Dearest Family & Friends,
It is with such a heavy heart we create this page far too prematurely than any of us wanted for our Nina.
Given these most unusual circumstances we all find ourselves in we will have to delay a vibrant, colourful and boozy party celebrating her life till the government... see moreDearest Family & Friends,
It is with such a heavy heart we create this page far too prematurely than any of us wanted for our Nina.
Given these most unusual circumstances we all find ourselves in we will have to delay a vibrant, colourful and boozy party celebrating her life till the government restrictions are lifted. We will share appropriate details in due course.
It would be wonderful to collect your stories and memories here, which will offer our family and hopefully yourselves some joy and comfort.
Thank you all for your wishes and messages of love, it is a wonderful feeling to know she was so cherished and loved by so many.
We will be working on opening a charity supporting the arts which she would have loved. If you did want to kindly send any flowers or gifts please refrain from doing so and make a donation to her charity later in the year.
Remember to "feed your souls", as she would have wanted.
Peace & Love,
The Tiagi Family x
My favourite memories of Nina involve wine and sentences that began Darling ! ..... When I joined LSBU Nina was a very glamorous and witty colleague with a new found passion for dancing the Lambada. I remember one evening out with her and Neil Kibble... moreMy favourite memories of Nina involve wine and sentences that began Darling ! ..... When I joined LSBU Nina was a very glamorous and witty colleague with a new found passion for dancing the Lambada. I remember one evening out with her and Neil Kibble when she dragged our colleague Ole Hansen onto the dance floor and put him through his paces. Of course, Nina had a very sharp legal mind (and not just an academic one as one or two people have discovered to their cost). She was a committed teacher too, but it is her good humour and determination to enjoy life that I remember most. She was a great artist and we have all seen and appreciated her paintings. She also made jewellery and, more recently, her passion was decorating wine bottles. A couple of years ago, the student law society Christmas dinner was graced by some carnival dancers invited by one of the students. Nina sent me out onto the dance floor to take pictures and laughed unrepentantly when I got drawn into the dancing. The pictures inspired a series decorated bottles that she made and subsequently sold to Paladar, a restaurant near LSBU we all like. Nina and I were due to take some students to Cairo this Easter, for a Comparative Law visit. She loved travelling and we were both looking forward to the trip, but the trip was cancelled and then Nina fell ill. It still doesn't seem real that Nina wont be back at the University this September and it probably won't seem real for a long time to come. Nina lived life well and as she wanted to and that is what I will remember and celebrate. Once we can safely host events at LSBU, we will invite everyone to join us to celebrate and remember her with our students past and present. RIP Nina and best wishes to everyone, Andy Unger less
I can’t believe I am writing you this message and I won’t be getting a reply. It just doesn’t seem real.
I hope you know how much you really mean to me. I did tell you a few times. I am super grafters that you never let me give up... moreDear Nina,
I can’t believe I am writing you this message and I won’t be getting a reply. It just doesn’t seem real.
I hope you know how much you really mean to me. I did tell you a few times. I am super grafters that you never let me give up during some of the toughest times of my life. For encouraging me to live my truth and for seeing the potential and goodness in me. My life got better when you engaged my life and for this I will be eternally grateful. Thank you for always being the kind and honest, real talking human being that you are, for fighting for me to not give up.
Although these words are written I pray that they will reach the depth of your spirit and will fill your heart with love and you feel truly appreciated. Thank you so so much for being a rainbow in the clouds, my hero at university, I wouldn’t be able to say I have a degree if it wasn’t for you. You inspired in me fight and a will to persevere.
