Words from the family
Tributes of love and remembrance
Nephews & Nieces
On behalf of the cousins
Anytime any of us came home, it was almost a custom to pass by Mama Mary's home. Together with Mama George, Mama Maria, and Tata Ann, she was one of the remarkable women in our family who became more than relatives, they became sisters. Through life's challenges and family struggles, they stood by one another and held each other up.
You could hardly go hungry with Mama Mary around. A simple visit to her home would often end with a cup of sour uji, gatubia, or your favourite ndizi with meat, a warm conversation, and a reminder that you belonged.
We will forever cherish her very funny exclamations, "nî ùtende," "wa inya ruonî," among others. She also taught many of us that whenever we needed to pray, we should recite three Hail Marys and trust that Mother Mary would intercede for us.
Mama Mary possessed a special gift for encouraging others, lifting weary hearts, and inspiring hope even in difficult times. Her words carried comfort, strength, and reassurance, reminding us that tomorrow would always bring new possibilities. Whether through a simple conversation, a prayer, or a word of wisdom, she had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and hopeful.
We witnessed her fight many battles and persevere through every challenge until the very end. Her resilience was an inspiration to us all, and her unwavering faith gave strength not only to herself but also to those around her.
Her passing is a painful loss to each one of us. While we mourn her departure, we remain grateful for the love, care, guidance, encouragement, and example she gave us throughout her life.
Though she is no longer with us, the love, hope, and kindness she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy will endure in our families, in our memories, and in the values she instilled in us.
Mama Mary, your legacy will continue to live on in our hearts, in our families, and in the values you instilled in us.
May God rest your soul in eternal peace.
Ngai amunengere kihuruko gitathiraga.
On behalf of the Cousins
Grace
Mum
I remember when Dad died. You stood so strong beside his casket. I could see your pain and fear, but I could also see your strength and faith that everything would be okay. You were left with five young children who needed education, guidance, and love. You stepped in and did everything you needed to do to make sure we had everything we needed.
I remember when I was in college and there was no money for my fees. You told me, "Your duty is to pass your exams, so go to school. I will bring the money." You came with no money in your hands, but you went from office to office pleading with people until somehow you convinced them to let me continue. That was who you were, a woman who never gave up. You have been the strongest woman I have ever known.
For the last ten years, I remember our trips to see your cardiologist. Every time we left those appointments, we felt reassured that you were okay. You called me almost every day as I drove to work, wishing me a good day, asking about my family, and reminding me that you prayed for all of us every morning.
When we went to see Dr. Ogolla and he told you, "Mama, we need to do surgery. Medicine is no longer helping," you were not shocked or scared. You looked at me with your reassuring face and said, "If that is what will make me better, then it is okay." I was terrified, but before we left, you made sure I had confirmed the earliest surgery date.
When we met Dr. Muhinga, he explained the procedure to you in Kikuyu, and still you insisted that it be done as soon as possible so that you could heal completely. Even when we saw a counselor, you assured her that you were ready, even if the surgery was to happen that very day. I was full of fear, but you gave me confidence. You were a fighter who had overcome every challenge life had thrown at you, so I trusted that we were safe.
I will never forget escorting you to the theatre. Sharon and I stood there as you reassured us. We told you, "Cucu, usijaribu kitu, tunakungoja hapa chini." You smiled and replied, "Nitawapata hapo chini." What happened, Mum? Your surgeon said the operation was successful. Prof. Ogolla assured us that you would be home within five days. I prayed. I asked people everywhere to pray for you.
I remember your last days at my home. You were so happy. You bonded beautifully with my children. You played with Adia as she grabbed your phone and listened to bedtime stories with Ayuma. We watched Kikuyu skits and dramas together, and you would explain every scene and become so emotional, as though it was real life.
I am comforted knowing that your final days were happy, hopeful, and surrounded by love. But how do I proceed without you? Who will I call when I need someone to confide in? Who will remind me that everything will be okay? I know you fought, Mum. You fought with all your strength until the very end.
Rest well, Mum. Thank you for every sacrifice, every prayer, every encouraging word, and every act of love. Your strength lives on in all of us. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.
Until we meet again. I love you...
Grace
Her Children
A Tribute to Our Mum
Today, we honor and celebrate our mum, SASI as we fondly loved to call you, a woman whose love, strength, and kindness have shaped our lives in countless ways.
You have been our guide through life's challenges, and any time we had a challenge, the only refuge we knew was you. You taught us how to pray to Mary, Mother of Jesus, and made everything seem so easy through your countless stories and the laughter we shared.
You taught us what true love is because every day we experienced it through your countless phone calls and video calls to check on us. You loved us, you prayed for us, and we know where you are, you continue doing so.
We are grateful for the countless memories, the laughter we shared, and the unconditional love you always gave us. Your influence lives in the values we carry, the choices we make, and the people we have become.
Thank you, Mum, our pillar, for being our foundation, our inspiration, and our greatest blessing. We love you deeply and cherish you today and always.
Forever in our hearts,
Your Children ♥
Sharon
Shosho
It is hard to imagine a world without you because, for as long as I can remember, you were always there. You raised me since I was a little girl. You were not just my grandmother; you were my mother, my friend, my protector, and my safe place.
Some of my earliest memories are of you forcing me to go to school when I absolutely hated it and always ran away every morning. Every morning felt like a battle, but you never gave up on me. Looking back now, I realize that every push, every lecture, and every insistence came from a place of love. You wanted the best for me, even when I couldn't see it myself.
We went everywhere together. Whether it was chama, the market, or simply running errands, I was always by your side. I loved being your little companion. The days you went to Embu town were my favorite because I knew exactly what was coming back with you: two sausages and an apple just for me. Such a small thing, yet it made me feel so loved and remembered.
As I grew older, our bond only became stronger. When I was scared and preparing for my Caesarean section, I called you so you would pray for me, and you told me, "hio ni kitu kidogoooo... utapata Yesu huko ndani amekungoja." Those words gave me courage when I needed it most. They stayed with me long after that day.
One of my favorite memories is when you climbed all the way to the sixth floor just to come and see my baby. That was you: nothing could stop you from showing up for the people you loved. When I last took you to the salon, I confidently told the stylist that you wanted a black ponytail, but you quickly corrected me and said, "No, brown!" We both laughed. I remember calling you a "baddie" because you were always stylish and full of life.
The morning you went into surgery is a memory I will carry forever. We spent time together before you were taken in. I remembered the words you had spoken to me years earlier when I was scared, and I told you the same thing: "Jesus is waiting for you there too. Don't try anything because we're right outside waiting for you." I truly believed you would come back to us.
We all did. But God had different plans. Grandma, thank you for every sacrifice you made for me. Thank you for every lesson, every prayer, every trip to the market, every chama we went to, every sausage and apple from Embu town, every laugh, every hug, and every moment of unconditional love. Thank you for raising me into the woman I am today.
You may no longer be here for me to hold your hand, hear your voice, or laugh at your jokes, but you will always live in my heart. I see you in the values you taught me, in the love you gave me, and in the family you built around us. I miss you more than words can express. Rest well, Shosho.
Sharon
Masha
Forever in My Heart
Thank you for the love, prayers, and care you gave me throughout my life. You were always my safe place and the person I could turn to whenever I needed comfort or guidance.
I will always cherish the stories, laughter, and memories we shared. Your kindness, strength, and faith have left a lasting impact on my life.
I miss you every day, but I find peace knowing that you continue to watch over me.
Forever in my heart.
Love always,
Masha