Dr Nicole Andrews
xx xx, xxxx - xx xx, xxxx
It is with great regret and sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our founding members and organisation treasurer our beloved Sister Dr Nicole Andrews. Nicole had been battling cancer for the past couple of years, first overcoming breast cancer and then sadly losing her life to brain cancer on March 21st 2022. Nicole was a staunch member of the organisation and an avid comrade who used her voice and academia to help liberate and educate our people. It was Nicole who chose the logo for the organisation as she loved what it stood for. "Help me, and let me help you". As the organisation treasurer she ensured that our finances were organised which allowed us to be transparent with our members and allowed us to move forward with the refurbishment of the Marcus Garvey Centre . Behind the scenes Nicole was very much responsible for all the policies and procedures we have in place so that service users and members are safe and covered in case of any unfortunate circumstance. During her time as treasurer Nicole gave birth to 3 boys, even while pregnant and nursing Nicole still managed to fulfil her role as treasurer and support the organisations various community events, often bringing the children along with her. Nicole will always be remembered for her kind and selfless ways, her commitment to being instrumental towards the betterment of our people and for being a an all around beautiful siSTAR. Nicole's legacy will be honoured constantly in whatever we do here at OBU. This memorial/ tribute is just a small token to reflect how much Nicole meant to us all.
Condolences
Jalal Afhim
Although I never met Dr Andrews, I nonetheless mourn her passing, and offer thanks for the gifts she bestowed whilst with us. She will no doubt be sorely missed by many, especially her family. Sending them strength and love. X
Kunle Adeyinka
Dear Professor Kehinde Andrews and the children: I am profoundly saddened, and not only shocked, by the news of the departure of your beloved wife and mother of your adorable children; thus, my prayers and thought are pointedly fixed toward you and your family. To lose a selfless human being that offered the world so much is something the mind constantly fails to comprehend. However, be rest assured that your wife left a distinctive mark of commendable humaneness, which has directly or indirectly influenced many an individual. And as an African village farmer feels the draught of a rainfall, your wife’s absence will be felt tremendously by people she came across. So, my dear Andrews’ family, in this solitary period of mourning, I must commit my sincere condolence to each and every one of the family, hoping that you may find peace and tranquillity. I now end this concise message by re-echoing the words of a renowned 19th Century Lebanese poet: ‘For life and death are one, even as the river and sea are one... For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, That it may rise and expand and seek G-d unencumbered? Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, Then you shall begin to climb.’ Dr Nicole Andrews has reached the mountain top, and nothing is more merited to her soul than to continue to rest in tranquillity. Sincerely, Kunle Adeyinka