Tsehai Taddesse, 85

Tsehai Taddesse, 85 passed away on January 9, 2024, at home with her son by her side. A widow of 3 years, Tsehai is survived by her children; Manaye Solomon, Makeda Solomon Lord and her husband Christopher Lord, and two grandchildren, Benyam Alexander, and Daniel Alexander. Tsehai Taddesse was born in Harar, Ethiopia on April 23, 1938. Tsehai was the second oldest of six siblings. Tsehai, which translates to sunshine in her native Amharic was a gentle and loving force always seeking to help family and friends. At the age of 15, Tsehai left home to travel to England to receive medical training. Tsehai began her career as a mid-wife, helping patients afflicted with fistula, and in short time advanced to the highest nursing position (Matron) at Princess Tsehai Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the direction of renowned physicians: Dr. Reg. Hamlin and Dr. Asrat Woldeyes. Overlapping this period, Tsehai met and married her future husband Solomon Wodajo of 56 years in 1965 and gave birth to her daughter Makeda in 1966. In late 1967 to early 1968, Tsehai received a scholarship to attend Boston University where she received in 1970 diplomas in Nursing Administration and Health education. The decision to leave her young family was a difficult but necessary one as Tsehai would continue to prove to be the engine and bridge to a better life for both her family and friends. Joined by her husband and daughter in 1969, Tsehai would give birth to her last child, a son in 1971. With growing political instability back home, a return to Ethiopia became problematic. Tsehai focused her energies on furthering her husband’s education while working to support her children. Spanning several decades, Tsehai worked at numerous hospitals and nursing agencies including but not excusive to the following: Otis Hospital, TAC, International, West Roxbury Veterans Administration Hospital, Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Brighton, MA. Tsehai furthered her education by receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Massachusetts School of Pharmacy in 1986. In late 2009, Tsehai retired. True to her spirit, Tsehai and her husband helped numerous relatives and friends immigrate to a new life in America. The family home was a gateway to a better life for many. In her retirement, slowed down by dementia, Tsehai’s spirit never diminished: daily comforting embraces, smiles, dancing, kisses, and laughter are now priceless fond memories which family and friends treasure every day. Rest in peace Tsehai Taddesse.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Norton Funeral Home.

Tsehai Taddesse was laid to rest in a private burial attended by family on January 12, 2024.

Her life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

To leave a message of condolence please visit  www.nortonfuneralhome.com .