By Anita Athena Ibru

Dearest Aunty Myriam,

I address this message directly to you in heaven because I know you are up there, my newest Guardian Angel.

In life, you actually were my guardian, from the tender age of eight, when I started boarding school in the UK. And for many others, you were also a real-life angel.

A woman of true integrity, honest and traditional, you kept a beautiful, warm, yet orderly home, where I always felt loved, safe and welcome.

You taught me things, motivated me and cheered me on when I shared my interests, such as classical music. You passed on the same values and discipline you gave your own children to me.

I also witnessed your playful, adventurous side and your open-mindedness. Your aptitude for learning so many languages said it all. You certainly gave me the impression that you loved engaging with people of many nationalities.

You recounted stories about your life and travels in Nigeria before your family relocated to London, and I remember how kind you were to your household staff.

You mentioned how you appreciated the friendship of my mother, Maiden, and shared stories akin to domestic bliss in Lagos during a nostalgic era, including how you used to lend each other the newest kitchen appliances. I also treasure the photographs of my parents, yourself, and Uncle Tasso as two holidaying couples.

I was, of course, heartbroken to learn that I would never see you again, but I am comforted by the fact that you were laid to rest at the Leventis family plot, remaining ever close to the heart of the love of your life, my dear ‘Uncle Tasso’.

The fact that your amazing, loving family managed very swift funeral arrangements, including travel to Cyprus from various parts of the world for your beautiful send-off exactly a week later, is a testament to your organised nature, coupled with a go-getter attitude.

You simply got on with it and got things done. Your family wouldn’t have had it any other way as they prepared for their final goodbyes, adopting the same approach you took in life.

No doubt, this also inspired me and helped shape me throughout childhood and into early adulthood.

The last thing I want to mention, where inspiration is concerned, is your beautiful love story with your beloved husband. I have witnessed very few husbands who love and care for their wives with such loyalty and dedication. Even though he is a very busy businessman, philanthropist, and conservationist, whose international travel is inevitable, he did not like to leave you for very long and made his trips as short as possible to return to you.

You truly deserved it because you blessed him with the same measure of love in return.

I will miss you dearly. On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you for taking care of me, for asking me the sort of intimate questions and teaching me things a real mother would have, and for your advice and guidance over the years.

Rest peacefully, dearest Aunty Myriam, my Guardian Angel.

Myriam Leventis-Blok, of Dutch origin, one of eleven siblings, is survived by her husband, Cypriot-Greek Anastasios Paul Leventis; their three children, Salome, Avye and Henry; and eight grandchildren.