Tributes

To my dear cousin Selasie,

I cannot believe I am writing this tribute so soon. I thought we would see each other for several more years. I have fond memories especially of our childhood growing up in Mitcham. I remember you taking me shopping, places to eat including being out there together and bonding.

I also have fond memories of coming to your house which you shared with your mother. We spent time in your bedroom just to catch up and have a good time. One memory that stands out is when we composed a song on the piano for my little sister Chrisma when she was crying to make her stop.

I remember our last conversation where we spoke via FaceTime, and you asked how I was and when we would meet again; little did I know that there would not be another time.

I am glad you enjoyed your life; you worked and lived life to the fullest. I know you believed in God, and believe that as you were prayed for in your last moments; you are now in heaven looking down relieved of all the pain you have been through.

You were a bubbly and fun character and I know we will meet again.

Lots of Love

Emmanuel Baiden

With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy departed servants, Rochel, where there is neither sickness nor sorrow nor sighing, but life everlasting. Amen.

Remember, O Lord, the souls of Thy departed servants Rochel and of all her kins according to the flesh. Also remember all those of our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection and of the life eternal, and render unto them eternal memory.

May your memory be eternal + 

I’m filled with gratitude for the friendship we shared, a friendship that started in the most unexpected way.

We first met at Brunel University, and to be honest, our initial interactions were a bit frosty. We were both strong-willed, passionate about our studies, and perhaps a little too competitive at times. But as the days went by, those frosty beginnings melted away, and we discovered in each other a kindred spirit.

We became inseparable, and it wasn’t long before you showed me the generous, loving, and hilarious person you truly was. Rochelle you had a heart of gold, you were always there when I needed you, offering wisdom, support, and, of course, your infectious laughter. We shared countless late-night study sessions, celebrated each other's successes, and found in each other a friendship that was more like family.

Rochelle, you weren’t just a good friend—you were the best kind of friend. You knew how to make people feel valued and loved, and your sense of humor could brighten even the darkest of days. I will always cherish the memories we made, from those early days at university to the countless moments of joy and laughter we shared over the years.

You will be truly missed, Rochelle. It’s hard to imagine life without your smile, your kindness, your friendship. But I find comfort in knowing that you are now resting in peace, free from the worries and pain of this world.

Your memory will live on in my heart and in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know you. You were a blessing in my life, and I will carry your spirit with me always.

Rest in peace, dear "Roch". 

Until we meet again,

Abisola

Roch, Roch! Where do I even start?

I can't believe I am writing this.... We came so far, you done so well. I didn't see you much before 2023, and then you became the friend I saw most often during the past year. The daily lectures about you taking your medicine or you eating your food (you must have been thinking leave me alone!! Lol) Even during your painful moments, you'd see me and ask how my day was at work, and ask what I would be doing on the weekend. Infact, even during your final hours you asked me if I was ok, I was shocked lol, but that was you.... You always asked of others even when you had bigger issues to deal with.

I always used to tell people that you were hilarious, there was never a dull moment when we all went out. With your off key singing mixed with the wrong lyrics to songs, you were always up for a laugh and brought joy to those who were around you.  I miss visiting you throughout the week but I am also glad you are no longer in pain. You're in a better place and I take comfort in that. Rest well Roch, till we meet again x

P.s.... We will always look after your mum because I know you would fight us if we didn't.

Love from Claudia x 

A beautiful soul walked through the doors of Wandsworth Social Services and we became friends. She said I was drawn to you because I realized you were different and likewise I was drawn to her as she was a gem. 

Rochelle was a beautiful soul, we discussed, families, travels, aspirations amongst so many other things. She was such a kind person and I could look for my Shea butter,  black soap or something from  her travels to Ghana.

She was a very spiritual person, and would often say Gloria every morning that God send I pray for these families and my job.

We do not mourn as if we do not have hope but we believe in the blessed resurrection in Christ.

Rest well my friend , so unfortunate we didn't get to make the trip to Jamaica.

Love you endlessly, 

Gloria Jackson  Delisser 

Romans 14:8

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we  belong to the Lord.”

Rochelle, our niece was beautiful inside out and full of sunshine. Everyone was fond of her. She had a special characteristic and we will use the word ‘amusing’ to describe that characteristic. That was Rochelle’s mood most of the time and to us, that was a positive state of mind. She was full of humour and life and such fun to be with. The times we spent with Rochelle will forever be cherished.

