It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I write to you today on behalf of my family and our entire community, I officially announce the passing of our beloved elder, Mama Evelina Oreym, who departed this life on March 6, 2026, here in Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta.

Mama Evelina was not only a cherished mother to her children & grandchildren but was also a cornerstone of our cultural preservation here in Canada. As an active and highly respected elder, she dedicated her life to teaching our children the traditional songs and dances of the Acholi people. Her charismatic and warm character made her a unifying figure, beloved by children, adults, and elders across all South Sudanese communities in North America.

In accordance with her final wishes and our deep-rooted traditions, the family is committed to laying Mama Evelina to rest in her ancestral homeland: Obbo Village, Magwi County.

The logistics and financial burden of repatriating a loved one are significant. Our family has taken on the solemn duty of honouring her wish, and we, as a family, are asking the community to rally behind us in our time of need.

Therefore, the Okeny family is officially appealing to you— for your generous financial support.

The funds raised will cover the following critical expenses:

1. Funeral and Preparation Services: Costs associated with the funeral home, embalming, and preparation of the body in Pearson Funeral Home, Calgary.

2. Transportation of the Casket: The air transport costs to fly the casket from Calgary to Juba, South Sudan.

No contribution is too big or too small, and every donation will bring us closer to giving Mama Evelina the dignified farewell she deserves.