On Saturday, November 16, 2013, friends and family gathered at the Ottawa Church of God for a memorial in honour of the late Ileana Masello Princess Helena Kale (Nee Ramaila), a former member of the congregation. Mrs Kale passed away in the Washington DC area, on August 1st, following brave battle with cancer. Beloved wife of Dr. Buti Kale, Deputy Regional Representative with UNHCR in Washington, she also leaves to cherish her memory four children, Kgomotso Lerato, Ofentse, Omolemo; one granddaughter, Kopano; one sister, Rev M. Mankekolo Mahlangu Ngcobo and a host of other relatives and friends. Dr Kale attended the Ottawa memorial with his sons and friends who accompanied him from Washington. The moving tributes included testimonials from the OCG women’s group and the African gospel choir Mrs Kale led during her stay in Ottawa in the mid 2000s. The audience was also treated to a video presentation featuring African-themed fashion shows and a concert organized by Mrs Kale. Guests at the reception following the service included members of the local South African community as well as Dr Kale’s Ottawa-based UNHCR colleagues.
Submitted by Sarah Onyango
