Yeworkwha Belachew

Yeworkwha Belachew, YB, as she was known, of Oberlin, Ohio, passed away on June 14, 2017.

She was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Feb. 6, 1952. She was a graduate of Elmwood High School in Bloomdale, Ohio, and Bowling Green State University. She worked at Oberlin College as a hall director, interim director of residential life, and as the first ombudsperson at Oberlin College during her 35 years of service before retiring in 2015.

She was beloved for her warmth and openness and her steadfast mission to affirm the dignity of everyone in the campus community. She loved to decorate, garden, and cook her native Ethiopian food for family, friends, and colleagues. She was a member of First Church of Oberlin.

YB was preceded in death by her father, Belachew Wolde-Amlack; her brother, Elias Belachew; and her sister, Roman Belachew.

She is survived by her son, Meiraff; her sisters, Jerusalem and Lali; her brothers, Abey, Eyob, Grum, and Safos; her nephew, Yonathan; and her nieces, Mimi, Sosenna, and Yabsera.

There will be a public service at First Church of Oberlin on Saturday, June 24 at 1 p.m., followed by a burial for close friends and family and a repast at First Church.

Donations can be made in her name at www.oasisanimalshelter.net.