My Princess,

Your style was enviable,

Your achievements made us stand proud

Your quiet grace, unmatched.

Truly a lady; you were friendly to everyone.

I remember your thoughtful little presents after a day shopping,

Your quiet company, watching many a movie together

And then our talks —

The way you smiled when you spoke of and took us back to your heydays

Now you have left me to join my Queen Ruth.

Till we meet again,

I will miss you dearly.

Brian

When Geta & Ken invited me to spend an Easter holiday with them in April 2007, I was overexcited. I took up the offer & flew to Accra. I stayed with them. The very next day, Kenny told me we were going somewhere in the hinterland for an event of paragliding. My question to both Kenny & Geta was, "who's we?" I had no plan of jumping/gliding nor watching. They left after a futile attempt to convince me to come along.In the afternoon, I went to play a game of soccer with friends. I got back after midday & heard a voice in the living room. I popped my head around the corner & there sat Ambassador Therese Scott."Good afternoon," said I. "Good afternoon," she responded and told me she had heard Ken & Geta were hosting an august classmate & friend. Me? August? That means respected & impressive?! Oh, then I became tongue tied. Quickly, I remembered I was sweating buckets. So, I made an excuse & went to shower.She asked if I wanted something to eat. I politely said, no thanks. I had become impressive. That was Ambassador Scott. She made me feel at ease & we chatted for hours.We talked about common friends, not that I moved in her circle of friends. We mentioned the former British MP Boateng but couldn't remember his first name. I taught her, if we go through the alphabets, we will come to his name. We started at "a", he wasn't Albert, " b" not Bernard... till we got to "p". Paul Boateng, we both screamed & laughed. She enjoyed it & promised to use that strategy next time.She was a true lady. I looked forward to seeing her whenever she was in London or I visited Accra.Mama Tee, we will miss you sorely.ISAAC TIMOTHY AZAH (Azah Tee)

When Geta & Ken invited me to spend an Easter holiday with them in April 2007, I was overexcited. I took up the offer & flew to Accra. I stayed with them. The very next day, Kenny told me we were going somewhere in the hinterland for an event of paragliding. My question to both Kenny & Geta was, "who's we?" I had no plan of jumping/gliding nor watching. They left after a futile attempt to convince me to come along.

In the afternoon, I went to play a game of soccer with friends. I got back after midday & heard a voice in the living room. I popped my head around the corner & there sat Ambassador Therese Scott. "Good afternoon," said I. "Good afternoon," she responded, and told me she had heard Ken & Geta were hosting an august classmate & friend. Me? August? That means respected & impressive?! Oh, then I became tongue tied. Quickly, I remembered I was sweating buckets. So, I made an excuse & went to shower.

She asked if I wanted something to eat. I politely said, no thanks. I had become impressive. That was Ambassador Scott. She made me feel at ease & we chatted for hours.

We talked about common friends, not that I moved in her circle of friends. We mentioned the former British MP Boateng but couldn't remember his first name. I taught her, if we go through the alphabets, we will come to his name. We started at "a", he wasn't Albert, " b" not Bernard... till we got to "p". Paul Boateng, we both screamed & laughed. She enjoyed it & promised to use that strategy next time.

She was a true lady. I looked forward to seeing her whenever she was in London or I visited Accra.

Mama Tee, we will miss you sorely.

I grew up a few steps away from Auntie Theresa, and she is an inseparable part of my happy childhood memories. Scott House was a magical playground, with striking golden koi fish in its pond and elegant lines. I was often welcomed to play or daydream in the garden.

Auntie Theresa remained a close presence in adulthood, in many ways we became much closer as I became older. She gave impeccable advice, and encouraged me in my philanthropic and research projects. As in childhood, I was always welcome to invade her house at a moment's notice, with a busload of Swiss architecture students, or Ghanaian journalists on one of the Architectural Heritage tours of Accra, I organised with Art in Social Structures.

When my father passed away, she was a frequent visitor to the house, and a steady tower of strength and reassurance. Her presence meant so much to me, I find it painful to imagine Accra without her there.

