In Memory of Mama Alphonse, Patronne, and Parfait
Donation protected
Speciose Siwemubi, 77, passed away peacefully in Montreal on January 1, 2022. She was a woman of faith, a kind friend, and a loving mother of many children around the world. At the time of passing, her children were singing her favorite hymns to her, and took time to talk to her about their favorite childhood memories.
This fundraiser has been set up to help support Speciose's family with the funeral expenses. If we are able to raise more funds than needed, they will be used to support her youngest daughter Grace's educational expenses. Please give me grace as I try to articulate what a phenomenal woman Speciose was.
This fundraiser has been set up to help support Speciose's family with the funeral expenses. If we are able to raise more funds than needed, they will be used to support her youngest daughter Grace's educational expenses. Please give me grace as I try to articulate what a phenomenal woman Speciose was.
In the summer of 1944, Leonidas Kibashayija and Bernadette Karikwera were blessed with the birth of a girl. Recognizing her sweet nature and God's special gift, they named her Speciose, meaning rich in beauty and diversity.
As a young woman, she wed her life partner David Gasana. Together, David and Speciose lived through extraordinary circumstances bounded by love and faith in God. David and Speciose had nine children, but their home and hearts welcomed many more to the family. Despite the unimaginable difficulties of raising a large family as refugees in Burundi and Tanzania, Speciose showed an exceptional strength of character and generosity of spirit. After the passing of her husband, Speciose continued to be the rock of the family. Nothing made her happier than knowing her biological and adopted children were connected to one another and had a relationship with God. In 2007 Speciose moved to the U.S. for medical care when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Given a terminal diagnosis did not dampen her spirits. She had survived civil war in Burundi, and genocide in Rwanda by the grace of God and her family was well... there was little to worry about!
After recovering, she moved to Canada. It wasn't until many years (12 years) later that cancer returned. Again, in good spirits, Speciose continued to live her very best life, sharing stories of her life, encouraging others in their dreams, dispensing advice, and praying. She also gathered the strength to return to her beloved homeland of Rwanda once more and spent time with her children and grandchildren. In her last days, she was well taken care of and surrounded by loved ones in Canada.
Speciose will be remembered for her incredible strength, the steadiness of her faith, and her infinite capacity to love--a truly special child of God.
We thank you for supporting Speciose's family during this incredibly challenging time. Your offer of prayers and support of this fundraiser in lieu of flowers are most appreciated.
My words cannot do justice to Speciose's special life and way of being. Please share your thoughts and memories of Speciose below. They will be saved and shared with the family.
As a young woman, she wed her life partner David Gasana. Together, David and Speciose lived through extraordinary circumstances bounded by love and faith in God. David and Speciose had nine children, but their home and hearts welcomed many more to the family. Despite the unimaginable difficulties of raising a large family as refugees in Burundi and Tanzania, Speciose showed an exceptional strength of character and generosity of spirit. After the passing of her husband, Speciose continued to be the rock of the family. Nothing made her happier than knowing her biological and adopted children were connected to one another and had a relationship with God. In 2007 Speciose moved to the U.S. for medical care when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Given a terminal diagnosis did not dampen her spirits. She had survived civil war in Burundi, and genocide in Rwanda by the grace of God and her family was well... there was little to worry about!
After recovering, she moved to Canada. It wasn't until many years (12 years) later that cancer returned. Again, in good spirits, Speciose continued to live her very best life, sharing stories of her life, encouraging others in their dreams, dispensing advice, and praying. She also gathered the strength to return to her beloved homeland of Rwanda once more and spent time with her children and grandchildren. In her last days, she was well taken care of and surrounded by loved ones in Canada.
Speciose will be remembered for her incredible strength, the steadiness of her faith, and her infinite capacity to love--a truly special child of God.
We thank you for supporting Speciose's family during this incredibly challenging time. Your offer of prayers and support of this fundraiser in lieu of flowers are most appreciated.
My words cannot do justice to Speciose's special life and way of being. Please share your thoughts and memories of Speciose below. They will be saved and shared with the family.
Organizer
Coral Bielecki
Organizer
New Haven, CT