In memoriam Clara Ejoru

To our bewilderment and unspeakable sadness last Thursday our dear friend and beloved student, Clara Ejoru passed away at the intensive care unit of the Maastricht Academic Hospital.
Last September, at the age of 54, Clara, mother of four children, grandmother and an experienced Primary Health Care Nurse left the Ugandan district where she was working to join this years Master of Public Health course.

She stood out from the beginning as a woman of great strength and ability - with life and work experience matched by nobody in her group. When Clara spoke, everyone was interested. She talked about the reasons she was so determined to complete this study. One reason was her commitment to finding the best ways for Uganda to fight malaria. Another reason was to set an example for her children, about whom she spoke often, as well as for the people of Uganda. She wanted to show that a person should never stop striving for knowledge and new insights, especially when there is the chance to diminish the suffering of one’s people.

Clara had no difficulties with ‘people skills’. In the MPH groups she was open and cheerful and committed; she warmed to people very naturally, and they warmed to her. Her main challenge was not the people, not the MPH course - but computers. She had virtually no previous experience with the use of computers and had to learn it all ‘from scratch’. She did this with humour and determination, though it added an extra challenge for her along with the heavy schedule of the MPH. At each new achievement she shared her joy and pride with those around her. Her positive way of overcoming difficulties set an example for all of us. She taught us that there is no end to the strength of a dedicated woman.

Clara was not only devoted to her study and her people. She was a devoted to her religion as well. She was a Roman Catholic and an active member of the Christian Charismatic Movement, who also showed a deep respect and interest in other religions and other ways of life. Remembering Clara’s deep faith consoles us, who remain behind. We are sure that even though far from her home and the people she loved, Clara would have felt close to God during her last hours.

Clara, we will miss you. Our memories of you - your commitment, your energy and personal warmth will remain with us. You will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with you and with your family.

Students and staff of the International Master of Public Health

The funeral service will take place in Uganda. We invite you to a service in Clara’s commemorance on Wednesday January 25th at 2 p.m. in the Meditation Centre (Stiltecentrum) of the Academic Hospital Maastricht. Prior to the commemorance service, between 13.30 and 14.00 hours, is a possibility to pay a last respect to Clara in the mortuary of azM.


*fotonya saya yang ngambil di depan gedung Prof.Debylan. waktu itu saya bilang "lihat, kamu cantik sekali Clara." Hiks, ga nyangka kelak akan dipake untuk upacara pemakamannya. Ga mau lagi deh ngambil-ngambil foto close up gitu ....