Aster Mengsha was born in the village of Cherkos Sebeka in Gondar on April 23, 1960. She was the 4th child born of Abahoy Terefe Mengesha & Emahoy Mebrate Mekonnen Hailu. She attended Tsadiku Yohannas School in Gondar. In 1984 she left Ethiopia to go to the Sudan & moved to the United States in 1985. She married her best friend Daniel Tekilu on August 28 1993. She worked several jobs before opening Abyssinia Restaurant in October of 2001.
From a very young age, Aster was a strong willed and independent person. Her responsibilities were in many ways seemingly infinite; however, her resolve to carry them out were just as well. She took pride in being a successful homemaker. She was the glue that kept the family together. She was a fulltime wife, mother, sister, friend and much more to many she touched with her warm embrace, smile and love. Aster loved to do many things but that which she cherished most was spending time with her family and catering to them above all others. She worked hard to make certain her children are sent to the best schools in order for them to succeed. Aster was the first in her family to come to America and she ensured the safe passage of her brothers and sisters. She was hardworking, intelligent, thoughtful and loving. Her love and her life will continue to be the work of her family. She went too fast and too soon, but she is and always will be loved.
Her father Terefe Mengesha, brother Major Adnew Terefe Mengesha and sister Senayt Terefe Mengesha preceded Aster in death. Aster is survived by her husband Daniel Tekilu; her two children, daughter Herut and son Simmon Tekilu; two brothers Gedlu and Destaw Terefe Mengesha; and two sisters Alemnesh (husband Solomon Abebe) and Yeshiwork Terefe Mengesha (husband Ephrem Getahun). She is also survived by Alemnesh and Solomon’s children whom she raised in unison; Moses Abebe, Joseph Abebe, and Mahlet Abebe. Aster passed of a sudden illness on April 3rd 2014 leaving a family that loved her immensely.
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