You were like an angel and a kind hearted Soldier who cared for everyone no matter the rank. You showed us what it means to be a female combatant Soldier and not to fear the worst.
You made us realise that working in the military was like a cell comprises of different units
You were very special to all of us and to me in general
I remembered sometime in 1979 when I just passed out from Military Training your first words to me was To be a soldier is not easy and if I can do it you will also do it. Go for it Amie. I never forget those words. May your dear soul of my dear Gallant Officer Major Lucy Kanu rest in perfect peace till we meet again SLA 18163194 Sanu Sesay AY

Capt Amie Y Sanu Sesay

A very pleasant personality, Sadly missed and may light perpetual continue to shine on her. Rest in perfect peace.

Matilda Macauley

When words are never enough.
Greatly missed. Rest in peace Lucy.

Dee Kavanagh

Lucy was such a lovely lady worked with her for many years at Kingston magistrates Court and then at Lavender Hill Magistrates she had a wicked sense of humor and I always remember teasing her about her Supermalt drink she used to have at lunchtime when I used to say to her she would would Super Mom, Super Admin later . she was such a hard worker and always instilled the same to her children and Mary and Abraham are a credit to her .. I will miss her smile and her laugh .

Su Cowdry

I will forever salute you Aunty Lucy.Because you have been always supportive to the Lowcost community.
Continue to Rest In Peace.

Francis Kebbie

My condolences to the Kanu family, may Lucy’s soul rest in peace. I will miss her dearly, such a lovely lady, always kind and patient.

Sonia Dublin

Dear Lucy Family
I paid today tribute to Lucy that I have known at Wimbledon Magistrate Court. I was employed there and myself I’m from Togo originally, French speaking country in West Africa.
Later, I was become close friend to Lucy, she told me she knows West Africa a bit and she has been in Ghana many times, and also at Akonssobo in Ghana.
Ghana is close country to my country Togo.

I have moved to another company at railway company, from there only we talk on phone, she want to come to my work place but the problem is that the company STM moved me through different train station every occasion but I still keep contact with Lucy and I always ask her if she will settle with me in my country Togo and live there…..

So to be honest, I just come to my country to do some business and later to London and meet her if possible to see if in next couple of years we can do something great and…..

But ALMIGHTY GOD decide otherwise, I accept GOD will.

Lucy Rest in Peace, I love and will love you forever

Mr Comlavi Sossavi

Through all the changes scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy
The praises of my God shall sing
My heart and tongue employ.

Rest in perfect peace Lucy and journey well.

Winnie Cummings-Coker

Lucy, sleep and take your peaceful rest. May your sweet soul rest in perfect peace and May her memory be a blessing to all.

Agatha Smythe

My sincere condolences to Lucy family so sorry for your loss. May Lucy RIP. God only takes the best first. Sleep in Eternal peace until we meet again.

Eleanor Elcock

I was so privileged to have known Lucy at Kingston and Lavender
Hill. A woman who was hard working and lived her life with dignity
And grace. Rest in peace dear Lucy . My thoughts and prayers
Are with your family

From Kamlesh Rana

Really I missed Lucy who had been hospitable and caring mother to the KANU family both home and abroad. As death is the only assurance we cannot deny I continue to pray for our Mother,aunt and nice for God’s mercy and also ask the family to take heart . Till we meet again

