biography of my grandmother written by me and my Mom
Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled by the banks of the Moa River, there lived a remarkable woman named Victoria Miatta Tenneh Popei. Born around 1930 in the serene locality of Bombodou, in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, her life was woven with the threads of tradition, resilience, and love. Bombodou, a place where the whispers of the river mingled with the laughter of children, was a hidden gem, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modernity. Until the 21st century, no cars could traverse its winding paths, and the villagers cherished their peaceful existence, preferring the gentle sounds of nature over the roar of engines.
Victoria, affectionately known as Grandma, grew up in this enchanting village, surrounded by the lush greenery and vibrant culture of her homeland. The air was filled with the sweet scent of nature and the earthy aroma of the rich soil, creating a sensory tapestry that defined her childhood. The village was close to Kpuya and the bustling town of Koindu, where the Sunday market came alive with colors, sounds, and the aroma of delicious foods.
Koindu Town, Kailahun District, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone.
It was a tradition for Grandma to journey to Koindu, often accompanied by her beloved daughter, my mother. They would rise early on Sunday mornings, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, and embark on a three-hour bus ride to the market. The journey was filled with laughter and stories, as they shared dreams and aspirations, their hearts brimming with excitement for the day ahead. At the market, they would gather supplies to bring back to their home in Kolahun, carefully selecting the freshest produce and unique items that would nourish their family and community.
In Koindu, Grandma would set up her shop, a vibrant hub of activity where the community came together. She sold an array of goods—beverages, food, and clothes—each item carefully chosen to meet the needs of her customers. Grandma was a master of her craft, providing not just products but also credit to the young girls and boys in the community, ensuring they had what they needed to thrive. Her generosity and keen understanding of her neighbors' needs made her a beloved figure in the village.
Behind her house, her garden flourished like a hidden treasure trove, bursting with life and color. There, she would pick collard greens, pepper, and potato greens, which she would transform into mouthwatering traditional dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas. Grandma was known for her culinary skills, whipping up delightful meals of rice, fufu, cassava leaves, and palava sauce, each dish a labor of love that brought joy to all who gathered around her table. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and laughter, where family and friends would come together to share stories, celebrate life, and savor the delicious flavors of her cooking, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Liberian girls wearing liberian dress Lappa aka Ankara style with traditional head wraps. And the second image is the 16 main tribes in Liberia.
In the 1950s, fate introduced Grandma Victoria to a kind-hearted man named Andrew, whose gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to service captured her heart. Andrew was not just any man; he was a beacon of hope in the community, working tirelessly in the healthcare sector. His professional journey began with the government, where he was entrusted with various responsibilities that took him to places like Ganta in Nimba County, where my mother’s sister, Esther Kollie, was born in 1953.
This early experience laid the foundation for a life devoted to healing and service, and it was during this time that Andrew's compassionate nature truly shone. He eventually transitioned to the healthcare sector, where he became known for his empathetic approach, administering vaccinations and treatments, particularly against malaria, a significant health concern in the region. His dedication to providing healthcare was not just a job; it was a calling that he answered with grace and commitment, earning him the respect and admiration of many.
As their love blossomed quietly, Grandma took care of her family with unwavering dedication, embodying the strength and resilience that defined her character. In those days, children were taught to respect boundaries and not to pry into the affairs of adults, so their romance unfolded in the gentle whispers of shared moments and stolen glances. Grandma's love extended beyond her immediate household; she was a guiding light for her children, ensuring they received a good education and instilling in them the values of hard work and integrity.
In the vibrant 1950s, while love blossomed and families grew, my grandparents on both sides were busy dating and welcoming children into the world. Among those children was my mother, Georgia Kumba Widmer, born on May 14, 1956, in Monrovia, Liberia. The family tree continued to flourish with the births of my uncles and aunts: Orlando Falah Popei, born in 1950 but tragically passing away in 1976; Esther Kollie Popei, born in 1953 in Ganta; Dennis Saa Popei, born on December 25, 1958, who would later leave this world on January 7, 2024; Joseph Fayah Popei, whose birth is estimated between 1944 and 1978 and currently resides in Houston, Texas; and Teresa Tawah Korpu, also born in 1960, who sadly passed away around 2020. The youngest of the siblings, Roseline Yawah Popei, was born on December 20, 1974, in Kolahun, Lofa, Liberia.
Liberian people selling their harvest near Gbarnga in Liberia.
Despite the 4,000 kilometers that separated my mother and my father, who was born in 1953 in Le Locle, Switzerland, fate had a beautiful plan in store. Who would have thought that one day, in 1979, their paths would cross in the enchanting city of Monrovia, where their lives would intertwine and set the stage for a new chapter filled with love and family?
With the help of her friend, the godfather of my Mom, Mr. Julius Belcher, she sent Georgia to Tody Mission boarding school in Tody, a small town near Kakata. Some weekends became a cherished time for her, as she would make the journey to see them, her heart swelling with pride and love as she embraced her children. Each visit was a celebration of their achievements and a reaffirmation of her commitment to their futures, as she shared stories, laughter, and the warmth of her nurturing spirit. Together, Andrew and Victoria built a life rooted in love, service, and the unwavering belief in the power of family, creating a legacy that would inspire generations to come.
It was a truly unforgettable moment when the Widmer family journeyed from Switzerland and the Popei family gathered from across Liberia to unite in joyous celebration at the wedding in Monrovia in the 1980s.
As the years passed, the world around Grandma changed, but her spirit remained steadfast. After the tumultuous events of the early 2000s, my mother traveled to Buduburam, where Grandma had sought refuge in a camp in Ghana, joining more than 15,000 Liberians who managed to escape the brutal civil wars that ravaged their homeland. Their reunion was filled with warmth and nostalgia, as they reminisced about the past and shared dreams for the future, rekindling the bond that had been tested by time and distance. Grandma eventually returned to Liberia, where she longed to spend her remaining days surrounded by family and the familiar sights and sounds of her homeland, eager to reconnect with the roots that had shaped her life.
Victoria Miatta Tenneh Popei in the center with many of her descendant in the refugee camp of Buduburam in Ghana.
Tragically, the civil war in Liberia disrupted many lives, including Victoria's and Andrew's. The war claimed many memories and belongings, leaving behind a fragmented history that echoed the pain of loss and displacement. Yet, through it all, Grandma's resilience shone brightly, a testament to her unwavering spirit and the enduring love she held for her family. Despite the scars of the past, she remained a symbol of hope and strength, determined to rebuild and cherish the moments that truly mattered.
In the United States, where she had initially sought a new beginning, Grandma felt a pang of loneliness as her family members worked tirelessly to provide for their own lives. Yet, they took the utmost care of her, ensuring she was never alone in spirit. After a brief stay with her daughter Roselyn, Grandma made the brave decision to return to Liberia, where her heart truly belonged. The family rallied together, purchasing her ticket, for they understood that her happiness lay in the embrace of her homeland.
A map showcasing some of the locations where my grandma went throughout her life, including Bombodou, Koindu, Monrovia, Kolahun and Buduburam.
Victoria Miatta Tenneh Popei's life is a tapestry of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of family. She is a testament to the strength of women who nurture and uplift those around them, weaving their stories into the fabric of their communities. As we remember her, we celebrate not just her life but the legacy of love and tradition she has passed down through generations. And so, the enchanting tale of Grandma Victoria continues to inspire us, reminding us of the beauty of our roots and the power of family bonds.
Patrick Tamba Widmer and Georgia Kumba Widmer (Popei), Zoug and Le Locle, november 2024.