Rochelle was intelligent and multi talented. She was a great impressionist. She had a passion for drama and literature and I (Auntie Jackie) remember suggesting to her mum to let her audition for EastEnders.

Rochelle loved children. It did not come as a surprise to us at all when she decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work and specialise in children. She excelled as a Social Worker and touched the lives of the people she encountered With her big personality, humour and kindness.

Your death is crushing and shocking to us, the initial guilt of wishing we had done something, be it large or small that might have eased your suffering or even prevented your death still lingers. While we all mourn losing you, we find solace in knowing that, your suffering has ended.

Rochelle you are gone but to us, you still live in our memories and hearts. Like they say “God knows best.” The Lord has called you to be with him, who are we to prevent that. All we can say is rest in perfect peace Rochelle. 

Where do I start, what must I say about you Roch? Yes, I said ‘must’ as that would be your demand. Roch, I pay this tribute to you with a heart shattered into fragments. I take comfort that on each shard is a blessing of the ‘you’ that impacted my life in such a unique way. 

I recall the ease with which your ready smile was the beacon of light that drew me to you. I remember too, how your zest for life and your compassion cemented a rare friendship divided by age and life experiences. Roch, I write today as the ‘aunty’ you adopted and whose life was enriched by your very presence. I write today as an older woman strengthened by your presence, resolve and respect. I write today as the mother of the men you met fleetingly, and who silently grieve your passing. I write today as the manager who applauded your drive, determination, dedication and professionalism. I write today as I vision you now, carefree, pain free, spirit filled and resplendent in paradise. I write today secure in the knowledge that you travel in light and freedom illuminating the path as you embark on this final journey. 

In life you made me cry with laughter Roch, I remember those silly moments of pure stupidity and joy. Now I cry for the hole you’ve left in my heart, in my life, for the loss of ridiculously lengthy designer led conversations, for the loss of your total embrace of life, for a loss so unimaginable that it is overwhelmingly suffocating. 

Fly high Roch, fly in freedom hun. Your work here is done and I am so grateful that you chose to share a small part of your adventures in life with me. I will miss you hun xx 

Roch, thing is in a situation like this I would come to you and you would go into work mode and ask me a 100 and 1 questions about I feel and after some time and would crack and find the right words. 

But it’s just me and can’t find the right words so I all will say is

I thank you for being not only a good friend but my sister. When I needed advice, a counsellor, wing woman or just some space you were there I will cherish all the laughs, memories and dramas we had over the years from young teens to adults. I miss you goodnight until we meet again sis. 

Man like J 

Dear Roch

I've taken so long to write this tribute as I still cannot believe what has happened. This does not feel real, but writing this tribute has made me face the reality that you are no longer here.

I am going to miss you so much. Scrolling through voicenotes makes me smile as I can hear your voice and the jokes we shared usually about work or some general madness.

I can honestly say you are a true, true friend- funny, caring and compassionate. I'm honoured to have you as a friend and sister.

Roch, my Helvadere date buddy until we meet again, sleep well.

Love you , from Dara  

My beautiful Roch,

Your company unmatched, your laughter infectious, your worth ethic second to none, beautiful inside and out and loved by many.

Your 36 years on Earth, you lived life on your terms, loved the finer things in life, treated yourself regularly and welcomed the soft life. 

Thank you for always being a listening ear and for all the unforgettable memories. 

I love and miss you dearly.

Eshe 💗 

Roch, I’ve never imagined a version of this world where you aren’t in it. You have been a constant feature throughout my life; from seeing you and Aunty Eileen walking on London Road knowing we were linked by Ghana, to us regularly planning what food we would share and enjoy, to singing ‘Anytime’ and ‘Aso’ at the top of our voices, to you not being at your best and us all trusting it would turn around. You were so strong and you showed me that miracles can happen. 

In everything you were truly my family. When people most needed someone, you showed up, and I am grateful beyond words that we were able to be that for each other. I am going to miss your humour Rochelle and it is so sad that for a season we won’t get to laugh together, but I know that you are lining up the banter for when we meet again. Thank you for being a little sister, a good friend, a kind daughter, a committed wind-up merchant, and a truly funny soul to the core. One of one. 

