There are some people whose lives are so quietly beautiful that even after they are gone, their presence continues to echo in our hearts. Such was the life of Sr. Marie Jane Frances Dabuo, HHCJ.
To many, she was a devoted Religious, a compassionate Midwife, and a faithful Handmaid of the Lord. To me, she was much more, a grandmother, a mother, a mentor, and a treasured friend. I lovingly called her Grandma, and she affectionately called me “Nmakoma.” That bond will forever remain one of God’s greatest gifts to me.
Sr. Jane possessed a rare beauty that did not fade with age. Her radiant smile was her daily attire. It welcomed everyone she met and transformed every place she entered. She carried a gentle spirit, spoke softly, yet stood firmly for what was right. Her calm presence reassured the troubled, encouraged the discouraged, and inspired all who encountered her.
As a Midwife, Sr. Jane embodied Christ’s compassion. I vividly remember seeing her leave everything behind whenever a woman went into labour. Despite her age and body size, she would hurry from the convent to St. Ignatius Clinic to help deliver babies safely into the world. For her, no inconvenience was too great when love called. She taught us that true service knows neither comfort nor excuses.
One of her greatest virtues was her willingness to listen. She never hurried conversations. She wanted to know more, to understand more deeply, and to help where she could. People felt seen, heard, and valued in her presence.
My years with her at Lassia-Tuolu HHCJ Convent remain among the greatest blessings of my religious journey. She embraced me with the love of a granddaughter. She corrected me whenever correction was necessary, praised me whenever encouragement was needed, and constantly challenged me to strive for greater heights in my vocation. She believed in me long before I fully believed in myself.
From her, I learned that strength can be clothed in gentleness, that leadership can wear a smile, and that holiness is often found in the ordinary acts of love carried out faithfully every day.
Her welcoming smile brightened every room, and through her example I learned to smile through life’s joys and trials alike.
One memory that will forever remain etched in my heart is our final meeting. By God’s providence, I was privileged to meet and spend some precious moments talking with you on your last day on earth. We shared a beautiful conversation, laughed together, and your familiar, heartwarming smile lit up the moment just as it always did.
Little did I know that it would be our last earthly encounter.
Just a few hours after that light-filled moment, you peacefully answered the Master’s call and passed on to eternity. You left this world as you lived in it, with grace, serenity, and quiet dignity.
Though my heart aches because I did not know I was saying goodbye, I remain deeply grateful that God granted me those final moments with you. They have become a priceless gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Dear Grandma Jane, thank you for every lesson, every correction, every word of encouragement, every smile, and every act of love. Thank you for believing in me and inspiring me to pursue greater heights in my religious vocation.
Thank you for loving me as your granddaughter and for calling me your “Nmakoma.” That name will forever remind me of the special place I held in your heart.
Today, although our hearts ache because we can no longer see your beautiful smile, we rejoice because we know that the hands which welcomed countless babies into this world have now been welcomed into the loving embrace of the Father. The voice that comforted so many now joins the heavenly choir in eternal praise.
Your life taught me that strength can be clothed in gentleness, that leadership can wear a smile, and that true holiness is found in humble acts of love and faithful service. Whenever I smile through life’s joys and trials, I will remember that I learned it from you.
Today, Heaven rejoices as it welcomes a faithful Handmaid of the Lord. We mourn your absence, but we celebrate a life beautifully lived in love, compassion, and selfless service. I can almost hear the Lord saying to you:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matthew 25:21).
Rest peacefully, dear Sr. Marie Jane Frances Dabuo, HHCJ. Your smile, your kindness, your wisdom, and your unwavering love will remain alive in my heart forever.
Until we meet again.
Lovingly,
Your “Nmakoma,”
Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ
