:

My mind goes back a long ways to the early fifties when first I met Azeb. There was quite a retinue of officials in the party which may have included the Ethiopian ambassador to India as well as her father. Azeb joined "the Adventist family" then and remained a part of our larger family from that point on to the present. My parents thought a great deal of her and considered her a "special" gift from above. I know that they would have shared in our sorrow were they still with us! But they have "gone before" and are asleep, awaiting the same happy reunion we all anticipate in the near future!

So take hope and courage, my friend. There is a much better tomorrow. When Linda and I dropped in to see you a few weeks ago, I could not help but note a number of things. First, Azeb was bravely dealing with illness, with courage, grit, and a hopeful spirit. Second, you were helping her in a very meaningful ministry of compassion, love, and care. You were both witnessing to us of what is really important in life. Thank you for that demonstration of what life is all about!

I am sending you a small memorial gift for IMAA in memory of a wonderful individual whose "heart was as big as all outdoors", and who ministered to those who needed her encouragement, her generosity, and her spirit. She lives on in our memories! God bless you all.

Thought & Prayers to you Dr Gemechu and Family
Thank you for sharing Mrs Gemechu with everyone she touched
My memory of her will always be the BEAUTIFUL SMILE & seeing the Love between the two of when
GodBless

A Woman to Remember

I believe there is a validity in the notion that the experience one has in any relationship is based on the feelings they are willing to give. Azeb Gemechu was undoubtedly a woman who gave all she could to those that surround her, and I'm grateful to have both witnessed and experienced her loving nature. I have the pleasure of knowing her daughter, Aida Gemechu and I can honestly say, I've never met another who valued such an unconditional bond with their parents. It became common to visit Aida during school in France and hear Azeb's soft voice radiating from her computer. They would be wrapped up in such daily conversation it was though she became present to both of us despite her proximity.

May her presence remain in our hearts, and motivate us to; love better, give a little bit more, and care with the greatest of compassion.

On behalf of myself and those we have had the pleasure to know the Gemechu family here in Canada and abroad, we send our sincerest condolences.

May there be peace where she is going, and may we recognize the peace that she has left we us to spread.

Love,
Jessica Fowler

Dear Fred,
On behalf of all old friends and colleagues in the Department of Pathology in the Riverside Medical Center, I'd like you to know that our thoughts are with you and your family now and will be for a long time.
Dong Quach

Dear Fekede, Aida, and Rahel,
We have the fondest thoughts of our time with Azeb. She made us feel loved, fed, and humored. We will miss her in our time on earth. Thanks for sharing her with all of us, and we look forward to Jesus' calling her name at the resurrection.

Dear Dr. Fred, Aida, and Rahel,

Azeb is someone I've known as a kind, gentle, and a gracious person. Even when she was suffering in pain, she found strength to acknowledge us with her gentle smile. We will miss her. . .but in her words. . ."it's only a moment." She believed it. So should we and live in that hope. Until then, may God comfort and give you strength for each day.

Dear Fred (Dr Gamechu), Aida dear, and Rahel dear, with deep sadness in my heart my sympathies to you three. I sort of feel your pain because I have been there. May The Lord grant you strength and courage to bear this tragic loss of an incredible wife, mother and a friend (one of a kind with a lot of wit to keep you entertained) who gave so much of her life to others. Let us remind ourselves that it will not be too long before we will be united with Azeb when Jesus comes to take us home.

I will no longer see Azeb or hear her laughter and voice on the telephone from west coast to east coast on a regular basis to check on me because The Lord called her home early to save her from pain and suffering. Fred's & Azeb's love shown to me by keeping me for a week or more in their home when I was in pain at the loss of my son will not be forgotten. The many good memories with Azeb from our elementary school days in India to the present in the US will always be treasured.

Evelyn Samuel, Adelphi, MD

Dear Fred, Rahel and Aida,
I am saddened to hear of your dear Azeb's death. I know you have been very diligent in taking such good care of her and you will miss her terribly. I am so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her both as a teacher to my son and a friend. I will miss her smile and wisdom.

Dear Rahel and Family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you over the loss of your dear mother and wife. Our thoughts and prayer are with you in this sad and difficult time.
Christine, Amanda, Lisa, Dori, Shari, Perla and Lori from Dr. Berhanu and Dr. Jale's dental office.

