House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has announced the passing of his Chief of Staff, Mrs. Helen Juah Senyon Howard, who died on Sunday afternoon.
In a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook, Speaker Koffa expressed his sorrow over the sudden loss of Mrs. Howard, who had only recently returned to Liberia from the United States.
“It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our Chief of Staff, Mrs. Helen Juah Senyon Howard,” Speaker Koffa wrote. She died Sunday afternoon.”
He praised Mrs. Howard’s dedication, calling her “a highly valuable member of my office staff,” and noted the shock and sadness felt by all who worked with her.
“We send our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. Helen, may God have mercy on your soul,” he added.
Mrs. Howard, who took on the role of Chief of Staff in February, was widely respected within the Speaker’s office and the larger legislative community.
Her dedication to her position and her close working relationship with Speaker Koffa made her a key figure in his leadership team.
Her sudden death has left colleagues and friends grappling with a profound sense of loss.
While an official cause of death has not been disclosed, unconfirmed reports suggest that Mrs. Howard may have suffered a medical complication shortly after her return from the United States on Saturday evening.
The details surrounding her death remain private, with Speaker Koffa’s office requesting respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Tributes for Mrs. Howard have poured in on social media and from within government circles, with colleagues describing her as a committed public servant and a compassionate person who left a lasting impression on those she worked with.
Her work was marked by her diligence, professionalism, and deep sense of duty to her role.
Mrs. Howard’s appointment as Chief of Staff was seen as a significant move by Speaker Koffa earlier this year, as she brought extensive experience and a reputation for reliability.
Her passing marks an unexpected and tragic end to a promising tenure in Koffa’s office, where her contributions were widely acknowledged.
Several members of the House of Representatives have expressed their condolences, remembering Mrs. Howard for her warmth and dedication.
“Helen was more than just a colleague; she was a friend to many of us here,” said a fellow staffer who asked to remain anonymous. “Her presence and her contributions will be missed greatly.”
In the days following the announcement, Speaker Koffa’s office has been inundated with messages of support, highlighting the close-knit nature of his team and the depth of the loss felt by those who worked with Mrs. Howard.
Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days, though no details have been finalized.
Mrs. Howard leaves behind a family and many friends who now mourn her loss alongside Speaker Koffa and his team.
As news of her death spreads, the Liberian political community and citizens alike remember a public servant whose life ended far too soon.
For now, Speaker Koffa’s message echoes across Liberia, a heartfelt farewell to a colleague and friend whose impact will not soon be forgotten.
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