Obiturary

In MN, many hailed late Liberian-U.S. based nurse as virtuous, resilient, competent & caring woman

James Fasuekoi

By James Kokulo Fasuekoi|Editor-Publisher

Liberia-U.S. trained nurse’s educational journey home first took her through iconic colleges such as L.T.I. and B.W.I. where she specialized in accounting before graduating as Midwife in the Phebe School of Nursing.

Adjectives such as “virtuous,” “resilient,” “competent,” and “caring” were words used repeatedly by loved ones, friends and co-workers to describe late Florence Patience Kaine Kpakelipaye.

Born October 14, 1968, in Sanoyea, Liberia’s central Bong County region, unto Hon. Momo Kaine and Burnice Kaine, she worked 23 years at one of the state’s largest medical centers, Hennepin County Medical Center in Minnesota. 

Staffers from Minnesota’s Hennepin County Medical Center giving tributes Friday night during wake-keeping.

At Patience’s wake keeping held at Christ the River of Life Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Friday night, about 25 of the deceased’s co-workers at the HCMC, lined up next to her coffin and took turns giving personal testimonies about their late colleague.

Always soft-spoken and calm, even in chaotic situations, they said, Patience always treated her patients well, looking out for them and advocating in their best interest. 

Family joined by other mourners at the wake-keeping Friday night.

Alumnus from Lutheran Training Institute (L.T.I.) in Lofa County, Liberia, where she previously attended school, plus Phebe Lutheran Hospital in Gbarnga, Bong County where she served as nurse early on before moving to the U.S., all gave touching tributes, praising the deceased.

“Though sad, but where Florence is going, there’s hope; no more pain, no more stress or hard work nor sorrow!” remarked one man.

Patience passed away July 16, 2023 in Minnesota, following a protracted period of illness. Her remains were interred this afternoon in Minnesota, USA.

She was a devout worshiper with Christ the River of Life Lutheran Church for many years and a participant in the church’s choir. The church’s pastor, Rev. Steve Grove gave “Words of Encouragement” on behalf of his church.

Hymns sung included: Precious Lord, take my hand; God be with you till we meet again; Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine; Swing low, sweet chariot and Rock of Ages. 

Patience leaves to mourn her husband, children and many beloved relatives including Sister Ellena Kaine George currently in Minnesota, USA.

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