Auntie Theresa was perhaps the foremost Grande Dame of Accra. A diplomat, a peacemaker who was an effortlessly grand lady of formidable intellect, unimpeachable character and impossible elegance. Her thoughts were always of others and the higher good, and her wisdom unparalleled. I will miss her immensely.

Please accept my sincere apologies for being unable to be with you in person, I will light a candle for her here in Basel.

My deepest condolences to Geta and the entire family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

May She Rest in Perfect Peace,

Prof. Senam Okudzeto

You were and shall always be an example of wisdom, grace and elegance for me.

Thank you Therese!

How I have struggled to write this tribute! To put into mere words the way in which, by a single act of spontaneous kindness, Auntie T completely changed my life in more ways than she could ever have known. A fortunate stroke of serendipity brought me into her life - and that of Geta, Winky, Aunty Ruth, Uncle B, Merene and so many others - in September 1973. But that is a story for another day!

When I think of Auntie T, so many things come to mind. Her beauty, her smile, her wit and humour; her beautifully modulated voice; her poise, elegance and her impeccable sense of style. But more than her physical attributes, which were considerable, I admired her for so much more. Her sense of fairness and kindness; her palpable love of family; her generosity; her encyclopaedic knowledge of a vast range of subjects, outside her own field of law; but most of all her genuine capacity to love and welcome others outside her own immediate family.

Auntie T - This year I didn’t get my usual birthday call with that unmistakable familiar voice at the other end.

I won’t get to hear that wonderful throaty laugh of yours again.

Won’t get to pass you your handbag or your phone at Geta’s, or help you get out of your favourite chair at Ringway.

Won't get to walk you to your car.

Won't hear you say “Sara, have another jam tart…” as you regale us with stories from your travels around the world and explain the history behind each of your exquisite objets d’art beautifully displayed at Villagio.

So many wonderful memories. So much unspoken gratitude. Our time was cut brutally short.

Rest in peace Auntie T

Sara xx

Like a fleeting shadow you were whisked and cross-carpeted into eternity unexpectedly.

What torture!

What torment!

A moment of despair and anguish that frightened and fragmented numerous hearts.

But best known to our Maker, your life had become meaningless when the hour had come with fruitful conclusion.

God loves you more.

You were such a vital individual to your home, the society, the country and beyond.

The good Lord shall surely reward you.

Your silent smile and soft spoken voice brought solution to many.

May your spirit bring comfort and cuddle to all bruising hearts.

Mummy, Grantie, Madame Scott.

May your gentle and peace loving Soul Rest In Perfect Peace.

AMEN.

CH 305. Stanza 1-5

I know Angels in heaven await her with hymns of praise.

My first meeting with Aunty ‘T’ was in London in the early 1980s when Geta Striggner Dadzie (Mrs. Striggner-Quartey), my beloved sister and schoolmate at Warwick University’s School of Law, invited me to meet her mother. We had met Aunty Ruth Botsio and her husband Uncle ‘B’, much earlier because they visited us often on campus in Coventry, United Kingdom. How I gushed at our first meeting because she struck me as a very beautiful and sophisticated woman with poise!

Aunty ‘T’ took to Gina Appah Sampong (Mrs. Wilson) and I, instantly. It may well be that it was because we were with her much loved Geta at school and that we were law students as well – a common profession. In return, I invited Aunty ‘T’ to meet my parents at their flat in London in the Summer of 1982, when they came on holidays from Sierra Leone, and they became friends. She and my father, who was also a lawyer, chatted for a long time about mutual friends from Ghana.

Aunty ‘T’ enjoyed hosting us at her flat in London or at her residence when she was Ghana’s Ambassador to France and UNESCO. We basked in the round-the-clock attention she gave us, with lovely lunches and dinners and touristic outings in Paris. We savoured her recipes which always had a touch of class and till today, we refer to them as Aunty ‘T’s specialities.

As we grew older, she continued to embrace us even more. I cherish the special moments with her during my one-on-one conversations with her at her flat at Villaggio, whenever I visited Accra. She was always ready to proffer advice on whatever topic I put to her. She tracked every instance of my professional career and was truly proud of my accomplishments. Three things I learnt from Aunty ‘T’ were style, haute couture and decorum.

