The Lady Bird passes away: Remembering Hephzibah M. Sangma

Nisangram, Nov 18: Hephzibah M. Sangma, fondly known as “Lady Bird,” passed away on November 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of education, care, and community service. As the founder of Lady Bird School, the first English medium school in Nisangram, she transformed education in the region.

She passed away on November 16, 2024, in Dimapur, Nagaland. Born on July 12, 1938, at Tura Mission Hospital, she was the second daughter of the late Ganeram A. Momin and Henjini M. Sangma.

Hephzibah’s educational journey began at Tura Mission School and flourished under the mentorship of American Baptist missionary Dr. Downs, who facilitated her move to Golaghat Mission School. She matriculated in 1957 before pursuing nursing training at Satribari Mission Hospital in Guwahati. Her career in nursing led her to serve as a Nursing Superintendent and teacher after advanced training in Delhi.

In 1981, she returned to Nisangram to manage her family’s property after the passing of her parents. A visionary leader, she founded Lady Bird School, the first English medium school in the area. Her nurturing spirit earned her the affectionate title “Lady Bird” and the Garo nickname Do•o Bi•ma (meaning “hen”), symbolizing her care and love for the community.

Hephzibah also established a Home Nursing Centre that trained numerous healthcare workers, significantly benefitting the region. Her contributions extended to the Nisangram Babupara Hospital, where she shared her expertise and donated the hospital’s main gate in memory of her late father.

A deeply spiritual individual, she was an active church member, serving as a singer, motivator, and teacher. Her funeral, held on November 18 at her residence in Nisangram, drew mourners from Tura and across Garo Hills. Many remembered her selfless contributions and shared heartfelt tributes, emphasizing the void her loss leaves in the community.

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