ASMERET GEBREKAL GEBREAMLAK

SHORT LIFE HISTORY 

MAMA ASMERET GEBREKAL 

JANUARY 1, 1935 FEBRUARY 1, 2024 

Mama Asmeret Gebrekal was born to her beloved parents Gebrekal Gebreamlak and Haimanot Wuneh on January 1st, 1935 in Argezana, Awraja Serai Wereda Meraguz Eritrea, now commonly known as Zoba Debub. At the age of 17, Mama Asmeret got married, but one year later her father passed away at 37 years old. Before the joys of motherhood graced her life, Mama Asmeret got a divorce and embarked on a new chapter where she relocated to Teseney in 1953 with her three siblings: Tebereh Gebrekal, Lemlem Gebrekal, and Hiwet Gebrekal. However, her two sisters, Lemlem and Hiwet, passed away in Teseney. 

In the midst of adversity, Mama Asmeret found solace in the support from her father's sister, Hirita Gebrekal, who opened her heart and home to Mama Asmeret and her siblings as they started a new life in Teseney. Mama Asmeret's entrepreneurial spirit flourished as she ventured into property rentals in Haykota Gash-Barka, a small town in the city of Teseney, establishing herself as a respected member of the community through her passions. 

As the Eritrean Revolution began, Mama Asmeret became a vital supporter, serving as an ally to Hamid Idris Awate, safeguarding crucial documents. Her home in Haykota, where she lived with her three friends, evolved into a sanctuary and safe haven for Awate and his comrades, offering safety and solidarity amidst the revolution. Mama Asmeret would always say "Awate, you are going to get me killed" and he would reply "don't feel fear - (Abshiri) nothing is ever going to happen to you". Despite her fears, Mama Asmeret courageously provided refuge in her spirit of resistance. 

A few years later, Mama Asmeret married her second husband, Beraki Gebrekidan, and from this union she welcomed her two children, Ashafash and Almaz. Shortly after Mama Asmeret remarried and had her two children, her husband passed away. Mama Asmeret lived by the saying "Adounya Blash" - choosing to embrace her role as a mother and nurture her children and 

business endeavors. 

In 1981, amidst the war in Eritrea, Mama Asmeret left Gash-Barka and sought refuge in Sudan. By 1992, she returned to Barentu, the capital of Gash-Barka, and resumed her life in the city she loved the most. In 1993, when her daughter Almaz immigrated to the United States with her family, Mama Asmeret opted to stay behind. However, in 2002 she made the decision to join her daughter Almaz and son-in-law Fesaye in San Diego, where she lived out the remainder of her life surrounded by family. 

In April 2023, Mama Asmeret suffered a sudden fall resulting in a hip injury, but received dedicated care from her daughter Almaz, son-in-law Fesaye, and multiple grandchildren, ensuring her comfort and well-being. On the evening of February 1st, 2024, at 11:15 pm, Mama Asmeret peacefully passed away surrounded by family. She is survived by her sister Tebereh Gebrekal, her daughter Almaz, her five grandchildren Yordanos Yacob, Raheal Yacob, Yodit Fesaye, Tsegai Fesaye, and Robel Fesaye, and her six great-grandchildren Lydia Semere, Ida Semere, Abel Semere, Xavier Tsegai, Khairo Tsegai, and Khaliyah Tsegai. 

Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Mama Asmeret felt deeply blessed, embodying the epitome of a cherished grandmother. Known for her quick wit and humor, she brought laughter to all who knew her. As a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, she embraced each role with love and dedication. Fearless in her honesty, Mama Asmeret was renowned for speaking her mind with unyielding truthfulness. Her life was anchored in faith, guiding her with conviction until her peaceful passing. Mama Asmeret's legacy is one of resilience, perseverance, and faith. 

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

2nd Timothy 4:7

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