From Deen Fuad
Makeni
Northern Sierra Leone

I first met Lucy when the former Inner London Magistrates’ Courts Service merged with the Outer London Magistrates’ Courts. At that time, I was working at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court and Lucy was working at Kingston Magistrates’ Court. I had been assigned to a brand-new role, which involved conducting governance & assurance checks, and reporting, to ensure all courts worked the same and in accordance with policies and procedures.
Due to the nature of this new role, I was met with some resistance. However, from my very first visit to Kingston Magistrates’ Court, Lucy made me feel so welcomed. That beautiful, warm smile and often a silent nod of encouragement. Lucy always assisted me, where she could, with what I required to carry out my checks.
Eventually, Kingston Magistrates’ Court closed and Lucy moved to Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court. Lucy initially worked in the Pre-Court department and, in 2016, I was part of an interview panel, where Lucy successfully achieved a temporary Team Leader position, prior to being promoted to this role permanently.
I was Lucy’s manager during the period of her temporary Team Leader position. Lucy was very hard working; keen to learn the various elements of the role and to do well. Through working more closely with Lucy I noticed that she had a ‘no nonsense’ approach, to work and life, and a mischievous sense of humour. Sometimes, Lucy didn’t even have to say anything; something would happen, or be said, and I would look over at Lucy and see a glint in her eye, and we would just start laughing.
Due to our working hours, myself and Lucy worked later and were always the last managers on site. Before we left work, we would always check in on each other. One of my favourite memories of Lucy occurred during this later time of the day.
I had noticed that the area under Lucy’s eyes looked unusually dark. I spoke to Lucy and explained that I was a bit worried because I had never seen her eyes look like that before. Lucy listened to what I said and then she pulled a tissue from her pocket and started to wipe the area around her eyes. When Lucy moved the tissue away, it was full of smudged eye liner and Lucy said in a serious tone of voice, ‘this stupid cheap make up from Superdrug’. We both then looked at each other and started to laugh uncontrollably. I laughed about that for days after. Even now, despite my sadness, I still smile when I think about that moment.
Lucy was also extremely kind and thoughtful. I lost my Sister, suddenly, in 2015. When I first came back to work, Lucy took the time to come and see me, whilst we were working late. Lucy told me that she knew how I felt and she shared that she had also lost a Sister, unexpectedly. We both became very tearful, but Lucy gave me so many words of encouragement and reassurance that I wouldn’t always feel as bad as I did at that time. Thank you so much Lucy as your kindness meant so much to me and you were right.
In August 2020, I was about to go on two weeks annual leave. I checked in on Lucy, as we always did, to say goodbye. Lucy told me to enjoy my leave, get some rest and not to think about work. Little did I know that it would be the last time I saw Lucy.
Mary and Abraham, I never met you but your Mum always spoke so highly of you both. She was so proud of you and your achievements. I know there are no words I can say that can ease your pain, but I hope you will find some comfort knowing that your Mum was well loved and she had a positive impact on so many people, during her life journey. May God give you strength and encouragement to get through the difficult days ahead. Thinking of you and your extended family.
May Lucy rest in Perfect Everlasting Peace

Janet Inniss

Lucy was absolutely charming, always cheerful with and infectious smile that brightened any room. It was a privilege to have known Lucy may she rest in peace

David Mulholland J.P.
Chairman of Kingston Magistrates 2010 & 2011

Major Lucy Ndawa Kanu was an Officer, a Colleague and a Comrade in arms. Who was formerly attached to the Then Army Ordinance Services, Murray town Road, Murray town, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa.
We got to know you as the shy Lt.who is always quite very intelligent and caring. You always showed your soft side and shyness especially towards those you are not familiar with. To those who are not close to you feels you were not easy to talk to. To others you were very special
On behalf of the the entire members of the First Female Trained Combatant Soldiers 79 Squad and myself I express our heart felt sympathy to the children, the Ndawa and the Kanu families for their loss
To all those 79 squad members she worked with at Army Ordinance Services knows that Major Lucy Ndawa Kanu was a good listener and has a caring hear , moreover she was one of us. Even though as an officer she always looks at us as sisters and friends
To the children I say take heart and stay strong. God has his reasons for everything and he only knows why this happened. We should not question God and we should not doubt his ability in doing things.
To the Ndawa and Kanu families you have lost a daughter and a daughter in law but to the almighty God he has gained a loving and caring soul that he had created. Don’t cry no more because she has to go as her time has been written down in the book of life. We are left with good memories of her. Take heart and please stay strong and I believe God almighty will give us all the strength to carry on in life with our love one and especially our darling fondly known amongst us as just Lucy Ndawa always smiling even when the tough get going. May our favourite flower rest in perfect peace

FIRST FEMALE TRAINED COMBATANT SOLDIERS
79 SQUADRON

Lucy, Lucy, what can I say? You had so much to do, so much to give, taken from us so soon. You will be missed. Sleep and take your rest. Gone but not forgotten.

