With deep sorrow and humble submission to the will of God,

We announce the passing of

Aged 72
Nana Helena Akohene-Mensah
NANA
Helena Akohene-Mensah
March 1954  –  March 2026
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
There is more than enough room in my Father's home.
When everything is ready, I will come and get you,
so that you will always be with me where I am."
John 14:1–3  ·  NLT

ALL FRIENDS AND SYMPATHIZERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED

A Note from the Family

To everyone who has found their way to this page — whether you knew Nana closely or were simply touched by her from a distance — we want you to know that your presence here means more to us than words can fully express.

Nana was many things to many people. To us, she was the heartbeat of our home. She was the woman who made every room feel warmer, every table feel fuller, and every person who walked through her door feel like they belonged. That was not something she performed — it was simply who she was. A woman of open hands, open arms, and an open heart.

She never saw people as clients or customers. To Nana, everyone was family — an extension of her own. Whether you came through her door for business or for community, you left feeling seen, cared for, and known. That was her gift. And it was effortless.

If you ever had the privilege of being in her presence, you know what we mean when we say her smile could change the atmosphere of a room. Her laughter was contagious — the kind that starts somewhere deep and pulls everyone around her in. And her presence — there is truly no other word for it — her presence was a grace. You always knew when Nana had arrived, and you always felt it when she left.

Her faith was not a footnote to her life. It was the foundation of it. She loved God deeply, lived that love out loud, and trusted Him even when life was hard. Psalm 91 was her anchor — and watching how she held onto it taught us more than any sermon ever could.

She shaped us. She challenged us. She loved us in ways we are still discovering now that she is gone. And we take comfort — real, solid comfort — in knowing that the same God she trusted is the One who has welcomed her home.

We are grateful you are here. We are grateful for every prayer, every message, every photo shared, every mile travelled to honour her. None of it is lost on us.

Celebrate her well. Grieve freely. And know that Nana would have wanted both.

With love and gratitude,
The Akohene-Mensah & Buah / Boah Family

Understanding a Ghanaian Homecoming

A Celebration, Not Just a Farewell

In Ghanaian tradition, a funeral is not merely a ceremony of mourning — it is a profound and joyful celebration of a life fully lived. Rooted in the belief that death is a transition and not an end, the homegoing of a loved one is honoured with gathering, music, colour, and the shared stories of a community. Nana's services reflect this beautiful tradition: days of viewing, worship, burial, and celebration, each holding its own sacred meaning.

Laying in State & Viewing

The laying in state allows family and friends to pay their respects in a personal and intimate way. It is a time of quiet presence — of sitting with grief and gratitude alike. Family have a dedicated hour first, followed by an open viewing for all who wish to attend and honour Nana.

The Funeral Service

The funeral service is the centrepiece — a time of worship, prayer, and testimony. Stories are told. Songs are sung. Scripture is read. We give thanks to God for the life He loaned us in Helena Akohene-Mensah, and we trust Him with her eternity.

Celebration of Life

Following the burial, the community gathers once more — this time with food, fellowship, and the full weight of memory and gratitude. In Ghanaian culture, this gathering is a feast of honour. Come ready to share a story, lift a glass, and celebrate Nana well.

Thanksgiving Service

The weekend closes with a Sunday Thanksgiving Service — a worship gathering where the family returns to God in gratitude for a life that glorified Him. The white dress code speaks of purity, peace, and the resurrection hope that anchors everything we believe. We leave not just in mourning, but in praise.

Obituary

With deep sorrow and profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch, Nana Helena Akohene-Mensah, who departed this life peacefully on March 22, 2026, at the age of 72.

At a Glance
Born
March 14, 1954
Boko, Kumasi Region, Ghana
Called to Glory
March 22, 2026
Aged 72
Parents
Afua Sarpong & Robert Boah
Beloved Husband
George Akohene-Mensah
Over 50 years of marriage
Sons
Samuel, Emmanuel,
Paul & Richard
Favourite Scripture
Psalm 91

Nana Helena was born on March 14, 1954, in Boko, Kumasi Region, to her loving mother, Afua Sarpong, and father, Robert Boah. She was raised within a large and extended family, surrounded by many siblings and relatives — a foundation that shaped her deep understanding of community, connection, and shared responsibility.

Known to many simply as Nana, she was a woman of strength, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She carried a presence that was both warm and commanding — a woman whose life was marked by generosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others.

She was a pillar within both the Ottawa and Ghanaian communities, consistently showing up with love, wisdom, and a willingness to uplift those around her. Alongside her beloved husband, George, with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage, Nana Helena co-founded and operated NaNa's Fashion and Beauty Supplies for nearly three decades. Through this work, she not only built a business but also created a space of connection, culture, and care for many in the community.

Above all, Nana Helena was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Her home was a place of welcome, her hands were always open to give, and her heart was deeply invested in the well-being of her family and community.

Though her passing was unexpected, we take comfort in knowing that her life was rich in love, impact, and purpose. Nana Helena found deep comfort in the Word of God, and held closely to her favourite scripture, Psalm 91 — a reflection of her faith and trust in God's covering and protection.

