It is with profound sadness that we pay tribute to one of Barbados’ angels, Dame Olga Lopes-Seale, who succumbed to illness at the age of 93 last Friday morning.
Auntie Olga, as she was affectionately called, has been associated with the Nation family for more than 30 of the company’s 37 years, furthering her life’s mission of helping people in need.
In her own unique way, Auntie Olga, who was also a well known radio broadcaster, has led a life as a shining example of courage, humility, generosity and compassion, never ceasing to help the dispossessed, disadvantaged and the destitute.
It therefore came as no surprise when she readily agreed to work with THE Nation’s Dear Christine column, and assisted by investigating the legitimacy of claims made in the letters and suggesting appropriate action.
Her annual Children’s Party, an offshoot of Barbados Rediffusion’s Needy Children’s Fund, was very much incorporated and intertwined with Dear Christine and thus also became another avenue from which she could respond to the numerous pleas for help from the less fortunate.
Auntie Olga also wrote Column To Cherish, which has featured consistently in our Sunday Sun since its introduction in 1979. This popular weekly column presented a collection of inspirational sayings and held its place in the Easy Magazine up until January 2 this year, when her last column was published.
Auntie Olga brought a unique passion and energy when it came to advocating for others, mobilizing support and actively helping those in need. Her exceptional humanitarian work is known so far and wide that most people agreed, especially those who had been beseeching Government on her behalf, that she was a Dame long before the honour was officially bestowed upon her in 2005.
On receiving her illustrious appointment, she remained humble and true to the spirit that has endeared her to both young and old and fuelled her commitment to make a difference, even at her advanced age.
She told one reporter: “Call me Dame Auntie Olga for sure. That is an order. Don’t you dare drop the ‘Auntie’.”
The management and staff of the Nation Publishing Co. Limited are very proud to have had such a long and fulfilling association with a national treasure such as Dame Auntie Olga.
Indeed, with her calm and poised demeanour, witty personality and unwavering commitment to service, she has left a shining legacy which will never be forgotten and which all of us should seek to emulate even if only in some small way. Dame Auntie Olga was a cherished member of our family and we are indeed privileged to be part of hers.
To quote Leo Tolstoy: “Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.”
Dame Olga Lopes-Seale truly understood and lived these sentiments to the benefit and appreciation of the countless individuals she touched during her life.
We would like to extend our sincerest and deepest condolences to her immediate family, other relatives and friends on her passing. May she rest in peace.