Ada Wilson-Jones

Lucy Kanu had a big smile and an even bigger heart. She was a kind and generous person who had a good sense of humour. I have laughed, and I have cried with Lucy, and I will always hold the memories of Lucy in my heart. Lucy and I had often talked about me visiting her in Sierra Leone, once she retired. It saddens me that this will never materialise.
Lucy will be forever remembered, forever missed, forever loved – Rest In Peace Lucy

Elaine Wilks

Major Kanu? I had no idea Lucy was an officer in the army and outranked me! It would have been my honour to have saluted her in person, as I do now.

I have such lovely memories of the Magistrates’ courts at Kingston, where we first met. Lucy worked diligently to support the work of HM court service and her cheerful efficiency helped to make it one of the best performing and happiest courts in London.

Moreover, Lucy participated in court social and extramural activities such as the London Legal Walk (LLW). Here is a picture showing Lucy standing next to the Lord Chief Justice with the team in 2009 – our first year in the event. Through individual sponsorships, our group raised an impressive £5,500 for the South West London law centre, which provides free legal advice to people without the means to do so. Thanks to the active support of people like Lucy, our LLW teams have gone on to raise over £29,000 for this worthy cause.

After the court amalgamations Lucy went on to work at Lavender Hill, where I know she will be sadly missed by all her work friends and colleagues. My sincere condolences to her family at this sad time.

Captain Matthew Preston JP

A Tribute to my Dear Friend and Sister Major Lucy Kanu

On that fateful day February 4th 2021 when Lucy graduated to Heaven, I woke up as usual trying to get ready for work. Got a weird text from Lucy’s older sister Mamie who is also my friend. Few minutes later Mamie called me sobbing uncontrollably and told me Lucy was gone. I shouted gone where? She replied she is dead. I asked, how? She then asked me what am I going to tell the kids? I told her FOCUS, FOCUS. If you fall apart everything will fall apart.
As most of you know, Lucy was a great friend and sister to me. We were drawn to each other the very first day we met trying to join the army. If you see one, you see the other to the extent that a famous Major told us that we were either thiefs or something else and we were neither. Our love for each other was unconditional. We had special eye language in which we can talk without speaking and we were caught numerous times in pictures doing just that. She was the quiet one and I was the loud one. She was always late and I was the time- conscious one. I forewarned her that she will be late for her own wedding and that was exactly what happened. She was the calm before the storm and I was the storm. Even her late husband Yayah knew that he cannot win Lucy’s heart without going through me. I was the bearer of “I love you” from Yayah to Lucy. When we talk on the phone, they were hours on end. We laughed, we cried and most of the time I forgot names and she filled in the blanks. I can still hear her giggles. My last long conversation with her involved a lot of topics. In one of them, she shared with me how she was finally able to start moving on with the rest of her life after the sudden death of her husband. She told me that for days and months she was paralyzed in a way, unable to get out of bed or eat food without feeling severe pain. One night she had a dream and in the dream she saw her late husband who told her that she needed to move on with her own life and that he was now living with someone else. After that dream, Lucy found the courage and strength to start the next chapters of her life until February 4th 2021.
My dear Lucy, my partner in crime, my comrade at arms, I will always treasure our time together and on the phone with our unconditional love for each other until we meet again. I have lost a great friend but Heaven has gained a great citizen and angels are now rejoicing. RIP my friend till we meet again. Love you always.

Dr Francess Danquah

God knows and has his reasons for everything. I cannot expressed how I felt in my heart when I had the news that you are gone
Remembering those days when I realise you learnt that Albert was my elder brother and you were very closed whiles attending the Government Secondary Technical School and in the same Class.
Those days you used to say to my brother but you are quiet why is Amie troublesome. Albert used to say to you “Why are you so intelligent and clever amongst your siblings”. So it’s the same with me and my younger Sister. You used to laugh as if you have never heard that before. But you always encourage me to please change my ways for the better.
You were quiet but deep down you were a caring person with a determination to show empathy to everyone be they Civilian Workers within and out of the Army, Other ranks, NCOs, and Officers
On behalf of dear Brother Albert and the Sanu Sesay family I send a heartfelt sympathy to the Children Abraham and her sister, the Ndawa of Low Cost Housing Estate and the Kanu Family for their loss.
Take a rest my dear and May God protect those left behind especially your children the utmost strength to carry on without you their loved Mother.
May you rest in perfect peace

Amie Sanu Sesay

My prayers and condolences to the children and family in the UK and abroad.

