Mahletye, you are an incredible phenomenal woman for numerous reasons. Even when you were dealt with cancer, you never let it become the main character of your life story; rather you let it be a moment in your life. You have fought the battle as a gracious warrior with a remarkable strength. Through it all, you were never afraid or wavered for a second from your faith. Thank you for sharing and bare your soul with your journey with cancer. You have turn this journey into a teachable moment, and I am forever grateful and thankful. The world has lost an incredible compassionate warrior and Sensei. Truthfully, experience is our greatest teacher, however, Mahletye, you have thought me so much and more than I have learned from life itself thus far!! As a woman, you are a role model to my daughter and myself. I am better person for knowing you and for having met you. I am so lucky to have known you, but most importantly to have you in my corner as an amazing friend and confidant. Losing you hurts so much right now, but I hope to find warmth through our fond memories with time. To me, the value of your friendship is beyond measure and thank you for being YOU!!! Mahletye, may your soul be blessed, my friend and sister, as I was by knowing you for the past 27 years. I love you and will miss you forever. 

I was so very sad to hear of Mahlet’s passing. I met Mahlet (and her friends Liku, Lydia and Marrit) through Anteneh first in San Francisco on a short trip from Australia. Then at Anteneh’s wedding in DC about 15 years ago. Such lovely friends and what a bubbly, endearing and fun personality Mahlet had! She left an impression on me. We only managed to stay in touch for a few years afterwards, including Mahlet trying to set me up across the Atlantic!! But I was so impacted by her passing that I wanted to know more about her life. Reading these messages and the videos she recorded, I’ve been in awe of the exemplary life she lived, even at the point of death and inspired to live by her example. My condolences to her family and friends. May she Rest In Peace. 

Wedding