I will miss sending you emails about current domestic cases when they arise and getting your thoughts in the the decisions.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family whom you always spoke so warmly about. The world has lost a real one. May they see these messages of love and appreciation about you and be comforted. less
My darling Nina and dearest oldest friend in England. I describe Nina as not just a dearest friend but also as a counciler, adviser, and sister. In Brazil we say a good friend is like a brother or sister. I have brother and sisters but Nina was a sister... moreMy darling Nina and dearest oldest friend in England. I describe Nina as not just a dearest friend but also as a counciler, adviser, and sister. In Brazil we say a good friend is like a brother or sister. I have brother and sisters but Nina was a sister I didn’t have. We could talk about anything and everything. I have met Nina at my first visit to UK in Jan 1991 through other close friends at nights out dancing Lambada. Then we have clicked, 3 month later I was back to Brazil with plans to never return. But then all changed and I was back in UK summer time 1992. I was living at Garden Row just a few minutes from at time called South Bank University. One day I have bumped with Nina near Castle House where she did have an office. I didn’t have her details and I couldn’t find where she was. Everything happen for a reason. Then we have started all over again at this time it was all about Salsa and tango, she was taking classes and we went to many places to dance Salsa and Tango, and occasionally Lambada still. From there on we have never separated, as she spent many time at the flat after long hours working at now LSBU. I had the pleasure to be introduced to her beautiful mother Asoka Tiagi and the rest of her family. Nina will remain forever in my heart as a very dear friend. less
Warm, witty, kind, caring; I remember the first time I was indulged with a visit to the Groucho Club, where, as always, she was hilarious, glittering company and a generous, unstinting host. I will miss you Nina, xx
I spoke with Nina on her first day at South Bank. She was so easy to talk to and full of enthusiasm. We worked together until I left in 1990. I valued her as a colleague and enjoyed our friendship. She had a wonderful sense of humour. I am very saddened... moreI spoke with Nina on her first day at South Bank. She was so easy to talk to and full of enthusiasm. We worked together until I left in 1990. I valued her as a colleague and enjoyed our friendship. She had a wonderful sense of humour. I am very saddened at her passing. less
Nina was a very dear and friendly neighbour, she always had a smile and was very generous and helpful.
Trafalgar road will never be the same without her.
Her artistic abilities were amazing and it is so sad that her life was cut short to concentrate on... moreNina was a very dear and friendly neighbour, she always had a smile and was very generous and helpful.
Trafalgar road will never be the same without her.
Her artistic abilities were amazing and it is so sad that her life was cut short to concentrate on her Art work
God bless and rest in peace less
I only knew Nina for 36 short years. She was a lawyer, so technically not one of our tribe (economists). But in reality she always was. Full of life, with a hint of gossip, she lifted any room she was in. I have two fond memories of her.
She once did a... moreI only knew Nina for 36 short years. She was a lawyer, so technically not one of our tribe (economists). But in reality she always was. Full of life, with a hint of gossip, she lifted any room she was in. I have two fond memories of her.
She once did a lambada demonstration in the staff common room (you remember what that was), while we were having our morning coffee (you remember what that was?). No one batted an eyelid, even though it was 11 am on a Tuesday morning!
As the lead invigilator, she was once in control of a large examination in the gym (sorry sports hall) with about 250 students. She turned up with an electronic megaphone and barked out instructions at the end of the exam. The other invigilators were stunned, but she was in full control as if it were The Battle of Jutland.
Can’t believe such a wonderful force has gone. God speed. less
Sad and shocked, I was already working for South Bank Polytechnic when Nina joined in I think 1978. Law was then part of the Faculty of Business. Nina was somehow persuaded to become Course Director of the BA Business four year sandwich degree. She... moreSad and shocked, I was already working for South Bank Polytechnic when Nina joined in I think 1978. Law was then part of the Faculty of Business. Nina was somehow persuaded to become Course Director of the BA Business four year sandwich degree. She proved a most efficient and caring course leader, assembling a loyal couse team, making the Programme one of the most innovatory and successful in the Polytechnic. Hundreds of Business a well as Law students benefited from her cheerful care. Like Colin, I remember the Latin American dance fun side as well; a dramatic demonstration of the lambada at a rather formal Faculty "do"! less
I knew Nina at South Bank. My memory of her is her smile when we met in corridors, or canteens or for a chat or for work. I felt she brighten my day whenever we met. I knew about her painting and visited one of her exhibitions many years ago. On that... moreI knew Nina at South Bank. My memory of her is her smile when we met in corridors, or canteens or for a chat or for work. I felt she brighten my day whenever we met. I knew about her painting and visited one of her exhibitions many years ago. On that occasion I met her mother and other relatives and friends. I do not know much about her life in the last 20 years. It would be nice to know about it and also more about her paintings. What I saw of them seemed very good to me.
