Otoo Asare's Corner 

“we do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.  If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s”

The Late Madam Maud Sabina Andoh-Bissue, affectionately called Auntie Maud, whose mortal remains lie before us today, was born on the 13^th day of December, 1932 to the Late Nana Busumakora II (known in private life as Mr. Samuel Andoh-Bissue) then Omanhene of Takoradiman Traditional Council and Madam Dora Charlotte Hawkson (aka Maame Ekua Ehurama) an astute trader and Cloth dealer of Takoradi.

Auntie Maud was the first born among her ten siblings.  By the time she was six years, she was living with her Aunt, the Late Maame Ama Dontoh at Prestea where she started her primary education.  She loved school and stayed on top of her peers.  She later returned to Sekondi to continue her education at St. Peter’s Anglican School.

One month to her final examination in 1949, she openly challenged her teacher in class for what she thought was “wrong apo” being delivered by the teacher.  This earned her 2 weeks of suspension but on her return to school she completed her examinations and passed with distinction.  The certificate of which she proudly displayed to this day.

Auntie Maud’s performance at school caught the eyes of the school authorities and she was employed as a pupil teacher after her performance with distinction.

However, Auntie Maud was not cut out for the classroom.  She soon realised that the remuneration from the teaching job was far below her expectations.  Having been previously exposed to money whilst assisting her mother in her trading business, Auntie Maud did not find the classroom lucrative enough so she left the classroom after a short stint to take after her mother’s trading profession.    

Auntie Maud Excelled in her trading business and no doubt, her excellence, coupled with her beauty caught the eyes of a fine gentleman, the Late Bossman Kojo Tete Asare.  They were soon courting and in 1951, they got married and their marriage was blessed with Ten Children.

Auntie Maud relocated to Accra on the 8^th January, 1958 after her husband had been transferred to Accra.  Being a hard working woman, she supported her husband and family by starting her baking business which later became known as Maud’s Bakery at Kaneshie and then at Mataheko.  She was a founding member of the Mataheko Zone 17 Bakers association and later became an executive member and President.

Auntie Maud was generous and would not hesitate to extend a hand of support to anyone who approached her with any need.  She extended several credits to her customers, some of whom did not even return to pay her back yet she did not relent in her efforts to help people in need.  She was a mother to many people and did not close her doors on anyone.

During her lifetime, Auntie Maud was an ardent follower of Christ.  Born into a family of Anglicans, her father being a founding member of St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Essikado, she followed Christ with passion and participated in all church activities with enthusiasm.  She loved to pray, especially at dawn and trained all her children in the way of the Lord.

When she relocated to Accra, she joined the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Abossey Okai and became a founding member of the St. Andrew’s Club.  She was also a patron of several guilds in the church, including, the Anglican Youth Peoples’ Association, the sacred Heart of Jesus, The Church Triumphant, etc...

However, age was telling on her and she slowed down significantly in the recent past until that fateful Thursday morning, the 20^th day of May, 2010 when the Lord in his own wisdom called her to eternity.  It is our belief that she is resting in the arms of the good Lord.

May she Rest in Perfect Peace.  Amen!!!

“I will remember the works of the Lord; and call to mind Thy wonders of old time”

Psalm 77:11

The joy of the lord is our strength.  It is often said that “the lord giveth, and He has taken.  Blessed be the name of the Lord”.  In thankfulness and praise we very much desire to pay a tribute of respect to our dear mother and to celebrate her hard work, spirituality, faithfulness, generosity and love.

The Late Madam Maud Sabina Andoh-Bissue was also known to many of us as Nana Yaw Araba Asia, Auntie Maud, Grandma, Yoomo, Abrewa, Maa Maud, Auntie Kaneshie, Ako abe to, emaa etc.  and we used these names depending on who is calling her and in what context or mood.  All these names have their special meanings and some kind of history and to go into all that history will take too much time.

Today, Auntie Maud is no more.  She has passed on to be with the Lord, Resting in the bosom of the Almighty; and will be missed dearly by all of us, our children and indeed our children’s children.

Death is inevitable and inexplicable.  It is a hard truth we must accept and although her loss is painful, her 77 years spent with us is with a lot of meaningful and unforgettable moments.  Her memories will therefore live on forever.  We therefore deem her a great gift from God and she will be sorely missed.

Maa Maud was undoubtedly filled with perseverance and pursued all her dreams with enthusiasm and hard work.  Nothing ever died in her hands.  When she plans it, she will execute and when she executes, it prospered.

Auntie Maud was a renowned baker and no doubt, she involved each and every one of us in the bakery business.  Some kneaded, others rolled, and the rest moulded.  Not to talk about selling.  We all carried that “apaawa” to the market; both boys and girls.  Her business flourished and her fame spread to the remotest parts of the city and beyond.  At a point she was baking 50 bags of flour a day and was also “exporting” bread to the central and western regions on daily basis. 