We were saddened by the news of our friend and your beloved Azeb's death. Our hearts and prayers are with you in your sorrow. How grateful and cheered we can be for the wonderful Blessed Hope of resurrection in Jesus. May you be comforted and sustained by the sense of His abiding presence and in His precious promise of life eternal.

Dear Fred, Aida and Rahel: This is a deeply sad loss for you. How fortunate you had her for these years to bless your lives. She touched us too, with her love and fearless candor about everyone and everything. She will always be with us. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, especially now.
Alice and Edward Bernton

Zebe, you made our days at College memorable with your wonderful personality. We know you are now in His caring arms, happy and at peace. We never knew your family in the States but we share their great loss with sincere sadness. You will always be remembered and loved by Babs and me.
Elmo (Norman) Martinesz

Our Dear Fred, Rahel and Aida,
Azeb, your beloved and our friend, blessed us with her wit and fun loving ways about her. She introduced us to Ethiopian delicasies at your home on Orion, Riverside, and in Loma Linda. She kept an emaculate house, decked with numerous collections from around the world. It was our honor and privilege to visit with her during the last few days before she fell asleep peacefully in Jesus. May the Lord give you peace and comfort. We will greatly miss her. Justin & Juanita Singh, Riverside, California.

Fred, Aida and Rahel:

I am saddened to hear of Azeb's passing. I will always remember her sweetness, smiles and love. I always felt that she was a big sister to me. Hugs and love to you all.

Love, Denver

Dear Fred, Aida, Rahel,
There are people we know and then there are people we treasure. Azeb was one of our treasures. Her presence in our lives will always be remembered with happiness. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
With love,
Johnny & Kimberly
Jonathan and Natasha

Azeb was such a special person, and we all feel truly blessed to have known her. Her kind, humorous personality was one in a million...complimented by a smile that could light up any room. She will be missed greatly. May she rest in paradise. Love, Menbi, Tamrat, and Tsion.

Dear Fred and daughters,

We are saddened at your loss and we send you our heartfelt sympathies.. May our dear Lord be very near to you during this difficult time, put His loving arms around you, comfort and strengthen you.

With love from the Drieberg family, Justin, Ivy, Keith, Aloma and Denver.

Aida, we were so sorry to hear about your mother. We are sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts are with you all. Love, Jan and Mike Hamilton

Dear Fred, Aida and Rahel: Leela and I are greatly saddened by your loss. While we grieve with you at this time, we pray that you will be encouraged by that wonderful hope of meeting her on that glorious morning. May God's Spirit comfort, uphold and strengthen you. Leela and Jayakaran Job

Fred, Rahel and Aida,
Azeb was a special person. I was privileged to have her as a friend. She will be greatly missed. I am glad I was able to spend time with her on my recent visit. I will cherish it always.

Kitty Jonahs

SINCERE CONDOLENCES

With our love,

Justin and Ivy Drieberg

Dear Dr. Fekede:

I was totally shocked and deeply grieved to learn of the passing of our beloved Azeb. I am so very sorry. I know what a heavy loss this is for you. Please know that my special prayers are with you. Only the Lord can give the strength to sooth such pain. May He surround you with His Angels to carry you through.

How I wish I could be there at this time to be with you and pay my respect to my special friend of many years, but I am still in Addis Ababa. Please accept my apologies for not making it there.

My recent loss of my mother has taught me that healing is going to take much time. Please remember you are not alone during this difficult time.

Please give my special thoughts to your daughters.

Until I see you,

Dear Dr. Fekede, Rachael, and Aida,
My dearest Sister Azeb-You are thoroughly missed.
Sophia Azeb Berhie
Sara Girmay Berhie
Saba Harague Berhie
Girmay Berhie

Fred: Very sorry to hear the news. She was my classmate in Bangalore Middle school and was very close to our family, esp. my sister, Lena. I am glad I was able to spend some time visiting her in Loma Linda in 2013.
She will be missed.

Dear Dr. Gemechu, Rahel & Aida,

It is with deep sadness and heartfelt sympathy that we extend our condolences to you.

We fondly remember Mrs. Gemechu for her ever sweet, kind, and generous heart. She was always so pleasant and bubbly. Her ready, beautiful smile always cheered the soul. What a wonderful treat it was whenever we experienced her warm hospitality and excellent culinary skills. Her positive, happy personality inspired us to look on the bright side of life. How blessed our lives have been having been touched by hers!

