Obituaries

I am so very sorry for your loss. Dieta came into my life recently in December 2020. A small group of current and former Pearson host families wanted to make this Christmas a little bit warmer for the Pearson students in lockdown; Fatma Dogus gave Dieta my phone number and over the very busy and manic days before December 23rd, we still found time to chat. Dieta participated enthusiastically in the planning of what to do and how to do it and insisted on sending a financial contribution. We were delighted to welcome her as a fully-participating member of our hastily convened team. Although a personal meeting was first delayed and now, forever denied because of the pandemic, I had hoped to visit her one day and tell her all about our little "gift" that brought so much joy to youngsters far from home, many of whom, by then, had not seen their families in 18 months. I will remember always our brief friendship. Like everyone else whose life she touched, I was charmed by Dieta's concern for others, her commitment to service and her enduring love for Pearson College and its constantly evolving population. She shared so many many happy memories of her involvement with the generations of students whose lives she touched and who touched hers. Her life of generosity and joy in giving is an inspiration. Today, the heavens have acquired one more angel.

I am very sorry for your loss. Tita was my hostmother from 1989 onwards. She was always of great support to me throughout all these years. I'm glad we had quite s few chances of meeting after I left Pearson College. Last time was in the summer of 2019, when I went to my 30 year reunion, and the summer before that my husband and I stayed with her in View Street. It is still hard to believe she is gone for her light is still shining and I can still feel her presence. Her last words to me, from just a few weeks ago, still resonate in my years.