TRIBUTE TO MRS OLUFUNLAYO OLAITAN
A WOMAN OF GRACE
You earned my admiration and respect the first time I saw you address the children of Fountain School on the assembly line before the classes began. You were beautiful. You stood tall, straight and graceful.
Your walk and talk were graceful, not only to the many children that passed through you (including our own three), but also to parents who sometimes could be troubled and agitated by so many things that they acted ungraciously. I witnessed such an occasion – you stood gracefully but firmly with all confidence. You had a sense of what was right and proper.
Your surrounding was graceful too – the School compound and your office were proofs. Sometime later, when opportunity for a visit came, I saw the grace in your home – tastefully but simply furnished. It was beautiful and I admired and respected you more.
Many years later, we found ourselves at the Chapel of the Healing Cross. There, again, your graceful spirit opened and welcomed us. You remembered our children. You asked for each of them.
I saw you remained in the background, worshiping God in your quiet way. Always, you sat near your bosom friend ( Mrs Ogundipe) during worship, sometimes wearing the same apparel. You radiated love, warmth and joy.
It was like you had a perfect life, yet NOT SO, because you were human after all. You had your ups and downs; in it all, you found your strength in God, through your quietness and confidence in Him. Contentment was written all over you – that was another attribute I loved. No gift given to you as too small. You appreciated all expressions of love.
Years later, I became a clergy wife. I asked you how it would be in the Chapel. You asked me to pray and trust God and obey Him. You said God will grant me wisdom.
You were generous to a fault. You, together with Prof, stood by us in sorrow and joy.
At Prof’s departure, you were grieved but graceful. You said God’s grace was keeping you up. We saw that in action. At one of our visits, you asked me to be your ‘special friend’. I felt humbled and privileged. However, I didn’t do that well enough. I wished you had lived many more years. God has had His way.
Surely you loved Jesus (your Saviour and Lord) and He saw you through. Even in death – YOU WERE GRACEFUL. We thank God for you, Ma. Rest in peace.
Wuraola Kuti (Mrs)
A TRIBUTE TO MRS. OLUFUNLAYO OLAITAN (MAMA FOUNTAIN) -
MY MENTOR, COUNSELLOR, FRIEND, AND SISTER
A teacher of all teachers, a wonderful administrator, a disciplinarian, a counsellor, modest and elegant friend goes home to her Maker. I served in her school as a class room teacher, a supervisor and headmistress for thirty one years. Working with Mrs. O. Olaitan in the Fountain School was like going through another College of Education where I was reshaped and remodeled for excellence, and resourcefulness. She never spared anyone for correction, admonition and counseling. Every one must be on her toes for self enhancement and the good image of the school.
Mama was an embodiment of love, kindness and tender-heartedness. She was accommodating and always shared comforting and reassuring words of advice with all those who came around her. She quietly took care of the down trodden, the poor and the needy. She gave scholarships to children and never made these good deeds public because she was not a noise maker. She appreciated any little gift and kindness shown to her.
She knew the children of the Fountain School by name and monitored their progress to adulthood. She encouraged hard work, excellence in performance and made sure the teachers got the best out of the children. She was a tireless administrator who coordinated all aspects of the school work harmoniously. She never relented in her effort to achieve success in everything she put her hand to do. She instilled the spirit of honesty in all her Fountain children and also encouraged them to be hardworking and self disciplined.
God blessed Mama with the gift of attracting and sustaining the loyalty of her teachers and keeping them working together as a team inspite of several attempts to lure the teachers away to other neighboring schools. Thus Mama succeeded in maintaining a continuity of service of most of her teachers and this contributed immensely to raising the tone of Fountain School.
The work relationship brought our families together as friends. She touched our lives as a family in so many ways. When, for instance, our first son was admitted in LUTH, the husband and herself informed their best friend who was a Consultant and his team to see to the welfare of our son. They regularly visited and monitored his progress until he was discharged from the hospital. She showed very keen interest in the welfare of our children and grandchildren. She personally attended the weddings of all our children. Her advice, encouragement, prayers and above all, the love which she showered on us cannot be forgotten. She never forgot my birthdays during which cards and gifts were always sent through my grandson, even when I had retired from her school.
A sweet mother, caring grandma, noble friend and sister, adieu. Continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord. Amen !
MRS. EZIHE ADANMA IKERIONWU.
Auntie, you were arguably the most graceful woman, i'd ever come across. You were noble, graceful, and elegant. You were a blessing to those around you, and to the numerous Bamwo's that attended The Fountain School. You were a great godmother who without fail made sure i got a turkey every Christmas. I cannever forget the day you arrived at our place in November 1991, and said "you have 5 minutes to get ready. I am taking you start at Yaba College of Technology".
You will never be forgotten, and i pray that i can show a tenth of the kindness you showed to many. I have no doubt you are "walking the streets of gold", and fellowshipping with the angels. God bless you, and thank you for leaving a great legacy.
Sewun Israel-Bolarinwa (Lulu)
