‘You gave us what you did not get’ – Grace Nortey’s children pay tribute at funeral

Grace Nortey’s five daughters remembered her as a mother who gave them what she did not get growing up, a home filled with love, in a tribute read at her funeral on Saturday, October 31, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.

The veteran actress, known as Maame Gyata, died on August 26 at the age of 89. She lost both her parents early and grew up with different relatives, her children said, and they thanked God for giving her to them as their mother.

The children, Vida Enchill, Andriana Nortey, Barbara Tabi, Sheila Nortey and Rita Nortey, recalled that she made sure they learned to cook, clean, do laundry, iron and look after a home.

“Growing up, you made sure we learned how to cook, clean, do laundry, iron, and take care of a home. We would gather and learn and then take turns performing the different chores, whether we liked it or not,” they said.

They also recalled the times she disciplined them saying they now understand why it was necessary.

“And yes, Ma, you disciplined us when the need arose. You believed in training a child in the way he or she should go. At the time, the discipline was not always pleasant. But today we understand.”

She was married to their father in her teens, when he was in his twenties, and they stayed together until he died in his 70s. The daughters said she used that experience in counselling couples and those preparing for marriage, and became a sought-after Okyeame at engagement ceremonies.

Relationships mattered deeply to her, they said.

“You maintained close relationships with your sisters, your stepsisters, your brothers, cousins, aunties, uncles, in laws and friends. There always seemed to be one family gathering or another to attend, someone to visit, someone to support, or someone you had welcomed into your home. You were always hosting, helping or playing a part in raising someone from the family or among your friends.”

The children said she discovered her passion for radio and acting while working with the Ghana Education Service, and pursued it fully after she retired. Some of them practised her scripts with her at home before she went on set.

Her career, they said, gave her many more children, as people came to see her as a role model.

The funeral rites continue on Sunday, November 1, with a thanksgiving service at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Osu.