I think the best we can do now is live the way you would want us to; belly full, laughing out loud, listening to music, with a cocktail in hand, sharing the good times we had with you our dear Rochelle. Love you homie, I am going to miss you until forever. 

Kay 

I met Rochelle in 2017 when I started my social work journey. She offered to let me shadow her, Rochelle had a positive aura. Her smile and laughter were contagious. It made people gravitate towards her.

Roch was an amazing soul. She was kind and funny, and it has not set in that Rochelle is not here with us. I miss her laughter and being able to talk to her about most things.

Rochelle was loved by everyone who crossed her path. She lived on her own terms, and I loved her for that. I am thankful to have known Rochelle. It is with sadness that her journey was cut short.

I miss your laughter, your jokes, rest well Roch, 💜,  All my prayers are with you on your next journey. 

To my darling Roch,

You were and always will be one of a kind ❤️. We had a friendship that will forever mean the world to me…Thank you for bringing me huge amounts of laughter and also being someone I could confide in with many of life’s dilemmas…I hope I was also that for you! 

As I scroll through all our messages and voice notes I smile and tear up all at the same time…It warms my heart to know we shared some REAL GOOD TIMES and for that I will be forever grateful.

I miss you and I love you,

Nerissa 

Xoxo 

Rochelle, I do not know where to start. From the moment we met, we clicked and we connected on work, culture and much more. From that moment, our friendship blossomed and we regularly touched base about life and our conversations were never dull. I would be laughing so much and normally my battery would die and we recharge and go again. I will truly miss all the laughter's and the hours of conversations, reasoning, advice, the list goes on. I am  truly saddened you are no longer here. 

Roch Roch (as I would say) sleep well my dear friend. You are amazing, outgoing , beautiful, infectious and smart lady. 

Sleep well my hun 

Love always and forever in my heart. I will treasure our memories. 

Jade xx

It was always banta and late night calls when we met when we was 16/17. Not known to me my family knew you from when you was little. 

Roch, I still don’t know what to say or how to feel. We always spoke about music and when ever ild play our song ild tag you on insta and we would talk about what a tune it was.. You also spoke to me about some hopes and dreams and spent time picking my brain and pushing me to go for my dreams and hopes. I remember coming to see you at the hospital years ago when I came to know U was unwell. and the whole time I was there you asked me if I was okay.

In 2023 we spoke regular especially when you was in ghana we would stay up talking till early hours of the morning about everything and nothing. We was hoping to meet as you had extended your time in Ghana however we couldn’t as I was going straight to Kumasi.

From meeting you we was always in contact. Your singing always made me scream😂 I could write for ever however most will be our memories. Rest well Selasi. 

My Dear Friend Rochelle,

Words cannot truly capture the depth of sadness I feel. I miss so much about you; your infectious spirit, your determination, and your beautiful personality. We met as colleagues, but the friendship we built was a gift I will treasure forever. Developing such a meaningful bond with you came so naturally, and our time together at work was always filled with laughter. Our shared love for a good sense of humour got us through some of the tougher days, bringing light to even the darkest moments.

Thank you for being yourself and for being my friend. It’s still so hard to accept that I can’t just pick up the phone to hear your voice and share a laugh, but I am grateful for the time we had and the joy you brought into my life. You blessed me with your presence, and I will always carry that with me.

I love you dearly, Rochelle.

Forever your friend

Lizzie x 

Rochelle as I write this tribute, I can hear your laughter and see you smiling. It is hard to imagine that you've gone so soon

You are like a candle in the wind - your light shown brighter every where you went and left a trail of beautiful moments. Roch you were an amazing young person full of life and you enjoyed every moment of it as if you knew that your life would be short here on earth.

You will always be cherished my friend as loved ones are never gone - your spirit shine and you live on in our memories that never dies- for love lives on beyond goodbye. 

My darling Selasi,  

I don't have no words. You are the one I would call when I want to Laugh, You are the one I would call when I want to complain, You are the one I would call to go to bluewater, you are the one I would call to go to a restaurant, You are the one I would call before anyone and anything.

We looked forward to Christmas, we looked forward to Sunday Roast, We looked forward to driving to Ashford or Bicester Village, even sneaking out to go and buy ice-cream 😉- you was my enjoyment partner for everything ❤️

I've missed you so much and have no words.

I prayed for a sister and God sent me You. 

Until we meet Again, I love and miss you Roch xxx 

Beautiful Roch you will be missed so much, I will never forget your laughter and how funny you were fly high now angel. From Chevonne Jones. 