So long Aunty ‘T’ until we meet again. Thank you for your motherly love and guidance. Most of all, thank you for your friendship over the years.

I promise to always be a sister to Geta, which is what you have always wanted. ‘Requiescat in pace’.

With love from Finda.

Yours was a life of service to humanity, and devotion to your family. We loved you but God loves you best. We miss you dearly.

From the children & grandchildren of your sister Lily, and from “Sir Arku”.

If ever there was a lady of timeless style and steely substance it was certainly Mama T.

My early memories from infancy are of a stunningly beautiful Auntie Theresa, and her luminary architect husband, Kenneth (Winky) Scott, as close friends of my dear Uncle and Aunt, Charlie and Genevieve Easmon, as well as my own beloved parents Nii and Laura Quartey, all of blessed memory. As a child, I wondered how a judge could be so gorgeous, genteel and generous (clearly, I had taken the bible story of the wicked judge too literally).

Despite the echelons she attained, Mama T, like the unparched evergreen tree, was well rooted and always in bloom bearing fruit for the benefit of many. She was ever caring, about my family and indeed so many others, especially as a wonderful mother to her son in law Kenneth (sadly deceased) second only to his own also formidable mother, Aunty Alberta.

Graceful, dignified and loving is the best way to capture the seamless manner in which Mama T transitioned into and embraced her twilight years. I could go on extolling the countless virtues of this great matriarch but others must also have their say.

Dear Geta and family, be ye not crestfallen, rather chin up, emboldened by all the good Aunty Theresa espoused and the brilliant legacy she has left us.

Mama T you were decency and humaneness personified. You have left us sad though encouraged and inspired. We will always miss and love you, we rejoice in the Lord knowing that by your passing the ranks of heaven’s mighty armies have been shored by a compassionate, protective and just angel.

Rest in Perfect Peace.

I just received word of Mrs. Scott's passing, from our mutual friend Professor Senam Okudzeto, and was immediately transported back to 2005, when I was beginning my seven-year tenure as Global Professor, at the then recently established NYU in Ghana program.

I had the great fortune of not only meeting Mrs. Scott, but residing at the chalet annex of her famed residence: The Scott House.

I was deeply honored and moved by the impeccable grace, wisdom and style of Mrs. Scott and for the guidance she gave me. I can venture to say that my time in Ghana would have been radically different, if it was not for the safety of being anointed by Auntie Therese. Being thousands of miles away, across the Atlantic from my family, Auntie Therese provided a space to not only land well, but an unsurpassed matriarchal warmth, intelligence and sophistication.

There are very few people in Accra I would see Uncle Nat Amarteifio defer to, in the way he listened and sought advice from the Grand Dame of Ghana society. I am eternally grateful to have known Mrs. Scott, and I join the family and countless others who mourn her passing, yet celebrate her great life and eternal spirit.

Warmest

Professor Lyle Ashton Harris

She walked into a room, oozing grace, charm, and flair,

But with all that nary an air.

Stylish, elegant, smart, and accomplished,

Ambassador, Judge, and lady extraordinaire.

Turning heads wherever she went,

Be it for dress or setting precedent,

Believe you me, her presence was felt.

Role model, pioneer, she certainly left her mark,

as there were many firsts she had to embark.

She was “impressively lovely”, I heard one say,

so wonderfully apt, it made my day.

Her relationships ranged from young to old,

transforming lives if truth be told.

She effected change wherever she went,

In many places she was heaven sent.

Auntie T you set the bar high,

Setting rules to abide by,

I aim to emulate, as you were the ultimate,

epitome of a sophisticated lady.

I will miss you!

Afi Tetteh Lowery

I was highly blessed to have known Ambassador Thérèse Striggner-Scott (‘Auntie Thérèse’) since childhood. My first recollection of her however, was in the early 1980s when I accompanied my late parents, Ambassador Yaw Bamful Turkson and Attorney Albertine Turkson, to her daughter Geta’s university graduation reception at her flat in London.