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May you be comforted by the warmth and strength of God's embrace each day.

With our love,

Richard, Joi, Amber & Jonathan Cooke

Dear Fred,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Azeb's passing. She was a very, very dear friend to me, and I loved her for the good person she was… So full of compassion, understanding, wisdom, and love – not forgetting her humor! She touched my heart with all these lovely qualities and made me a better person. I could always turn to her for advice, support and comfort; and she strengthened me in many ways.
She will always be in my heart as I kept her in my daily prayers from February 2013, and will continue to do so.
May God give you the strength and comfort to bear this great loss. I pray for your daughters too, as Azeb lives through them and bring you all closer at this time of healing.
In memory of my dear friend, I have enclosed a donation to your foundation. Hopefully, I will try and continue to do so from time to time.
God bless you and your daughters,
Bambi

My college mate and dearest friend, who brought joy and love wherever she went, will be dearly missed from our circle of friends. The memories of multiple good times both at our home and your home, can never be erased from our memory. Your relationship Fred, with Azeb was an exemplary picture of an extraordinarily happy, egalitarian marriage. She indeed was your best friend! Our prayers and friendship are always with you.

Words cannot express the void that is felt when a childhood friend passes away. Only beautiful memories are there to cling to. I've known Azeb since the early fifties at the Bangalore Middle School and then Spicer College. She was fun, subtly demanding, pleasantly sarcastic, but most of all, a great friend. We will not say "Goodbye", but "Goodnight". Our deepest sympathies to Fred, Rahel, and Aida.

VERY SAD TO HEAR OF AZEB'S DEATH.SHE WAS A VERY GOOD STUDENT OF MINE IN BANGALORE,INDIA.SHE WAS A BRIILLANIT GIRL WITH VERY GOOD HABITS.ALWAYS HELPFUL AND CHEERFUL.HELPED EVERYONE NO MATTER WHO IT WAS.SHE DID HER VERY BEST IN ALL THAT SHE UNDERTOOK.
MY GOOD SISTER-IN-LAW A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF HERS,ALWAYS USE TO TALK OF HER.I KNOW SHE WILL REALLY MISS HER ALSO,AS THE GOOD DR.HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN,RELATIVES AND HOST OF HER DEAR FRIENDS IN UNITED STATES AND ETHIOPIA AND OTHER CONTRIES.
KINDLY LENA AND MY GOOD BROTHER DR.MOSES,THAT I HVE WRITTEN TO YU DR.(HUSBAND)

JOHNSON AND JESSIE CHRISTIAN-----JESSUP, MARYLAND

I still remember the first time we (Lissie, Lena, & Ben) met Azeb in Spicer College. She became sister #3! You will be missed but the memories formed will live on and remind us that this parting is only temporary.
Benjamin & Barbara Ninan

I met her very briefly last year during the FH-GMI trip but I felt I had met a very special person. GOD bless her and her family.

Dear Dr. Gemechu,
It is our loss. I remember Dr. Azeb Melles Gemechu as the vibrant, engaged, charming lady that she was, welcoming and hospitable. My condolences to you and may she rest in peace, God watches over her. Azeb will be missed greatly.

Very sorry to hear about the passing away of Azeb. I've known her since the 60's at Spicer College in India. I'll miss her. May God comfort all the family and friends!

I will miss my sister Azeb . Our lives have been intertwined from childhood till now. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Lena Christian

Dear Dr. Fekede and Family,

It is with deep sorrow and sadness that we learnt of the passing away of your loved one, Azeb.

It was over forty years ago that I had the first and only chance of meeting you both, and feel very sad for not having another chance of meeting with you both together in this life.

On behalf of the children and families of Abdisa Gemechu and Agitu Bakarae,I send you our condolences during this difficult time. May The Lord Almighty give you strength and comfort. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and loved ones. May she rest in peace. May God bless you all!

My prayers are with you, Uncle Fekade. I can only remember Auntie Azeb fondly. She is in my thoughts. I feel honored to be named after such an impressive and loving woman.

We had the pleasure of meeting with Azeb only twice. She was a delightful woman and prepared a wonderful meal for us. She was kind enough to teach me how to make a wonderful Indian vegetable dish and to send me home with the spices needed.
She was a wonderful sister in Christ! Our prayers are with Fred and the family.

