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A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO SANDY ABAH ( ZELDI)

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A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO SANDY ABAH ( ZELDI)

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Today, my heart is weighed down with sorrow as I’ve just received the devastating news that my beloved friend, Sandy ABA, also known by her Jewish name Zeldi, passed away in August 2023. This revelation has struck me like a sudden wave, leaving me overwhelmed with grief, for this is the first time I have heard of her passing. The last time I communicated with her was before her birthday in July 2023.

This morning, March 23rd, I felt a deep and unshakable impulse to reach out to Sandy with a simple note, just to check in on her well-being. But when my email bounced back, a wave of disbelief washed over me. It had been so long since I had seen her online, though I knew she had been battling back pain for a while.

I remember vividly our Zoom conversations in 2022, where she appeared frail and not quite herself. At the time, I thought it was part of her spiritual journey or perhaps fasting. Little did I know that this was a sign of something much deeper. In my search for answers this morning, I typed her name into Google, hoping to find her still actively engaged at UBC, only to be met with the heart-wrenching news of her passing. The shock has left me reeling and struggling to comprehend this loss.

I’ve known Sandy since 2006. She was a steadfast and cherished presence in my life—always a source of unwavering support for my music career, constantly reaching out to check in on me. We shared a mutual love for the music of Spyro Gyra, Pat Metheny, Bob James, and countless other smooth jazz artists. Though Sandy was a quiet soul, she would often sing over the phone, sharing her favorite songs with me. Those moments, filled with her warm and joyful voice, are etched in my heart forever.

Sandy adored singers like Kenny Loggins, Darryl & Oat, Lou Graham, and Michael McDonald. It was always a blessing to hear her sing these songs, infusing them with a unique light and warmth that brightened every conversation.

Though words feel inadequate in expressing the depth of my sorrow, I send all my love, prayers, and blessings to her, wherever her spirit may now reside in the vastness of the cosmos. May her soul rest in eternal peace, embraced by the light of love, compassion, and tranquility. I will forever hold her memory close and cherish the beautiful impact she had on my life.

With deep gratitude and love,

Constant BOTY

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

West Africa

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Sandy was such a warm and kind person. One fond memory I have of her was that she would ask me about my psoriosis on my hands and often offered me vaseline to put on them. I recall her saying "it must hurt so bad" with an expression of pain on her face. It was as if she suffered imagining my own suffering. There is a deep lesson in that for me, a lesson her memory will continue to teach me. May her memory be a blessing.

Sam Rocha

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Hearing about this is such a shock. When I think of Sandy I think of how much she lit up as she greeted you. She was dogged in her support of students, and just a wonderful human. I feel so lucky to have known her. - Miranda Huron

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I fondly remember Sandy’s patience and care shown towards me and our students. I enjoyed chatting with her about what she was learning in her classes at UBC as a student, and she always knew how to help me navigate UBC bureaucracy. She helped humanize the institution. I was sad when she left our department though happy she was looking forward to the next chapter of her career at UBC in the ischool. Sandy: across campus, your thoughtful, caring and calm support did not go unnoticed; you are missed…Jude

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Sandy cared deeply for people; she had a shy, but a beautiful smile. I was saddened to hear of her passing. May Sandy's memory be for a blessing!

"As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now are a part of us; as we remember them." - Jewish Prayer

~Shermila Salgadoe~

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I worked with Sandy when we were both in different units within Enrolment Services, before she came to EDST. She and I sat diagonally across from one another in a cross-shaped workstation. Because of the office layout and how different our work was, I rarely interacted directly with Sandy but we could hear each other quite clearly. What I remember most about her was her patience with any interruptions, her willingness to help someone out with whatever issue they were bringing to her, and her gentle approach to problem-solving. I left Enrolment Services in 2012, probably only a little before Sandy joined EDST -- more than a decade has passed but I still remember these things about her. I was very saddened to hear of her passing. (Ginette, M.Ed.(HIED) student)

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It’s so hard for me to talk about Sandy in the past tense as even after I graduated from UBC, she kept in touch. I always looked forward to reading her emails as her genuine concern for myself and daughters was palpable. She was even more invested after my daughter’s cancer diagnosis and not only checked in but visited with a care bag of fresh fruits and vegetables, making recommendations of healthy juices and nutritious meal plans. At the end of a visit she always hugged us and promised to keep in touch, which she did.

She was so honest, caring, empathetic and present. In heart Sandy will always be present as I still can hear her laughter, see her in her large, warm sweater and large hand bag but most of all I still have those emails to remind of a true friend.

Love you always Sandy!

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I was not aware that Sandy had passed away, so thank you for sharing this information. I was a PhD student when she was a Graduate Program Assistant, so it was her name at the bottom of the very first email I received containing the EDST Welcome Letter. From them on, she became a very accessible, dependable, and patient person to whom I always felt comfortable asking questions. All our interactions were clear and calm and warm, which was consistently reassuring. I recall when she left EDST in 2019 she did not want to have a celebration/formal event so I emailed her directly to thank her for her kindness, but I did not get a chance to tell her in person. I hope she knew how much her everyday acts of kindness impacted others. – Lisa Brunner

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Thanks for this thoughtful way to share memories. I was a PhD student when Sandy was with EDST, and she (many times) patiently helped me through a rollercoaster of ups and downs during my graduate program. She was there to help me with resources when I needed them, and she always treated my urgency and fears with graciousness and care. Sandy, you'll be missed here on this earthly plane.

-Kari Grain-

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Sandy was the first person to welcome me to EDST, first by email and then in person. She made me feel at home and was always ready with a smile and a good word. As an international PhD student, her welcoming was one of the brightest memories I have of my first term at UBC.

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I had not heard that she passed and am genuinely deeply saddened. She was so kind to me when I was a student there, patient and understanding even when I was bombarding her with anxious questions or concerns. She was also different in the most wonderful way, an oasis for someone like me who felt so odd and out of place. I’m so sorry to hear this news.

Thank you for posting about her. She was a huge part of my experience in EDST, and I’m glad to get to remember her even if I’m sad about the news.

Dale McCartney

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I worked with Sandy as Grad Advisor, just before she moved to the iSchool on campus. Always serene, gentle, and smiling, Sandy immersed herself in her work with dedication, care and humanity.

Sandy was a people person, performed her work , not loosing from sight that behind the forms and records stand human beings with aspirations, dreams and histories. She always prioritized students and their interests. Patient, hard working and caring, she is missed.

André