Meski's Life Story

Meskie was not only a pillar of our Edir but a beacon of compassion, service, and generosity throughout the Ethiopian community in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others—whether through finding jobs for new immigrants, helping the elderly navigate health care and housing, or providing comfort to the lonely and displaced—earned her a place in the hearts of many.

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Born in Addis Ababa on September 26, 1959, the youngest child of Woizero Abebech Guma and Ato Tsegaye Abebe, Meskie’s journey was rooted in joy, love, and service. She pursued her education with purpose, earning a degree in Public Health from the University of Toledo in 1986. Yet her greatest lessons were taught by example—through kindness, resilience, and her unrelenting drive to help others.

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Meskie’s beloved restaurant in Berkeley became more than a business—it was a sanctuary for countless young Ethiopians starting anew in America. Her home, too, was always open, whether for clergy needing a place to stay or friends seeking a listening ear.

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From organizing drought relief efforts for Ethiopia in the 1980s to advocating against apartheid in South Africa, Meskie’s empathy knew no boundaries. Her activism, like her love, transcended borders, race, religion, and politics.

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As a founding member of Medhani Alem Orthodox Church, Meskie played a vital role in its growth—serving on the board, leading fundraising, and opening her doors and heart to the congregation. She lived her faith with joyful conviction and enduring sacrifice.

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Even during her illness, Meskie taught us how to live and love. When asked to limit visitors, she famously said, “People are my chemo.” Her courage, laughter, and warmth never left her. She made sure others left her side with hope and reassurance.

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Meski’s Fund will continue her legacy by supporting the very causes she championed—assisting immigrants, the elderly, and those in crisis—ensuring that her spirit of generosity lives on for generations to come.

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We thank God for the gift of her life and the lasting imprint she made on all of us. Her love will never fade, and her impact will never be forgotten.

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May her memory be eternal.