*Isaiah 57:1-2 (NIV)*

_The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death._

It is with great sadness I write this tribute - conflicted, confused, but nevertheless grateful for my eccentric, but always down to earth cousin. Selasi, was one of my closest cousins - spending many of our earliest birthdays together, growing up in church and the occasional summers. Hardly a fortnight would past were I wouldn’t see you post graduating from university.

You provided words of reason in my adolescent years, and were always around when I started to cook family meals. I enjoyed our chats as we grew older, bouncing ideas off each other during the writing of your dissertation (as we both enjoyed the social sciences).

Most of all

I’ll miss your silliness

I’ll miss your big smile

I’ll miss your larger than life character

I’ll miss your random visits to see Uncle Bill

I’ll miss opening my door, and knowing you were there because you always smelt nice and your perfume would always fill a room👌 

It’s sad to know that in the days of your illness, I wasn’t a stones throw away to give you the support, care and comfort you needed. I know you had your reasons, but it would never have been a problem, a burden or made me see you differently.

I’ll miss you Selasie..

Life's sunny hours flit by,

Gratefully, cheerily

Enjoy them as they fly!

What though Death at times steps in,

And calls our Best away?

What though sorrow seems to win,

O'er hope, a heavy sway?

Yet Hope again elastic springs,

Unconquered, though she fell;

Still buoyant are her golden wings,

Still strong to bear us well.

REGIE EPHSON (On behalf of the EPHSON Family) 

Dear Roch, I still can’t believe I’m writing this for you. We have great memories from our time in high school and your laugh and smile has never left my mind. Thank you for the memories. Rest in eternal peace. Mel xxx 

Though our time together was many years ago in High School, my memories of those moments are vivid. Rochel lived life with such an open and generous heart, a distinct laugh and infectious joy. A true sister who you could talk to about anything and she’d be willing to support you in whatever way she could. It’s no surprise Rochel went on to have such a caring and selfless career. It feels far too soon to say farewell.

Grief is not an easy road but the pain is evidence of how deeply we loved. May the Lord comfort Rochel’s loved ones. And sweet Rochel, may you rest in eternal peace. 

My Angel Rochelle 

I’ve struggled to put something together as I still can’t believe you are no longer with us in the physical. I am truly thankful for all the times we shared, all the laughter and jokes. I can still hear your laugh every time I think of you, your laugh and energy was so infectious, such a beautiful person in and out. I’m truly grateful for the time spent with you, you never failed to make me smile, a memory I will treasure forever. I miss you so much. Rest well babes until we meet again.

All my love, Andrea xx 

To my dear niece, whom I never had the chance to meet,

Though distance and circumstance kept us apart, you will always hold a special place in my heart. I regret not being able to witness your smile, share in your laughter, or offer guidance when needed.

Your life was a precious gift, and I'm grateful for the love and joy you brought to our family. May your memory continue to inspire and uplift those who knew you best.

In spirit, I embrace you, dear niece, and honor the love we shared through our family bond. May you rest in peace and watch over us from above.

With love and remembrance, journey well. May God receive your beautiful soul.

Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO 

We gather in heart and spirit to honor an infectiously, funny, and kind-hearted soul who brought so much joy to all who had the privilege to know her. Rochelle's bubbly presence lit up every room, her laughter was a balm to the weary, and her kindness touched the hearts of everyone in the community. Truly, we are at a great loss without her here with us. But heaven has gained an angel, and we take comfort in knowing their light shines brighter now in eternity.

Though our hearts ache, we hold on to the peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that she rests in the embrace of God’s everlasting love. The loss we feel is immense, not just for family and friends, but for the entire community, which will never be the same without her radiant presence.

In these moments of grief, we find solace in the words of the Psalmist:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

— Psalm 34:18

May this bring peace to all of us who mourn, and may the family find comfort in the knowledge that Rochelle is now cradled in God’s arms, where no sorrow or pain can ever touch her again.

With love and deep condolences,

Henrietta Haizel and the Haizel/Mensah family 

Hey Roch! We go far far back from we was knee high! You have always been a ball of energy in my life, inspiring and confident! Your jokes and your laugh were top tier.. aww girl! You will truly be missed, but will hold on to those memories.. until we meet again friend. Love always.. your childhood friend Melitta x