A Thanksgiving for the life of Olabisi Taylor Lewis
nee Fraser
By Mrs Lilian Adesimi-Davies
I have had six decades of unbroken friendship with Olabisi. I thank God that she lived a full life!
Olabisi was a devoted mother who lived for her children.
Olabisi was brilliant, yet very humble and approachable. She was a high achiever and excelled academically and in sports. She loved the sciences, the arts and humanities. Olabisi was an athlete. She loved to swim and play tennis. She was one of the first women to ride a bicycle in Sierra Leone.
Olabisi was a very resourceful person. She would never leave any problem unsolved. She never allowed anything to get her down.
Olabisi made good use of all her God given gifts!
Olabisi made friends easily. Our friendship was unique. Over all the years we never quarrelled. We had mutual respect for each other. Even when we had a difference in opinion we respected each others opinions.
Olabisi was adventurous and loved trying out new things. That adventurous spirit took her to many countries the world over. One of Olabisis last adventures was on a trip to Australia and New Zealand where she enjoyed watching a tennis tournament and diving to see the coral reefs and beautifully colour tropical fish.
We praise God for the time that He gave her to spend her last weeks with her children, grandchildren and close family members.
We Thank the Lord for this beautiful life that he created and Olabisi’s contributions to humanity. One way or the other Olabisi touched the lives’ of all the people she met.
“Those we love will always remain in our hearts they never die!”
Mum, Aunty Bisi, Mummy Steven . . . these are all the names we have called her from time to time here in Vancouver. This is who and what she was and will always be to us. Our first memories of mum are of the time she came down to play her role as mother-of-the-groom in Steven and Musu’s wedding. This was when we first met her and the mother and child relationship began to take shape and blossom from that point on. Even when she was all the way in St. John, we never felt that she was more than a call away. It did not matter how long it was since you last checked in on her, she was always happy to talk to you and even console you if you expressed regret over your poor communication.
She was always ready to give her medical opinion on any matter you raised with her, but she did not stop there she inevitably went on to tell you how she would advise as a parent. She always found every opportunity to make us feel that the motherly view we had of her went both ways. When she was sick in hospital and the doctors wanted to discuss something about her health, she told them that Ibrahim was okay to stay because he is her son.
She was indeed grandmother to our children. They loved visiting her at her home whether with us or with Steven and Musu. The added benefit was the chance of spending time with “Ade Taylor-Lewis” clan.
This mother-children relationship only grew stronger as time wore on. Her move to Vancouver made it certain that we would get closer. Those telephone conversations and sometimes visits were coveted. She was always brimming with encouragement, wisdom and one could be sure of a loving hug whenever you showed up at her door. In our view she personified “Sweet Mother” kind and gentle.
We miss you greatly mum. Your memories will live in our hearts always.
I met Bisi when she came to Saint John in 1985. We became and remained good friends till she passed on. I found I could talk to her about so many things and when she had to give advice, it was always with a good heart. We both loved live theatre and very often went together.She also became my partner at staff parties when my husband couldn't go. Even when she moved to BC, we kept in touch.
Bisi, you were always there for me. Rest in peace. God be with you till we meet again.
Aunty Bisi - the aunt who always talked to you as if you were a grown - up no matter how old you where. You were the life and soul at daddy,s 80th in july 06. I can't believe that you're no longer with us
Aunty Bisi was one person who was always there for me. I took a lot of strength and courage from her with her advice and the fact that she never let me down. She was always concerned about the children. their welfare and their attainment for the future.
Aunty Bisi, I will miss you so much.
Sleep and take your rest in Jesus. You will solely be remembered by all who knew you and came in contact with you.
