CHILDREN'S TRIBUTE

Mama, You were the bravest of them all; you had the purest of hearts, the kindest soul, and are the most gracious person we have ever known. You were very forgiving and mothered all with no favoritism. You welcomed all our friends with open arms. We can only hope to be half the woman you were. You gave love so easily and with no hesitation. You were so funny and exciting. We'd dance, make jokes, make faces, talk about boys, and everything else a best friend does. You were our best friend. You knew us better than we knew ourselves. You ALWAYS had the right words to say in every situation. You were our mentor, best friend, first love, and mother. When we were younger, we would all be your Valentine's dates, and you’d gift us very nice things. One day, you gave us small beautiful mirrors and told us that the person in the reflection was beautiful & worth it. You taught us to love ourselves. Mum, you prayed for us every day and called us every day. You were a woman after God’s own heart. God always answered your prayers, and we often joked that if you pray about someone, they should be scared because God listened to you. We have cried so much during this journey and asked God many questions, but no response. Why you? Why now? Why cancer? You are the true definition of a warrior. You fought to the last minute and never gave up at any point. You were stronger than all of us combined. Thank you, mama, for being always on our team. For keeping us on course, for showing us what unconditional love is. It’s an honor to be your children and keep the legacy going. We will never forget every moral, lesson, or value and what we stand for. We will always be a

reflection of who you were. This is goodbye, for now, mummy, until we meet again. With the deepest love,

Your children.

HUSBAND'S TRIBUTE

My light went out on November 13th when my beloved wife passed away at the Coptic Hospital Nairobi. It was a terrible shock because we all believed she was making favorable progress towards recovery. She was very happy during her last days. All my children and I visited her less than two hours before she died. She died as we held her, screaming. In October, she assured us that she would return to her business and become a motivational speaker.

God, in His infinite wisdom, had other plans. She was going to a heavenly home to be with her beloved mother, who died seven years ago. Our nearly forty years of marriage life was extremely happy. Our resources, at times, were limited. We had struggles, but these were overcome, and we found much happiness in anticipation of better things. We were blessed with four children, but our family has grown to 14. Esther was instrumental to our family's cohesiveness. After retirement, we had hoped to spend our life

together.

My dear wife was not only a wonderful wife and mother but a meticulous housekeeper and homemaker. She was a cheerful, friendly person and made many warm friends. She seldom, if ever, criticized any person. Instead, she preferred to refer to their good qualities. She was the soul of honesty. She would never shade the truth, no matter what the consequences. She loved her church, CITAM, and her church ministries. She was equally faithful to her

allotted tasks in those groups. She was a treasurer in the GEM ministry and a co-chair in the Married Couples Group (MCCG). A member of Esther group, Golden Edgers Ministry, and CITAM

Intercessory ministry. When she could not attend service, when her health worsened, she would always tune in to CITAM live service on YouTube.

Together, we had anticipated a busy year in 2024. Our wedding anniversary fell on November 11th, but she was too sick to receive my flowers. While in a comma, I talked to her, but she didn't reply. She died two days later. Everything has been changed.

And now, dear friends, I close this tribute with humility and submission to Divine authority. Esther was faithful, efficient, loyal, and true. She inspired me in ways I cannot explain. I have lost a worthy helpmate but have happy memories of our nearly forty years of life together. I sorrow now for my loved one, but the burden has been lessened by the many kindnesses shown to me and my family. I mention no names lest someone inadvertently be missed. Her funeral is simple and carried out with the dignity she admired. My desk in our house is covered with cards and letters extending love and sympathy. My phone is jammed with messages of condolences and sympathy, too. I want you all to know how grateful I am for everything you have done for me. The tribute you paid me and my family touched us deeply. I fear I cannot thank all of you personally, but be assured your kindness will never be forgotten.