Marie-Chantal Mukarugwiza

With profound sadness and much love, we mourn the passing of Marie-Chantal Mukarugwiza, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 26, 2026, at the age of 60. A devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she spent her life working in education, nurturing her family, and bringing love and joy to those around her. She cherished spending time with her daughter, going to church, listening to music, working with children, and enjoying good food. Her warmth and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was born in Bujumbura, Burundi to Rwandan parents, André Munyakazi and Rachel Uzarama on June 3, 1965. As the eldest daughter among ten children, she played a central and guiding role in her family. Raised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, her relationship with God remained at the heart of her life. After living with her grandparents in Kenya in her mid-twenties, and later studying in Toronto and Montreal, as well as spending time in Rwanda, she eventually settled in Surrey, British Columbia. There, she gave birth to and raised her daughter, Shima Uwayo. She devoted her life to ensuring Shima had everything she needed and more.

She is survived by her daughter, Shima Uwayo, mother, Rachel Uzarama, siblings, Evode Rwagasore, Liliane Umutesi, Emery Mugenzi, Richard Munyakazi, Olive Mutesayire (Emmanuel Mutabazi), Aline Munyakazi, Christian Munyakazi, Evelyne Munyakazi (Tito Rugamba) and Yvan Munyakazi (Desire Ingabire), nieces, Siphora Iriza, Andrea Isaro, Rachel Uwimana, Grâce Ingabire, Siloé Rukundo, Riza Rugamba, and Maliza Kwezi Munyakazi and nephews, Yuhi Ganza Gasana, Gisa Shaka Gasana and Ishema Nathan Rugamba.

Viewings will be held at Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre on Friday, April 17, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.

The funeral service will take place on Sunday, April 19, at Surrey Seventh-day Adventist Church at 11:30 a.m., followed by a burial service at 2:00 p.m. at Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre.

A reception with refreshments will be held at Surrey Seventh-day Adventist Church following the burial, beginning at approximately 3:30 p.m.

We kindly ask that you RSVP for each event you plan to attend by Wednesday evening, April 15, 2026, using this link: https://everloved.com/life-of/chantal-mukarugwiza/

You are warmly welcome to attend any or all of the gatherings, with the funeral service on Sunday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m. as the main service.

Guests are kindly asked to wear church attire in black (if not possible, darker colours/shades are okay), with subtle touches of purple (her favourite colour). This may include a scarf, jewelry, pins, hair accessories, or other small accents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions toward funeral and burial expenses via GoFundMe would be greatly appreciated. https://gofund.me/8e60f8e4e

Locations:

Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre – 14831 28 Ave, Surrey, BC V4P 1P3

Surrey Seventh-day Adventist Church – 8520 132 St, Surrey, BC V3W 4N7