Kahsai Zerai Maasho

Son of a forestry officer, he grew up and was schooled in various places across the country, including Segenaiti, Keren, Nakfa, Halhal, Dankur, Gindae and Asmara. This exposure to a range of cultures and communities enriched his childhood in many ways, most tangibly, the opportunity to learn multiple languages. In addition to Tigrigna, Memher Kahsai spoke Tigre, Arabic, English, Italian and Amharic with admirable fluency.

Teaching became his lifetime calling. He taught in Massawa, Berkito, Senafe, Adi Hadid, Adi Kaieh, Dekemhare and Agordat. In the last part of his career, he moved to the Ministry of Education and worked in Asmara. He loved his students as though they were his own children. He loved and honoured being Memher Kahsai.

At the end of his career, and for the rest of his life in Asmara, Memher Kahsai was an active and proud member of Mahber Deraa and Mahber Aaret organising and advocating for the needs of his birthplace.

More than anything, he was a family man. For 52 years, he was married to Weizero Letedawit Tesfamariam Habtezghi. Together, they had 8 children, Lemlem, Zekarias, Amanuel, Tewelde, Efrem, Freweini, Tsegereda and Tesfu. Out of his eight children, four took up the struggle for Eritrean independence, two of whom fought for years in the National Service and two left the country. As a result, along with Mama, Baba missed his children for many years, but graced with their safe return, they were given a second chance to be parents to all of their children.

The last 16 years without Mama, his lifetime partner, were not easy, but he lived in gratitude for all that he did have. The grandfather of 20 children and great-grandfather of 2 girls, Baba was blessed with so much love and care for and from his beloved wife, children, family, and friends.

We are grateful to all our spouses for the way they have loved and cared for Baba. His love for the sons and daughters he gained through marriage was as if they were each his very own.

His sons Tewelde and Efrem, together with their loving and much loved wives, Tigisti and Zewdi, created a home away from home for Baba and our whole family in Charlotte, North Carolina. This has become the secure centre where Baba and all his children and their families could join in times of happiness and celebration.

Baba was a teacher and a storyteller who loved to listen and learn to the end of his life. Watching the news and sports without Baba will never be the same.

Memher Kahsai, you were one of nature’s true gentlemen. Forever in our hearts, you will be loved and remembered always. Reunited with Mama, may your soul rest in eternal peace.

Surrounded by his family, Memher Kahsai Zerai Maasho, passed away on November 24, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

"I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live" - John 11:25

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com for the Zerai Maasho family.