Nitshti Woldemariam

She was born on February 3, 1933 in Accure, Eritrea, one of six children of Woldemariam Fessha and Ghergis Kelti. She is survived by one brother, Tesfagiorges Woldemariam who lives in Eritrea.

Nitshti married Haile Ghebreslassie in 1950 and moved to his farm in Hebo, Eritrea. Together they had five children: Tesfay Haile (deceased), Amleset Haile, Meskelu Haile Tewolde, Ogbamichael Haile, and Sr. Tsega Haile.

After her husband’s death in 1964, Nitshti raised her children as a single mother on the farm and worked at the local Hebo Mission of Vincentian fathers (Lazarist missionaries) who, together with the Daughters of Charity, care for children who are orphaned. Nitshti cooked for the children and maintained a vegetable garden to help feed them a healthy diet.

She raised her own children with love and a gentle firmness, encouraging them to be educated. Nitshti was a faithful member of her church in Hebo and in Oneonta after moving here in 1993 with daughter Tsega to live with Meskelu & Michael Tewolde. She enjoyed daily mass, prayer meetings, and walking around the neighborhood saying hello to everyone she met, especially children. Nitshti was proud to become an American citizen.

Nitshti enjoyed visiting with people using a mixture of Tigrinya, Italian, and English. She had a kind heart, never held a grudge, or spoke badly about others, and truly lived out Romans 12:15 by “rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.”

She is survived by four of her five children and their families, including grandchildren raised in Oneonta: Fray Haile, Samuel Haile, Peatros Haile, Mena Haile, Kidane Haile, Kidane Tewolde, and Daniel Haile. Grandchildren in Eritrea include Nebyat, Abeba, Saimon, Eyorsalem, Maria, Lidia, and Secarias Haile.

There are no calling hours or funeral services. Burial will take place in Eritrea.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the children of the Hebo Mission (Eritrea) in care of St. Michael Cathedral, Catholic Diocese Segheneity. Donations designated for “Hebo Mission” may also be sent to St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are by Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com