Please accept our heartfelt condolence. Our prayer is with you Dr. Fekede, Rachael and Aida. We all love you my sister Azeb. May God give you peace?
Saba Harague Berhie
Sara Girmay Berhie
Girmay Berhie

Sending you our deep and heartfelt condolences on the loss of Azeb. Dear Fehkade, Rahel and Aida, you are in our prayers. May God bless you and comfort you in this hour of sorrow and loss.

Sendung you our deepfelt condolences on the loss of a wonderful person, my cousin Azeb. Dear Fekade, Rahel and Aida, you are in our prayers. May God Bless you and give you strength as you go through these hard times.

Azeb will be greatly missed for she was loved by so many. The memories we have are our stepping stones toward healing. I pray that the Lord will give you the strength needed to heal during this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. It will not be too long before we all will see our loved ones who have gone before us for the Lord is coming back for us very soon.
Avon Israel Thomas (Hendersonville, TN)

Dear Fekade and Family. My condolences as well for the sad passing of Azeb. What a wonderful gallery of pictures of your immediate family and the extended family. Please take good care and God bless.

My heart is broken with yours and the girls. Azeb was a true friend, her caring for others was very inspirational.May God bless you as you go through this Valley. Remember, God is with you now crying with you. My sister, Connie Moore, and I are grieving with you at this time. Cling to the promise that this is not the end for Azeb; He is coming again!!
Patricia Starr Corvallis, MT

I first met Azeb when she came to Toronto to visit her college friend Malo Pandit. She called me 'doodles' and laughed her head off. The next time we met in DC and I can remember her laughter. To Fekede and daughters I know you will miss Azeb but the knowledge that you will meet again helps the pain at this time. Francisco and I hold you all in our prayers. Merle Jacobs, Canada

Did not know Azeb personally but knew her through my sisters Asha and Sheila Pandit. .Miss her as though she was a friend of mine. .I share their grief. .

A tribute to Azeb Andom Gemechu
Vijay and Ben Pandit, were kind enough to break the sad news of the passing on of AZEB ANDOM GEMECHU,nicknamed by her African colleagues at Spicer Memorial College in Sixties, simply as "Double AA".

I received this sad news, on my arrival in Orlando, Florida, to attend the American Spring meeting of the National Association of Insurance Regulators.
After listening to Vijay very carefully narrate the tough times bravely borne by AZEB and family, my first reaction was---"It is not possible!! I can't believe the news that she is no longer with us. We do enormously grieve as Collage mates and Classmates. A sense of shock combined with a feeling of deep loss of a Collegemate is slowly descending on me.

We first met AZEB at Spicer Memorial College in May,1965 and one was left with an impression of a gracious lady with unique intelligence,integrity,a breadth of vision,courage and energy. AZEB had a gift of being meticulous in handling things. Deeply private, but sometimes portrayed as tough. She was once described at College as an Ethiopian-Indian-African. A unique triple inheritance. A daughter of Ehiopian Diplomatic parentage. She was poised and articulate. We all as Collegemates and Classmates appreciated her quick - wit, "I think that I have always had composure handed down to me". She once remarked.

AZEB was always more wilful. Born with delightful ability of a teacher. A fact that was confirmed by the Educational Psychology class teacher, Prof.Cyril Roe. She excelled in logistics. She always went out her way to accommodate other people's views. I once had the privilege of attending a closed meeting, plotting to elect a Graduating Class President and other Officials in 1968. She was able to smooth out difficulties of a very heterogeneous gathering. All of us acknowledged her flare of languages and unique qualities. AZEB had the courage to look at facts, and the intellect to weigh such facts and the will and resolution to change them. A keen appreciation of the need to radical changes to the menue in the College Cafeteria to accommodate International Students led AZEB to apply her diplomatic skills in explaining to the College President late Dr. Cherian and the rest of the members of the "High Command" that included Prof. Amirtham etc., the plight of African students with regard to very Indian spicy food, though tasty!

AZEB was grossly devoted to the family,collegemates,and friends to the very end. She will always be remembered for her remarkable capacity for total commitment to any cause in which she believed. She did not seek concessional treatment. In AZEB, we have lost a friend,a born diplomat and teacher, a philanthropist, and above all, an Internationalist. The loss is particularly heavy for all who have committed themselves to the same cause.

As a Classmate in English literature, taught by Mrs. Fernando, I could not find better words to conclude this tribute to AZEB than the words written by William Shakespeare :

"Fare thee well,great heart!"