Her Legacy

"Nana Helena Akohene-Mensah will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on — in her family, in her community, and in the countless lives she touched."

Order of Services

FridayMay 8, 2026

Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery · 3700 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa, ON K2C 3H2

5:00 PM
Viewing
Closes at 9:00 PM
Dress Code: Black
SaturdayMay 9, 2026

Multiple locations · See details below

10:00 AM
Viewing
Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery · 3700 Prince of Wales Dr
Dress Code: Black
11:00 AM
Funeral Service
Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery · 3700 Prince of Wales Dr
Concludes at approximately 1:00 PM
Dress Code: Black
1:00 PM
Burial
Dress Code: Black
6:00 PM
Celebration of Life
Layla Banquet Hall · 6179 Perth St, Richmond, ON K0A 2Z0
Black Black + Red
SundayMay 10, 2026

Living Praise Ministries · 18 Cleopatra Dr, Nepean, ON K2G 0B3

11:00 AM
Thanksgiving Service
Living Praise Ministries · 18 Cleopatra Dr, Nepean
Concludes at approximately 1:00 PM
All White White + Black

Live & Recorded Streams

Whether you are in Ottawa or across the world, you can be present with us. Each service will be streamed live and available to replay.

Saturday · May 9
Funeral Service
Begins 11:00 AM ET · Capital Funeral Home
Stream link coming soon

The funeral service stream will be posted here. Plan to join us from wherever you are.

Saturday · May 9
Celebration of Life
Begins 6:00 PM ET · Layla Banquet Hall
Stream link coming soon

The Celebration of Life stream will be shared here. We want everyone to be part of it.

All streams will be hosted on YouTube. No account is needed to watch. Links will go live approximately 15 minutes before each service begins. Recordings will remain available after the events.

The Language of Colour

In Ghanaian tradition, what we wear speaks before we do. Each colour carries a meaning — a message to the departed and to one another.

Red

Red speaks the language of the heart — of pain that cannot be hidden and grief that runs deep. It honours the weight of this loss, the shock of separation, and the intensity of a love that does not let go easily.

Pain Intense Mourning Shock
Black

Black is the colour of reverence. To wear it is to bow — to say, with your whole person, that this life mattered, that this woman was worthy of your highest honour. It is solemn, dignified, and deeply respectful.

Honour Respect Dignity
White

White is the colour of Sunday — of resurrection and rest. When we gather in white, we are not saying goodbye. We are saying: she has won. This is not a funeral. This is a homecoming celebration.

Victory Celebration Peace

Friday & Saturday  (Viewing, Service, Burial)  —  Black

Saturday Evening  (Celebration of Life)  —  Black  or  Black + Red

Sunday  (Thanksgiving Service)  —  All White  or  White + Black

Travel & Accommodation

Nearest Airport

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (YOW)

1000 Airport Parkway, Ottawa, ON K1V 9B4
613-248-2000

Approximately 20–25 minutes from the funeral home. Taxis, rideshares, and car rentals are all available at the terminal.

Get directions →

Where We're Staying

The family has arranged for out-of-town guests to stay together at one location:

Please contact the family for group booking details and rate information.

Getting Around Ottawa

  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft both operate across Ottawa
  • Taxi: Blue Line Cab — 613-744-1444
  • Car rental: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis & National at YOW
  • OC Transpo: Ottawa transit — octranspo.com

Richmond (Celebration of Life) is approximately 30 minutes southwest of Ottawa by car.

Key Venue Addresses

Connect with the Family

Share a memory, a word of comfort, or a tribute to Nana. Your message will be received and cherished by the family.

Leave a Message

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Have a question about the services, travel, or anything else? Submit it here and the family will respond as soon as possible.

Ask a Question

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Photo submission deadline: Friday, April 25, 2026
Photos submitted before this date will be considered for inclusion in the memorial slideshow. Please share only photos where Nana is present. Thank you.

Do you have a photo with Nana that captures who she was? We are building a slideshow tribute to be shown at the Celebration of Life. Share your photo with us below.

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From the Family

Thank You

To everyone who has called, written, prayed, travelled, and stood beside us — your love has carried us through every moment of this. Nana touched more lives than she ever knew, and every act of kindness you have shown is a reflection of who she was.

We are deeply grateful. We will see you in Ottawa.

— The Akohene-Mensah & Buah / Boah Family

An Act of Love

Memorial Giving

Nana lived a life of generosity — always giving, always making room for others. If you feel moved to honour her memory in a tangible way, the family welcomes any contribution toward the costs of bringing her home and celebrating her life well.

There is absolutely no obligation. Your presence — whether in person or from afar — is the greatest gift you could offer.

E-Transfer
Interac e-Transfer
Send to the family email address. Please include "Nana Memorial" in the message.
ournanahelena@gmail.com
In Person
At the Services
A tribute envelope will be available at the Viewing and the Celebration of Life for those who prefer to give in person.