A last farewell to Kounka
Published:
On Friday, 7 August 2015, Kounka Damianova's funeral took place following a ceremony in the beautiful church of Sv. Sedmochislencici in the centre of Sofia, just across the office of the Bulgarian Teacher Union (SEB). Family, friends and guests in big numbers attended to pay their last respect.
European Director Martin Rømer represented EI /ETUCE and gave an address in the church. Emphasising the important role Kounka had played for EI and ETUCE, Martin Rømer regretted her all too early death at the age of 66. He also stressed the immense assistance Kounka always gave to other people: students, parents, teachers and friends and added: "Kounka worked tireless not only for the union, but also supported her family and enjoyed to be with her two grandchildren, actually Kounka was always everywhere, for everybody at all times". He concluded: "It is difficult to believe that Kounka no longer is amongst us. We will always keep her in our hearts and minds. She was an extraordinary colleague, a good friend and a great woman. May she rest in peace."
A long list of condolences from teacher unions all over Europe was followed, read out by the SEB President Janka Takeva, who spoke warmly about Kounka to friends and family and stressed that many could learn from Kounka's example: "The union cannot easily overcome such a loss and tragedy - but we have to. It is even worse for her family and all our support goes to them in this difficult time".
EI and ETUCE sent flowers and a funeral wreath as well as official letters of condolence to Kounka’s family and SEB.
May she rest in peace.