We all mourn AZEB ANDOM GEECHU.

By Dr. Steve Omenge Mainda Ph.D., EBS

We are keeping your family in our prayers. Praying God can give the comfort only He can give. From all of us here in Oklahoma.

Dear uncle Fekede and family I was sad to hear about Auntie Azeb passing, I am only comforted by the fact that she is in a better place watching over us. I am sorry I won't be there for the services but I hope some day soon we will be able to visit each other.

God Bless

Solomon Melaku and Family.

My prayers for the family during this time of loss and remembrance, may God comfort you with the peace that passes understanding.
God Bless, Francis Chu

Dear Fekede and family,
I was so saddened to hear about Azeb's passing. I cannot imagine the feeling of loss you must be experiencing. She was an extraordinary, loving person who will be missed by the many, many people she influenced in such a positive way during her lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Paul Houmann
Greenville, SC

Dear Fekede,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Azeb was a wonderful woman, who will be missed by many. But, the Lord's promises are sure and your loss is only temporary. We are praying for you and your family.

Dear Fekede and family,

It is with great sadness and sorrow that we heard the passing of Azeb. Our sincere and heart felt condolences. She was our good friend and a wonderful person. We will all miss her dearly. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Hager and Berhanu

Dear Dr. Fred, Rahel and Aida,
Our condolences for the loss Azeb, your wife and mother.
We are all deeply saddened.
We reminisced about Azeb and the impact she made in our lives. The imprint she left with us many years ago was truly a gift.
Azeb was a magnetic person, with a spark of generous loving care that was truly genuine. She knew how to express and share her wisdom which I always looked forward to during our visits for over 25 years. She was my mentor, her words of wisdom carried me through tough times. I will miss her tremendously.
In my heart, Chris

Dear Fred and the Girls,

We have joined you with our hearts and all its emotions in mourning the loss of Azeb, my special friend and sister. I tried calling you several times and understandably it was not possible. You are in our prayers continuously and I know He will carry you and us through this experience in getting us ready to meet her on that Resurrection morning.

Please accept our love and special expressions of sympathies.

Margaret, Solomon, Nihal and Naveen Solomon

Dear Fred: Deep condolences

Dear Fekede and family - As we currently live in Addis, we have a greater appreciation for your impact here in Ethiopia. May God grant you peace as you mourn Azeb's passing. Love, The Chungs

I had the blessing of visiting the Learning Village last week with a group from Oklahoma. The Learning Village will impact lives for years to come. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but it took a wonderful person to create such a wonderful place as the Learning Village.

Gemechu Family,
I have watched you all with great admiration these last few months as you lovingly took care of not just Azeb, but of one another. I will miss Azeb very much and am so sorry for you loss. May God hold you closely in His arms during this very sad and difficult time.
Danette Buoye
Kaiser Permanente

Selam Dr. Fekede and Family:

We would like to express our deepest sympathy on the loss of Azeb. We
will miss Azeb very much. We had many good times with her. And we
have always enjoyed being with Azeb. She has been a wonderful friend
to all of us. We will miss her very much.

Best regards,

Dear Mr. Gemechu,
My wife and I are the owners in Mesquite One in palm Sprongs. Although we have never met you, we have met Azeb and your daughter in a couple of our owner's meetings (once in our house). Although our meetings were brief we could tell what a wonderful lady Azeb was. Also, meeting your delightful daugter we can guess what a great mother she must have been. We will miss her great personality and great sense of humor. We share your and your daughter grief.

Dr.Gemechu.
It is with great sadness that I send these condolences to you my friend , my colleague, and my mentor. Your face always lit up when you spoke of your precious wife. I enjoyed watching the two of you together. It was truly magical, your eyes always twinkled when you told me stories. I have tried a few dishes from the treasured cookbook Mrs.Gemechu gave me. I continue to pray for your peace during this terribly troubling time. You are in my prayers and my heart aches for you.
Your young mentee, Dr.Tara Wilson Moreno Valley

Azeb was such a great friend of Wanda and I quickly learned why their friendship was so deep. Azeb was a very generous and loving friend. My heart will always be warmed by her stories of India and tea and friends as well as wonderful meals of her doing! Will always miss her! Love, Dan

Dear Dr. Fekede and Aida, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you.
Almaz Hagos (Fontana, California)
( From GMI 2013 team to Ethiopia)

Dear Dr. Gemechu, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God Bless you and Comfort you in this time of need and may your wife rest in peace knowing how much she was loved by all who knew her and your wonderful family!