Nina, you are in my thoughts. Keep smiling and, if you can, dance away wherever you are
Grazia less
I knew Nina for 30 years+. She was always fun to be with, I enjoyed many drinks with her after work, she had a great sense of humour. My fond memory is her laugh, oh and one can never forget her lambada. She will be missed but not in anyway forgotten.
Dear Nina
I hope you are in a sunny garden, painting, with a glass of good wine. My best memory is of Nina on good form drinking with us one Christmas Eve until the small hours which I sorely paid for when my children bounced in with their stockings a... moreDear Nina
I hope you are in a sunny garden, painting, with a glass of good wine. My best memory is of Nina on good form drinking with us one Christmas Eve until the small hours which I sorely paid for when my children bounced in with their stockings a few hours later! less
I have worked at LSBU for nearly 30 years and knew Nina for most of that time through my role dealing with exams. In latter years we bonded over our shared experience in living with Rheumatoid Athritis and we had many mutually beneficial chats about the... moreI have worked at LSBU for nearly 30 years and knew Nina for most of that time through my role dealing with exams. In latter years we bonded over our shared experience in living with Rheumatoid Athritis and we had many mutually beneficial chats about the problems we faced. Nina was a unique presence within the University and it will be a much poorer place without her. So long Nina – you will be sorely missed xx less
My darling, dearest Nina, my wonderful friend and the sister I never had.
I feel honoured and privileged that Nina was such a huge and important part of my life for 29 years. What a joy it was to share an office at the University with Nina for the... moreMy darling, dearest Nina, my wonderful friend and the sister I never had.
I feel honoured and privileged that Nina was such a huge and important part of my life for 29 years. What a joy it was to share an office at the University with Nina for the last 16 years. Nina had so many fine qualities – kindness, compassion, loyalty and humour. On top of that, she was insightful, intelligent, witty, creative, a fantastic dancer, a talented artist and expert jewellery maker. A unique, vibrant, magnificent woman.
We did so many things together –outings, events, musical parties, family gatherings, frequent visits to her Groucho Club. We would have our annual Christmas lunch there. Our Groucho Christmas lunch in December 2019 is very memorable. Nina, Chris Shepherd and I laughed so much together, due to clever use of double entendre, that people sitting at the nearby tables were curiously looking over at us. Nina was my best surprise present at Paladar (Latin-American restaurant opposite the University), in December, when my son, Michael, arranged for her to be part of my birthday celebrations there.
We always found something that we needed to celebrate together, no matter how small. We shared so much together and there was always laughter. We always said we could face whatever came our way because we would laugh. Nina was my ‘turn to’ friend, in all situations.
Nina’s death has left me heartbroken and devastated that I could not be by her side, either when she was ill at home, or at the hospital. A big hole has been left in our lives.
My amazing Nina, rest in peace, I will never forget you.
Heartbroken at the news of dearest Nina's untimely passing. We had been friends for nearly 40 years and shared many memorable times. For 16 years we worked together at LSBU where we became firm friends. We have kept in touch over the years and that... moreHeartbroken at the news of dearest Nina's untimely passing. We had been friends for nearly 40 years and shared many memorable times. For 16 years we worked together at LSBU where we became firm friends. We have kept in touch over the years and that has included sharing 3 holidays - two on the west coast of Turkey and one in Cuba.