Emaa’s generosity cannot be over emphasised.  She was self motivated and gives freely with passion.  She was giving to everybody who came to her for help; sometimes even at the expense of her bakery as she dips her hand in her capital to help others and the needy.  Her style of giving extended even to strangers.  She did that for her inner satisfaction and fulfilment but we grumbled and murmured as children, we thought it as waste and too much.  Nevertheless, she neither stopped nor paused to think about her acts of giving.  When she cooks dinner, it is more or less like a “chop bar”.  The food was sufficient for all ten of us, our friends and her workers; but still, there will be left-overs for the next morning.  Now we have all grown to see the fruits of her labour.  

Maa Maud was a strict disciplinarian.  Whenever we went wrong she did not spare the rod.  She would send you to go and pick something for her from her bedroom at a time when you may have forgotten that you have played the truant.  Just when you got under the bed you will hear the door locked behind you and by the time you got out of the room you would have understood why Jesus said, “… go and sin no more”.

As a single mother for over 3 decades and without any support, we now understand why she had to be strong to shape the lives of ten children and to this day we appreciate her courage, perseverance, hard work, and above all her warnings and guiding principles which have made us who we are today.

She taught us to pray and also to be good Christians.  To the boys, as servers of St Andrews Anglican church, she warned; “don’t touch church offerings or the communion wine, if you do, you will go mad”.  Till this day, those words continue to reverberate in our ears and in short made us mindful of not touching anything that does not belong to us.

Amongst us, there are only 3 boys.  When she was going for her tenth child, she prayed fervently to the Almighty to give her a boy whom she will thereafter give back to serve God.   And so when she had the 3^rd boy she named him Samuel who is now a pastor to the Glory of God.

We truly appreciate all the sacrifices, heartaches, loneliness, sleepless nights, tears and frustrations that emaa so steadfastly endured for us.  This is why we celebrate you this day.  We wish we can be smiling joyously throughout this celebration but naturally the thought of coming home and shouting your name – Abrewa! – without hearing a response makes the tears drop freely from our eyes.

God knows best and for that matter we all say Nantew yea.

Maame Saabea, Nana Nyanko, Akosua Anowa, Darko, Maame Asabea, Ekua Etewa, Kofi Otoo, Maame Ofosua, Kwame Osew and Ayele… we all say Da yea.

May the soul of the Departed Nana Yaw Araba Asia eternally Rest in Peace.

By Lydia Ekua Etewa Asare

I thank God and praise Him for your life.  I am privileged to have you as my mother.  Your love, wisdom, understanding and care have given me the inspiration to excel in all aspect of life.  Your prayers were life line in all my endeavours.  I believe these will live with me forever.  These are not lost because its influence will live from my generation and the ones to come.  It is like a tree with deep roots, vibrant branches, uncountable leaves, beautiful and colourful flowers and sweet fruits.

I believe the umbilical cord; the bond from birth never dies.  The memories of your life, lives with me forever.  I have enjoyed pampering you, making you feel treasured and special.  Your response and appreciation were enormous.  I feel really proud of the spirit of harmony between us.

My love for you is unconditional.  I will continue loving you.  I believe that you will be there for me now and forever.

What else can I say? You are special.  I love you.

“Blessed are they that die in the Lord.  For they will rest from their labour”

Words could not express the shock we had on that fateful Thursday morning when we realised that you were gone forever, because we took consolation in the fact that you were around and we could come to you, see you, touch you and try to make you happy.  On that day we all realised you wont be around anymore.

Grandma as we all called her was a mother, sister, friend and grand mother to all of us and not just us but to our friends as well.  We are sure each and every one of you here today has something to share on how our Grandma touched your life in one way or another.  She shared a lot of good memories, especially with us her favourite Grand Children and she eventually became our favourite mentor.  Can we ever be the same, now that she is gone?

Our Grandma was one giving and selfless woman, who found contentment through leading a simple life and helping others.  She provided for us in her own special way when our parents do not have what we want.  She loved us so much so that she was willing to give us her last pesewa to make us happy.   She had nicknames for almost everybody; Mama Qundor, Anago, Nana O, Aze, Ayi putupru, Tete B, Menuu and so on.

Grandma was a counsellor who always advised us on what to do all the time.  She was a source of inspiration to us knowing the kind of woman she was during her hey days.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven; “a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”… Eccl 3:4.

Your grandson, Edem wished to be here but unfortunately he cannot and therefore sent the following: “Grandma you have been so wonderful to me. I will miss your prayers and invaluable advise you gave me.  I implemented them and they worked.  I will miss your generous presents, especially the African clothes.  I will miss your delicious food.  God has embraced  you in His paradise.  I know you are happy in the Lord's Grace”

Now that you are no more, your grandchildren will always remember you and we ask the Good Lord to keep you safe and grant you eternal rest in his bosom, till we meet again in Heaven because we know your soul lives on.

Grandma, May your soul Rest in Perfect Peace!  Nantew yie!  Ye ma wo due!  Damirifa Due!  Amen!

Through all the changing scenes of life,
 In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
 My heart and tongue employ.

“To live in hearts we leave behind, Is not to die” . . .

Thomas Campbell

Our God does things in His own way and in His own time; sad as it sometimes is, we cannot question Him.  I have known Maa Maud (as I called her) since I was a young girl.  She extended her love for her son to me unconditionally and this was manifested in a lot of deeds for me.  We were good friends and our relationship was an envy to many.  Her personal attributes is a testimony to many who knew her and had contact with her.  She was generous, very affable yet stern.  She always spoke her mind without fear or favour.  Indeed, we understood each other so well that observers could not understand us.

We had our good and bad days and our late lunch together after coming from work is something I will always miss.  We enjoyed corned beef with kenkey together.  We argued sometimes and our arguments were mainly about both of us trying to put our cases across.  These incidents ended up with her telling me off and both of us having a laugh about it because we both knew we had the same characteristics.  Indeed, we were good friends!

Our intimacy grew beyond bounds and we called each other names.  My usual calling of “mother in law” was always met with the response Asew kedekede, Asew a nasem dindindin.  On such occasions, in her usual jovial self, she’d say, “Emily, 3haw adwin”; meaning “Emily, you’re troublesome”.  She did not hold grudges for long.  Memories of such incidents always put a smile on my face.  Her love for her son was always an issue for our argument since we considered ourselves as rivals.  My calling her rival will spark off an argument and she will enquire if that’s what “People from Ayigbe do” In my usual troublesome mode, I will call my daughter Adukrom Queen mother, QnMaud, Queen of all the Maud’s and that will generate an exciting argument.  I am missing the insults, something I became immune to and will request for on my usual visits.  To confess, she is one of my mentors.

I will miss the arguments and the laughter we shared.   The Secrets we shared together and of course her appellations aimed at making me yield to a request.  And definitely her delicious meals will be sincerely missed!

My mother in law was a strong personality.  She never dwelt on self pity.  I would have wished that she stayed longer to see her grandchildren grow but the good Lord knows best.

The pain of separation, we can’t deny, will always be in our hearts.  My gentle Daniel, Tetebea, Agya and I together with the rest of your family will do well to keep your memory alive.  Even though our lives will never be the same without you, your memory will linger on our minds forever.

I am consoled by the thought that you feel no more pain; the suffering in this world has ceased and you are at peace in a better place with no sorrow or pain, a place with endless joy, a place where you will be happy till eternity.

I do affirm to Rossiter Worthington Raymonds words that “life is eternal, and love immortal, but death is just a horizon which is nothing save the limit of our sight”.

My destined mother in law, rest in perfect peace, hede nyue, Yaawo Ojogbaa  .

We shall surely meet one day on the resurrection morning!!!

Fare thee well !!!!!!!!

He will swallow up death forever,

And the Lord will wipe away tears from all

Isaiah 25 vrs 8

When the news of Madam Maud Sabina Andoh-Bissue was received, we all exclaimed in pain and regret. Oh Auntie Maud! But in all things we should give thanks to God, so says St Paul.

Madam Maud Sabina Andoh-Bissue was one of the founding members of St. Andrew’s Club which was formed 25 years ago.  She was a very active member who had the club at heart and she participated actively in all functions and meetings of the club.

Formerly we had our Monthly Birthday refreshments after meetings, and she was in the December group.  As a baker, on such occasions she always provided every member with a big loaf of bread.  On Easter Monday Picnics, she used to bring her special Goat Meat Light Soup to the delight of all members.  Auntie Maud, as we all called her, was a very lively and generous member.

Auntie Maud, we will miss you at meetings, and on Easter Monday Picnics in particular.

Madam Maud Sabina Andoh-Bissue, we love you very much, but we are inclined to believe that the maker loves you best and has called you to eternal and glorious rest.  So let it be.

Auntie Maud, Da Yie, rest peacefully in God’s bosom.  Amen!

The day thou gavest Lord is ended

The darkness falls at thy behest

To thee our morning hymns ascended

Thy Praise shall sanctify our rest

(Hymn A&M 477)

Auntie Maud, as we all called her, was among the first five Patrons appointed by the Guild in 1981 when the Guild was formed.  She was good nurtured, loving, kind and generous mother, who for the past three decades remained a very dependable patron of the Guild of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and supported the Guild both spiritually and materially.

On many occasions, Auntie Maud supplied the Guild with bread and other confectionaries for which we are extremely grateful.  We celebrate the life of a quiet, loving, and caring mother and Patron of the Guild whose devotion was acknowledged by all members and shall remain indelible in our minds.