Lucy Kanu,
May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ears.
Lucy, you were loved and admired for your unassuming demeanour. You will be remembered thoughtfully for your humility, kindness, gentleness and charming smiles. You will be remembered with such incredible modesty, your hard working, determination and life’s achievements as we bid you farewell, Lucy Kanu farewell. Rest In Perfect Peace.

Pat Walla

Lucy was an amazing woman, and I feel privileged to have her as a friend for over 20 years.
She was hard working, loving and a great role model to her children. Family meant everything to her. She will be deeply missed.
I will miss her.
Lucy will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in eternal peace, my friend.

Chico Coulibaly

Lucy kanu it’s with sadness that I once again come to bind with you as we grew up together got into the RSLMF the same year 1977 and you became an officer cadet and went on to progress in the and me being so fortunate to be trained by your late husband Yayah kanu who was by then CO at the BTC , with all that of your accomplishments you were always there for me if and when I’d need any service whilst you were at the Army Ordinance depot you showed me good leadership traits as you were always calm and in position to effect your lead which I did appreciate and we became so connected that we went on being in-laws as your elder sister got married to my wife’s father in the states , Lucy I grieve with the family as this is a big loss to all of us. I am teary eye Lucy gone so soon, may God give you eternal rest and give comfort to the rest of our families. Rip Lucy

Charles Reffell

I first met Lucy in 2004 when I started attending Kingston Seventh day Adventist Church, She was a very devoted mother to her three children whom we watched growing to maturity under their mother’s guidance and care.
Lucy was an asset to Kingston church, holding several positions of service which she executed with commitment and devotion, she was very kind and considerate of other people’s needs, a prayer worrior, sister and friend,will forever be loved and missed,may her soul rest in peace.

Evelyn Mukahiwa

The security teams at Wimbledon and Lavender Hill would like to send their condolences to Lucy’s family. We are very sorry for your loss. Lucy will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Errol Antonio

I remember watching Aunty Lucy sitting on the porch in Freetown, reading a book. She exhibited such poise, dignity, and quiet strength. When she noticed me watching, she gave me a quiet smile. I will always remember her for that moment. May her quiet strength live on through her children, and with the grace of God, carry them through this moment. God bless, and take care.

Benneh Massaquoi

Lucy, I will miss you and your infectious smile that always brightened my day and made me smile too. Mary and Abraham, I cannot tell you how proud your Mum was of you. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful lady in your life.

‘Loss leaves a heart ache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal’

Thinking of you,

Clair Ashworth

My deepest condolences to the family of Lucy, may you find peace in your cherished
memories of her. I worked with Lucy and she was such a kind lady, very patient and
had a great sense of humour, she will be missed.

Sandra Appiah

Lucy was like an Elder sister to me whom I use to look up to, when I first join the Church( Kissy SDA Church) in Freetown( Sierra Leone) in the 1980’s
She was a role model to copy from. She was polite strict and fair. But she will always make time to check on us to see that we are well behaved. including her sister. She did work tirelessly for the Church. Even when she got married, she did not forget the church. Her present was always felt as being part of the SDA Church. The memory of Lucy will never fade away.
May she rest in peace

Massah Rogers
All Nations church

Lucy was not only a wonderful manager but also a kind friend. She had a big heart and a cheeky sense of humour and many times I got Mary and Peter in trouble with her. I used to laugh with her and tell her that her children would be so angry with me. I had a wonderful Xmas drink with her and her children in 2019, and feel blessed to have spent this time with Lucy and her family.
Lucy will be missed by not only me, but many people.
Sleep well Lucy Lu
Xx

Angie Durham

Lucy was my mentor and a sister. 2 Timothy 4:7 ; Lucy you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race and you kept the faith. Jesus is waiting to welcome you as his faithful servant. a 3 star General in heaven. May your soul rest in perfect peace. i pray for peace and comfort to the Kanu Family. In all this may our Lord Jesus christ be glorified.

