Edith Soita, a Kenyan native, has been with JBFC’s Joseph & Mary School Schools since our first year. She joined us in July 2010 as an early primary classroom teacher and immediately stood out for her professionalism, her caring and loving way with children, and her big toothy grin.
Ms. Edith, as she was known on campus, was promoted to help lead the primary school, helping to coach other teachers. When one of the JBFC girls needed to travel for medical attention, it was Edith who volunteered to go with her. She always cared for Vene and all of the children at Joseph & Mary Schools like they were her own. After almost a year abroad, Edith returned to her administrative post and helped start our new Office of Student Development as the primary school liaison.
Edith left her mark on our school, our family, and our hearts.
"Miss Edith was a light and force to be reckoned with on campus that will not easily be replaced,”
said JBFC’s CEO & Founder, Chris Gates.
“She will be greatly missed. No matter who you were- student, staff, guest, administrator, Miss Edith lightened your heart and made your day better every time you had a conversation with her. Her sense of humor and love for children was unmatched and it showed through her dedication to her students and our school. She leaves a big hole in our hearts and our school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family and her students during this difficult time."
JBFC’s Chief Operating Officer in Tanzania, Seth Diemond, echoed those sentiments.
"In addition to being one of the most caring, sweetest, and happiest individuals I have ever met, Ms. Edith impacted hundreds of people at JBFC and around the world, especially students,” Diemond said.
“Her kindest alone will be deeply missed on campus, but her work will carry on through the lives she changed. Our JBFC family lost a special Person today."
“Ms. Edith has been so integral to JBFC throughout the years,” said JBFC Administrative Director, Melinda Wulf.
“She was a true team player, doing whatever task at hand, always with a smile on her face. This became evident when she stepped up to take Veneranda to Ghana [for medical treatment] and never complained once about being away from her family and friends and life here in Tanzania. She had a great relationship with the students at Joseph and Mary, thanks to her nurturing spirit. She will be dearly missed by students and staff alike.”
“To meet Edith was to immediately love her,” said JBFC’s Chief Operating Officer in the U.S., Ashli Sims. “She was one of the first people I met when I visited JBFC for the first time. I remember seeing her in her classroom and watching how she captured the students’ attention and imagination. She was what we want every teacher to be. She will be sorely missed.”
Edith passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday morning in Kenya, surrounded by her family. She was 43.
