Patkai Christian College co-founder Margaret Anne Shishak passed away on Friday at the Christian Institute Of Health Sciences And Research (CIHSR) Dimapur after a prolonged illness. She was 80.
Margaret Shishak came to Nagaland in 1973 and founded the Patkai Christian College together with her husband Rev Tuisem Shishak at Chiimoukedima, Nagaland in 1974.
She was born on November 25, 1941 in Washington DC.
Many, including Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, took to Twitter to extend their condolences.
"Condolences to the bereaved family of Mrs Margaret Anne Shishak and Patkai Christian College fraternity. May the departed soul rest in peace," the Nagaland chief minister tweeted along with an image of his condolence message.
"I am extremely grieved to learn about the passing away of Mrs Margaret Anne Shishak today. Mrs Margaret Anne Shishak does not need any introduction to the people of Nagaland, as she has already become a legendary figure in our state. She left a successful and outstanding career in the field of music in USA after her marriage to Rev Tuishem A Shishak and came to Nagaland. Together, they started the Patkai Christian College in Chiimoukedima, Nagaland in the year 1974. The college is now one of the best colleges in Nagaland, with a deemed university status," CM Rio wrote in his message.
"From the very beginning she was the Director of Music at the Patkai Christi an College, and has groomed hundreds of qualified musicians. They are now playing pivotal roles in the evolution of Naga music industry, and in the various Church music ministries not only in Nagaland but in many other Northeast states also. The void created by her death would be difficult to fill. At the same time, I salute her for her extraordinary contributions to our society, adopting Nagaland as her home. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the Patkai Christian College fraternity and all the alumni of the college. May her soul rest in peace," the chief minister added.
"Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Margaret Shishak, Founder of Patkai Christian College. One of the veteran educators in Nagaland. She will always be remembered for her exemplary contributions to the field of education. May her soul RIP!" Minister Temjen Imna Along tweeted.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland Abu Metha tweeted, "Rest in Eternal Peace Madam Margaret Shishak. Thank you for laying the foundations of the music industry. Your contributions and sacrifices will be written in letters of gold for all times. Your music will live on".
Rajya Sabha MP and BJP Mahila Morcha Nagaland S Phangnon Konyak also took to Twitter to extend her condolences.
"Saddened to know about the demise of Smt. Margaret Shishak. Her whole life was dedicated to the progress of Naga society, especially in the educational field. There will always be a place for her in Naga history. Condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace!" Konyak tweeted.
Theja Meru advisor, Task Force for Music & Arts (YRS), Nagaland condoled the death of Margaret saying he is "deeply saddened" to hear about the passing away of the Patkai Christian College co-founder.
"Thank you Madam Margaret Shishak for the music. We will miss you deeply," Theru tweeted along with his condolence message.
"Madam Margaret Anne Shishak will always hold a special place in our hearts and words fail to thank her enough for her dedication, vision and the rich music legacy she leaves behind. I am grateful to God for giving to Nagaland such a talented and wonderful soul to lead, guide and inspire generations of musicians. I on behalf of the music and arts fraternity of Nagaland, I express my deepest condolence to Rev Tuisem A Shishak and the rest of the family members. I pray her soul rest in peace," Theru wrote.