Christina A. Dwamena, a MedCure Whole Body Donor

Our bright-eyed, beautifully dimpled, tirelessly hardworking, selflessly devoted and kindhearted mother, aunt, sister, cousin and friend, passed peacefully to be with her Maker on December 3, 2021, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Lansing, with her sister (Ayaw) and brother (Ben) by her side.
 
Christina Akosua Asiedua Dwamena, endeared by “Sister Akos”, was the 6th of nine children born to the late Agyepong Dwamena and Salome Ofeibea Dwamena (née Adarkwa), both of Amanokrom, Ghana.  Her father’s profession as a police officer, necessitated frequent relocation across the length and breadth of Ghana. A fast learner, she became a speaker of multiple languages including Chokosi, which she spoke with her sister, Florence, throughout her life.

Following primary education in different regions of the country beginning at Amanokrom Presbyterian Primary School in 1959, Sister Akos attended the Kwahu-Mpraeso and Nungua Secondary Schools completing her post-elementary education in 1973.

Christina always had a desire to help others, enrolling in the Nursing program at the Ghana Psychiatric Hospital from 1974 to 1977. She then worked full-time at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital until 1999, when she relocated to the US, living with Ben and Francesca in their East Lansing home. She applied her nursing skills to the care of the elderly at the Timber Ridge Assisted Living of East Lansing until a few months before she succumbed to complications of Primary CNS Vasculitis.
 
Sister Akos was exceptionally neat, kept a very clean home and always wore primly pressed clothes. She enjoyed gardening and was known for cooking sumptuous meals. She was a woman of quietly deep Christian faith, very active in church from a very young age and often prayed:
“Refresh me Lord with your Holy Spirit; Take away my weariness and give me strength; Take away my despair and give me hope; Take away my fears and give me courage; Open my ears so that I may hear your gentle whisper.”

She is survived by her son, Dennis Asah Danquah, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 3 sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She will be missed dearly by her extended family and friends.

Sister Akos was celebrated with a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. on December 18, 2021, at the Greater Lansing First Assembly of God Church, 2717 West Rd., East Lansing, Michigan 48823.

Christina’s request to further medical studies with her own body is sui generis, first of a kind for our tradition and culture. But it is unsurprising, because that is Akos: the ultimate gift of herself for the advancement of mankind.