Hirity Tesfai

With faith in the promise of eternal life, we celebrate the beautiful life of Hirity Zekarias Tesfai, who entered into eternal rest on February 17, 2026.

Hirity was born on April 14, 1942, in the village of Quazien, in the Hamasien region of Eritrea. At a young age, she was enrolled in a Faith Mission school in Dekemhare, where her spiritual foundation deepened and her life’s path began to unfold. It was there that she met and later married the late Reverend Tesfai Debas. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family and were blessed with six children. In a testament to her determination and commitment to education, Hirity completed her high school studies while raising her children.

A woman of unwavering devotion, Hirity’s life was anchored in her deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her walk with Christ and her devotion to God were the foundation of everything she did. She read her Bible faithfully and lived her life with spiritual intention and routine. Her days were ordered, prayerful, and purposeful – a reflection of the discipline she believed honored God.

Hirity also carried great joy. She loved to laugh — a full, warm laugh that filled a room and put others at ease. She cherished time spent with her family, whether gathered around a meal, sharing stories, or simply being together. She was generous with neighbors and friends, always ready to feed anyone who entered her home. Her table was open, her heart was open, and she was known as an exceptional cook whose meals were made with care and abundance.

She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother whose life reflected faith, order, generosity, and strength. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reverend Tesfai Debas, who made his earthly transition in 1995.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith and family through her six children: her eldest daughter and loving caretaker, Mical Ghebre-Ab (and her husband, Fr. Athanasius Ghebre-Ab); her daughters Esther Breese, Almaz Tesfai, and Rezan Tesfai; and her two sons, Samuel Tesfai, and Gideon Tesfai.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Rahwa Ghebre-Ab, Paulos Ghebre-Ab, Amanda Breese, David Breese, Kevin Hoffmann, and Gina Hoffman.

Hirity’s life was a testament to steadfast faith, joyful laughter, disciplined living, sacrificial love, and devotion to family. Her prayers covered generations. Her standards shaped her household. Her generosity nourished her community. Though her earthly presence will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the assurance that she now rests in the eternal peace of Christ — her refuge and fortress.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

May her memory be eternal.

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