Alpha Bah

Lucy, gentle soul, you are now at rest from the trials and tribulations of this world . I remember our military days, first as cadets at Benguema barracks where we all went through rigorous combatant training. That was where your late husband first set eyes upon your beautiful face and was touched by your gentle soul. I remember that Captain Yayah Kanu was always immaculately dressed and carried an air of authority so much so that he was fondly nicknamed ” karbigibigi” by our male counterparts. Lucy you were the youngest of the squad and loved by all. You had firm convictions of what was wrong and right . Your Christian ethos came through and your love for God. You were a generous soul and willingly shared your food with us ( particularly your cassava leaves cooked by your mum). We relished those moments and would wait patiently for Daniel, your brother to arrive with those delicious treats. We were a unique team, the 14 of us 1st combatant officers. Life is a stage and we all have our scripts and role to play. Meeting you was part of that script. Your role on earth is done but not in heaven.You have fought the fight. Take your rest dear soul, rest in eternal peace. May the pain Ibrahim, Mary, Mamie and the rest of your siblings, family and friends feel now be nothing compared to the joy found with your memories dear friend. May they take comfort that you are at peace and watching over them all. Sleep on Lucy, sleep on.

Yvonne’s French- McEwen

Lucy will be sadly missed. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all at this time.

Nova and Joyce

I got to know Lucy when I represented clients at KIngston Magistrates Court. She was so efficient and really really kind. I had less dealings with her when she moved to Lavender HIll MC on a work level
However whenever we met she always asked about how I was doing. Her conversations would always make me energised.
She led an fantastic happy life .

She was so proud of her children . A gentle strong person who I was privileged to know for 15 years
RIP my dear Lucy

Ovais Kadri

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I always will remember Lucy as a smiler and kind hearted manager.
It was a privilege to work with you.
RIP Lucy you will be missed .

Maria Sanchez

My sincere sympathy to the entire family. I worked with Lucy in the early 80s at the Ordinance service, Murray Town military in Sierra Leone. She was a very nice and polite person. She was very respectable and respected person. She had a quiet and gentle personality. She was always there to help others. She was very beautiful especially in her military uniform. She looked very fit.

Lucy will be sadly missed. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Emily Kanu

Your mothers kindness, smile and sense of humour was one solely unique to her, she will be sorely missed, may she rest in eternal peace

Maureen Dawkins

Lucy, I cannot believe you are no longer with us. I will miss you. I first got to know Lucy when Kingston, Richmond, South Western and Wimbledon joined together to become South West London LJA. You were always so helpful although sometimes you did come across as ‘stern’ but you can always see that twinkle in your eye. You always have time for everyone and very patient with us legal advisers.

Aik Hooi

Auntie Lucy I’m really going to miss you, I recall growing up in Freetown when after school I would walk many miles to your house for food and you would feed me plenty and on the way back down to low-cost housing you would give me money for transportation and for food but I would keep the money for transportation and Walk back down home. I’m really sad to lose you Auntie Lucy. I will always love you and keep you in my heart.

Moses Kpanabom

I write with tears in my eyes and heart filled with pain…
But then i reflect on the sad reality that every soul will go through that path…!
You have choose to lead aunty may you gently soul rest in abondant peace. The amount of miningful footprints you have left on Earth is a legacy that would forever be remembered!
Rest well Aunty as we looking t forward to the day we reunite in heaven…
Until then the Barrie family will always miss you…….!

MOHAMED BARRIE

Dear lucy I never really knew as I knew your sister,but I heard you had died I wept and was saddened all through the day. You were such a nice as your elder sister is. We share a thread as families that can never be denied. Even today I am still crying. Rest in peace now in the living arms of God. Rest in peace. My condolence to your children & family especially your older sister.

Marie Mansaray

Dear Lucy, you always called me your little sister, and took care of me like a big sister should. My son called you Auntie Lucy, and still does. Your children have grown into very special young people and are a credit to you. Sleep well Luce.

Sharon Vernon