My parents first met Auntie Thérèse in Washington DC soon after they were married in the autumn of 1964. She was accompanying her first husband, Ambassador Kodjoe Dadzie, Ghana’s Ambassador to Romania, who served on the United Nations 6th Committee (its legal body), to the annual General Assembly of the United Nations. My father, then deputy Ambassador to the United States, and Ambassador Kodjoe Dadzie had been career diplomat colleagues and close friends at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the late 1950s. So now, both friends’ wives were meeting for the first time, and quickly found common interests. Auntie Thérèse and my mother were both lawyers with a keen interest in politics, art, and culture.

Auntie Thérèse enjoyed a prolonged stay in Washington DC whilst, for the first time in its history, the UN General Assembly went into recess for Christmas to reconvene in January 1965. She was hosted by a relative, Ambassador Miguel Ribeiro, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, whilst her husband returned to his ambassadorial duties in Romania during part of the recess. This prolonged UN recess afforded the friends additional time to cement their friendship.

When my father’s duties required him to return to Ghana from 1970 – 1972, after his Ambassadorial postings to Brazil, with concurrent accreditation to Argentina, my parents were delighted to be living in proximity to Auntie Thérèse. Her second husband, Australian architect Winkie Scott, was commissioned to design a house for them and was given charge of its construction as my parents left for Ethiopia, from where they remained in touch.

It was when Auntie Thérèse was appointed as Ghana’s Ambassador to France, the Holy See and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), some 7 years after my father held those posts, that their paths crossed with more frequency.

My father, who had recently retired from the Ghana Foreign Service, had accepted the position of Special Advisor on Universality to the newly elected Director General of UNESCO, Federico Mayor. We lived at number 13/15 Boulevard Suchet, Paris XVI, a stone’s throw from the Ghana Embassy Residence which was located at number 6 Boulevard Suchet. This meant we became Auntie Thérèse’s neighbours and could visit each other regularly.

I recall my father saying that he always had constructive discussions with Auntie Thérèse on issues, in particular matters of relevance and importance to UNESCO’s programmes for Africa in general, and particularly Ghana such as “Priorité Afrique”, UNESCO’s programme for Africa, which in around 1994, many thought had lost its way for lack of resources. In her characteristic modesty, Auntie Thérèse would later state in her tribute to my late father: ‘…If later I was to be elected the first African woman to serve on UNESCO’s prestigious Executive Board, I would like to think that in all probability, it was thanks to the briefings received from Yaw in my early days at the organization.’

I remember visiting the Ghana Embassy residence at No. 6 Boulevard Suchet several times during her tenure as Ambassador, as I pursued my legal studies in France. She had completely redecorated the downstairs, second floor residence flat in her trademark exquisite taste. I also recall she invited me to accompany her to Giverny in France, to visit the impressionist painter Claude Monet’s residence, which inspired his famous Japanese bridge and water lily garden paintings. Up until then, I had only viewed his works at the Musée Marmottan Monet, the world’s leading collection of works by Monet, which was just around the corner from Boulevard Suchet where we both lived.

It was with sadness that her tour in France came to an end, and she went on to become Ghana’s Ambassador to Italy. However, we all kept in touch.

Years later, when I visited Ghana more frequently, I would see Auntie Thérèse at Ridge Church, which I first attended when I lived in Accra as a child.

In May 2019, I stayed with Auntie Thérèse for several weeks in her beautiful Accra apartment. I will never forget her generous hospitality, and I always touched base with her during my subsequent visits to Ghana. Just in June 2021, I was in touch with her regarding some old photos dating back to the 1960s, asking her if she recognised any of the people in them, as she would have known the early politicians and diplomats. She was very helpful as ever.

Auntie Thérèse was a special person. She was extremely kind-hearted. I always think of her as modest, effortlessly elegant, universally cultured, and her taste in art and decoration was exquisitely tasteful. She was one of my parents’ few true friends and I am deeply saddened by her loss.

I extend my deepest condolences to Geta and the family.

Auntie Thérèse, sleep peacefully. You shall ever remain in my thoughts, selon Khalil Gibran, ‘Avec une larme et un sourire’…’With a tear and a smile’.