The versatile communicator

Obituary: Samiha Tawfik (1924-2007)

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Samiha was born in Assiut in 1924. She attended the Mère de Dieu School in Cairo and graduated from the American University in Cairo in 1947, majoring in journalism.

Samiha started working with Reuters New Agency in 1948. She was also a contributing editor to The Financial Times and the BBC World Service. As an accomplished, trilingual journalist, she covered many major international events -- the Shuttle Diplomacy in the Middle East talks, Summit and G-5 meetings and the 1976 Olympics. At home she co-authored chapters and textbooks on Nasser and other historical figures and events. She also met and interviewed Nasser, Naguib Mahfouz, Taha Hussein, Um Kulthoum, Mohamed Abdel-Wahab, Abdel-Halim Hafez, and Faten Hamama along with eminent social and religious figures and celebrities. Upon retirement from work in Egypt she joined her two twin sons, Adel and Amir, in Canada, working with Bradson Executive Services until 1991.

Samiha was married to late professor of cardiology Ernest Soliman Shalaby. They were active members of the YMCA, graciously hosting parties given in their beautiful home overlooking the Nile, or at the Pyramids YMCA chalet. She was Ernest's soul mate, who helped him complete his memoirs, and attended to him all through his long and painful illness.

Until her death on 24 January Samiha was actively playing bridge and attending concerts, especially opera. She was always on the go, and people would remark on the fact that her usual pace was faster than a jog. She will be remembered for her vivacity, sense of humour, kindness, and love for children and those whom life had dealt with less kindly than it had herself.

Samia Abdennour