In October 2009, when the Guild members paid Auntie Maud a visit, we sang hymns and prayed together and she extended her usual kindness to us as we left her in High spirits and very optimistic.

Little did we know that a few months thereafter, her Maker would call her to eternal rest.

Auntie Maud, the Guild of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is illimitably grateful to you for the wonderful service you rendered to us and to God.  We salute you with our greeting:

SACRED HEART OF JESUS,

THY KINGDOM COME.

YESU TSUI KRONN,

O MANTSE YELI ABA

By your death, the Guild has lost a devoted Patron.  However, it is our hope and prayer that the Almighty God has prepared a place for you in His Glory.

Auntie Maud Rest in Perfect Peace.  Amen!

 He who dwells in the shelter of the most high

Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty

I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress

My God in whom I trust

Psalm 91:1~2

Days and moments quickly flying, soon our souls go to God who gave them.  We must through darkness go to inherit bills unending.  Lifeless lies the body of our dear mother, hidden in its narrow bed.  Say not in grief that she is no more, but say in thankfulness that she was.  Death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.

Our late mother, Auntie Maud as we affectionately called her was a Patron of our beloved Guild for many, many years.  She was generous and willing to be part of any of our programmes when ever we called on her.  She sews Cottas for us to use for serving.  She will not hesitate to reprimand the young ones whenever we go wrong.  We will really miss her during occasions such as Easter festivities.  On such occasions, our breakfast and lunch is always provided by her.  She also developed personal interest in our academic work for which we are most grateful.

Auntie Maud, we cherish you!

Maa, we wish you a peaceful rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Auntie Maud, fare well.  Amen!

“Rest comes at length; though life be long and dreary.  The day must dawn and darksome night be past; Faith’s journey ends in welcome to the weary; and Heaven, the hearts true home, will come at last”

It is with heavy hearts that we stand here today to pay tribute to one of our Patrons; Madam Maud Bissue.

Madam Bissue was a dedicated and loyal Patron of the Choir for several years.  We were really sad to hear the news of her home call, but we are full of gratitude to God for loaning us such a generous and kind-hearted Patron. 

She always expressed Joy whenever she listened to the Choir Chanting the psalms during church services.  Besides, she also expressed her gratitude whenever the choir visited her.

Samuel Johnson said: “GRATITUDE IS THE FRUIT OF GREAT CULTIVATION.  YOU DO NOT FIND IT AMONG GROSS PEOPLE”

Madam Bissue’s generosity and kindness towards the choir was commendable.  We can recollect that this kind-hearted woman would buy some of the food items auctioned during Annual Harvests and present them quietly to the choir.  It was also observed that anytime the choir visited her, she would make sure she entertains us irrespective of the number in attendance.

We are sincerely grateful for the numerous sacrifices you made towards the choir during your healthy days.

We humbly bid you farewell.  In spite of the sword in our bones and the pain in our hearts, we fervently pray that the Lord of Hosts will fill that empty space.

We are grateful to the Almighty Father for her life on this earth for knowing her and also practicing the fruit of the spirit towards mankind.

Auntie Maud, Nantsew yie.

Now the labour task is o’er

Now the battle day is past

Now upon the father shore

Land the voyager at last

Father, in Thy gracious keeping

Leave we now thy servant sleeping

Hymn A&M 401 vrs 1

So when this corruptible has put on incorruptible and mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written; “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”

“Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, that may rest from their labour and their works do follow them” Rev 14:13

The Late Madam Maud Bissue, whose mortal remains lie before us was a patron for the AYPA due to her meritorious service to the St. Andrews Anglican Church and her love for the youth.

Grandma, as we affectionately called her, was an active, friendly, soft spoken, affable and a source of motivation for the AYPA.  Her generosity towards the Association was very significant.

Love never gives up, so it was with Grandma.  She taught us how to love as Christian brothers and sisters in Christ.

At our Annual Christmas visitation of our Patrons, she was among those whom no one will like to miss.  With the dancing and singing of of Chritian “jama” songs, we had lots to eat and drink not forgetting the bread and cakes which was distributed to us at the end of the visit.  She always made us feel at home and never forgot to put a smile on our faces with the glimmer in her eyes when she smiles, her unassuming nature, honesty, generosity and kindness.

However, death does not sever our relationship with those we love, for love belongs to the spirit and not the body.

Our Patron, Mother and Grandma lives on through us, as we continue to feel the warmth of her love and spirit with every heartbeat and every breath that we take.

Auntie Maud Bissue, May the Good God bless and invite you through the Pearly Gates to a well deserved rest in His arms.  We all love you dearly, but God your maker loves you best.

We know you are resting peacefully under his wings until we meet on the resurrection morning.

Mother Bissue, Fare Thee well.

Yaawo Odzogbann.