It is with infinite sadness that we share the sad news about the passing of our dear friend Evelyne Tissier Nomme.
Evelyne was one of our oldest and dearest friends, an avid supporter of DDA events and activities, attending several of our Shanghai camps, Sweden health & culture camps, and numerous DDA events; famously attending our DDA ‘Pyjama Party’ near Shanghai’s Bund in 2010 ahead of the Shanghai Expo, dressed in her ‘Hello Kitty’ PJs!
An enthusiastic Taiji & Qigong practitioner in her own right, she had been practicing these arts for well over 30 years, regularly attending Qigong retreats and other Taiji and weapons classes around the world.
Her role as wife to the Norwegian Consul General in Shanghai was a serious and diplomatic one; but her spirit was a sweet, friendly, welcoming and impish one; her infectious laugh and mischievous sense of humour made her one of our most popular guests at events and a pure joy to be around.
Her performance of the traditional Norwegian fiddle to open our 2009 DDA Shanghai “Celebration of Culture Gala”, as part of our 2009 Taiji Camp, was an integral moment in forging friendship and understanding between our Chinese and international guests at our events; and her open and approachable manner allowing all the (250+) guests to feel and examine the expensive instrument (Evelyne was a professional musician who gave regular performances) so generously, touched many of the Chinese guests deeply.
For her encouragement and support of DDA, I will always be forever grateful and in her debt. She was enthusiastic in attending our events, also often kindly providing homemade cookies and cakes for refreshments, which were always very well received!
On a personal note, I will always feel privileged that I knew her and could count her as my friend; she was a gracious and graceful lady, an elegant and staunch friend, and beautiful soul.
That I was lucky enough to see her a week or so before she passed at an impromptu get together in London, just before I left the UK, at least gave me the opportunity to spend a few last wonderful moments with my friend; I will always be grateful for that final meeting and fun time together.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, of whom there are very many. All of us at DDA, in Shanghai, and the Taiji and Qigong community around the world send our deepest condolences to her family, and wish her God speed on her new journey, we will miss you Evelyne.