Hortense Affoue Momou

WINDSOR - Hortense Affoue Momou, known by most as simply Momou, fell asleep in death on Thursday, March 5, 2020 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was only 50 years old. Hortense was born on July 19, 1969, in Botro, Ivory Coast, Africa to parents Konan Yao and Brou Ndri. She was married to Gnamien Momou on February 20, 1993 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Together they raised two beautiful children, Eric and Jessica.    Hortense lived in Ivory Coast until 1995 when she, her husband and young son moved to the United States. First to New York, then to North Dakota, and finally settling in Wisconsin. While in North Dakota, Hortense gave birth to their daughter, Jessica. There she also earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from North Dakota State University (NDSU) then took graduate courses at NDSU for a Masters in Social Sciences. She was fluent in five languages including English, Baoule, Spanish, Portuguese and French.    In 2006, Hortense took a job as a Transportation Security Officer (TSA) then as a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer at the Dane County Regional Airport. In her many years employed there she formed numerous deep and long-lasting relationships.    Because of her love of helping people, in her mid-40’s Hortense decided to return to school to get her nursing degree. She began her schooling at UW-Madison in 2015. In August of 2016, shortly after completing her clinicals in Malawi, Hortense was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She did not allow this to keep her from fulfilling her dream of helping people. Even though she had to postpone her education for one year due to cancer treatment, in May of 2018, she graduated with a BSN, RN while also making the Dean’s list. After graduation she took a job at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in the Cardiac Transplant department where again she made many deep and long-lasting relationships.     On September 24, 1988, Hortense chose to make the most important decision of her life by dedicating herself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses through water baptism. Throughout her nearly 32 years as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she enjoyed the door to door ministry and taking opportunities to talk to others about the positive hope for the future through God’s Kingdom. Even in her final days, she encouraged visitors, nurses and CNA’s to take literature that she supplied at her home and at Agrace HospiceCare to inform them about her hope of an earthly resurrection that she was soon looking forward to.    Hortense loved hanging out with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her ease at making friends no matter where she went. She had a sincere love for people. Her family, friends, co-workers and school mates will never forget her infectious smile and her kind laugh.    Hortense enjoyed traveling. She was able to visit Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia as well as France and Malawi.    Hortense is survived by her husband of 27 years, Gnamien; as well as her two children, Eric and Jessica. Other survivors include her mother, Brou Ndri; and her sister, Nadege Konan (her husband Nicodeme Saraka); newborn niece, Anaelle; half siblings; many other nieces and nephews; and of course, her countless friends. She is also survived by her loving dog, Bella, who was always at her side.    She was preceded in death by her father Konan Yao.    A visitation for Hortense will take place at THE KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, 5475 Portage Rd, Madison on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a Bible based funeral talk at 3 p.m.    Hortense wishes to thank Dr. Ryan Spencer and his entire team and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center - Gynecologic Cancer Clinic UW Health for their kind, loving and thorough care throughout her courageous battle with cancer. She also wishes to thank those at the TSA, Veterans Hospital, UW School of Nursing and Agrace HospiceCare for their kindness and support throughout her illness.    All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com