Nina was so talented, an academic, a teacher and an artist. She was full of life and loved dancing. I remember her passion for the lambada and salsa and went to a couple of dancing classes with her but she had the rhythm and energy, not me. She also had a wonderful sense of humour. "Darling, it's a bargain, you could do the dusting in that" was her persuasive comment to me when I was doubtful as to whether I would ever wear a rather exotic and inappropriate dress she thought I should buy. Nina was also compassionate and thoughtful and cared devotedly for her amazing mother, Ashoka, whom I was privileged to get to know. Nina was generous to a fault. One holiday in turkey, she bought so many beautiful handbags, the shop owner had to make an emergency trip to Istanbul to restock her shop. Most of the handbags were destined as gifts for family and friends. We last met when she came to my mother's funeral in 2018.
I have so many happy, funny and warm memories of Nina and proudly have some of her artwork too. Rest in peace dear friend, my thoughts are with you and your loving family, your brother and sister in law, Chantelle, Anoushka and Avee. less
I worked with Nina at South Bank University for many years. She was a very wonderful person and a very dear friend. After I left SBU, I kept in touch with Nina and always loved to talk to her. I have many very happy memories of her and am so sorry for... moreI worked with Nina at South Bank University for many years. She was a very wonderful person and a very dear friend. After I left SBU, I kept in touch with Nina and always loved to talk to her. I have many very happy memories of her and am so sorry for her loss. I hope that all of her much loved family are managing to cope with her loss. less
My Dearest, Dearest Friend. Nina was my London Sister. She was beautiful, brilliant, talented, generous and above all loving. I never visited London , over 30 years, without being with her and her loving family. She is in my heart forever and know I was... moreMy Dearest, Dearest Friend. Nina was my London Sister. She was beautiful, brilliant, talented, generous and above all loving. I never visited London , over 30 years, without being with her and her loving family. She is in my heart forever and know I was privileged to be her “Sister”. Sleep with the Angels dearest.❤️ less
I will remember Ms T for many aspects of our friendship. It is impossible to do Ms T justice but
Firstly, there was Ms T’s kindness.
Ours was a 20 year friendship.
Nina was as good and loyal a friend as one can have had.
We spent many an hour with the older partner usually leading the younger in her words ‘astray’ to the fun activities: dance, drink, good food and music (not always in that order!).
Nina was as tough on the surface as she was kind underneath. She kept the inner childs sense of fun.
I will never forget Nina’s ‘NO’. This was often best dealt with by putting on the reversing lights and reversing out of the room (if this was an option). This would within a short time become ‘Darling lets go and have a drink …’.
Secondly, there Ms T as a valued colleague.
Our boss was right ‘we will miss her expertise as well as her energy and sense of humour’.
Finally, and most importantly Ms T’s legacy.
Nina will not be forgotten by anyone who met her.
We fortunate to have Nina’s advice: work hard, be kind, play tactically and remember knowledge is power. Eat lots of potatoes (she always said she thought Who do you think you are would find her to be ‘a distinguished Irish Indian’).
Nina’s was a contented and full life with talents across academia, art, dancing, fashion (she was a memorably striking dresser often adorned with her own jewellery), friendship and law.
Nina was a brilliant bon viveur and raconteur who equally loved and was loved by her nephews and nieces (Avee, Anoushka, and Chantelle) and a family of whom she was rightly fiercely proud.
Nina's wide circle of family and friends will truly miss her but never forget her and she has left her mark. Ninas was a life fully and well lived.
Alan Birbeck, Friend and Colleague
The Lake Isle of Innisfree
BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there,
a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
We met at the Groucho Club, London where I work as a resident pianist . Many great memories of Nina's wit, interest and love of the arts are crowned for me by her great support ,via the family, of the Groucho charity CD which featured her beloved niece,... moreWe met at the Groucho Club, London where I work as a resident pianist . Many great memories of Nina's wit, interest and love of the arts are crowned for me by her great support ,via the family, of the Groucho charity CD which featured her beloved niece, Chantelle ,in her recording debut in 2002 !
A beautiful , lively and loyal friend!