Marianne Loper, Kaiser Permanente Riverside - Social Medicine Department

Dear Dr. Gemechu, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your familty are in my prayers. May God Bless and Console you all at this time of sorrow. Penny Adams, Riverside, CA

Dr. Gemechu,
I am so sorry for Azeb's passing. She was such a brilliant and loving soul. She showed my mother and daughter tremendous warmth and caring when she spoke with them. I know your loss is deeply profound. You and your family are in my prayers.
Amita

My deepest sympathies to the family and beloved friends...Deadra Green (Denver, CO)

Dear Fekede , Rahel and Aida,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies in the loss of Azeb.
She has been a light in my life since I met her at AUC as my associate dean in my freshman year of college. We had a very special connection that transcended time. Azeb had a way of making everyone feel very special and loved. I will always cherish my teapot and think of her wonderful spirit .
Thank you for sharing her with all of us who loved and cherished her too.

Dr. Fekede & Aida,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Fred,

The sad news of Azeb's passing came as a shock even though we knew she was so sick. I can't imagine how you are feeling. I just pray you will feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit. My love and prayers for Rahel and Aida too, and for the whole family.

I miss Azeb so very much.

Hang in there, Fred, God is with you.

Your friend,

Dear Fekede,

Emmy and I have been deeply saddened when we heard the news about Azeb. We have cherished her friendship throughout the years since our arrival to Riverside. She has been a great friend and we will miss her dearly.

We will miss her warm friendship and beautiful sense of humor.

We would like to express our sincere condolence to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you ,Aida and Rahel during this difficult times.

We felt sad when we heared about the death of our beloved sister woizero Azeb. May the Almighty GOD rest her soul in peace Amen.

My deepest condolences to the Gemechu family.

Dr. Gemechu and Aida, even 'tho we have only met you so recently we want to send our condolences to you and your family. We appreciated the time to shared with us and admire your concern for the Kalala Learning Village.

You have cased us to search our deep motivations for Christian missions and wish we could have been able to serve there.

And even 'tho we have never met your loved one, Azeb, we feel she is also our sister in our Lord's name and look forward to meeting her in our real Home, Heaven.

Dan and Dorothy Redmon

July 4, 1971

“Hubby” Dear,
Please be sure to make it to my wedding!
I'll be looking out for you !!

Dear Fred and daughters, We are saddened to hear that your wife and mother has lost her valiant fight. It was a Joy to get to know her over the last few years. Azeb was a lovely person. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wendell & Pat Wettstein

Dear Gemechu Family, Azeb and I went to Elementary school at Vincent Hill, then to Bangalore Middle School, and finally to Spicer Memorial College. We have known each other since the age of 8. We will truly miss her, she was a wonderful friend. May God grant you peace as you look forward to meeting her in the New Jerusalem. Joy and Lalita Kurian (Thailand)

Dear Dr Fekede, my brother and friend:
I am devastated to hear the sad news of the loss of your dear Azeb! In spite of our long history together, from Gimbie 67 years ago to the present, I am sad to realize that Donna and I spent only part of one day with you and Azeb several years ago. But the memories of that one day stand out clearly in our minds--her charm, her kindness, her depth of interest in so much of life, her humor, intelligence and spirituality. And now comes the realization that we could have enjoyed her friendship so much more, but for the priorities of our busy lives, which now seem so misguided since she is gone!

Please accept my sincere condolence and that of my parents, Dr & Mrs. Claude Steen, Jr., my wife Donna and our children and grandchildren. May the memories of your life together, the love of your daughters and the presence of the Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen you during this time of sorrow. Our prayers and our friendship are with you.

Our deepest condolences to the Gemechu family. I always treasure the times i took care of her in the hospital. Our children grew up together in the academy and they maintain friendship until the present. We will see you in that great morning.

Dear Fred,
Azeb was a very precious friend to me and we connected with so much love and grew to care for each other in a big way. I shall always thank God for this wonderful gift of friendship and remember her always.
She had called me quite a few times and when I called her back I could not connect with her. I have had
many challenges and am still sick with my cervical spine narrowing. I was hoping my son would come and he could take me to see Azab. I shall miss her very much.

I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you in this your great loss.

With regards,