Jane Gathoni Waititu

Good afternoon and thank you for being here today as we honor the life of an extraordinary woman, my mother. Mom was so much more than a mother – she was a sister, a friend, a daughter, a grandmother, an aunt, a community champion here and in Kenya, and a source of unwavering strength.

Our mom brought light and joy to every room she walked in and everyone she encountered. She taught us what it means to value people and to face challenges with courage and grace. Her smile, kindness and her infectious laugh were her superpowers. She always found time to help others, whether it was through a kind word, or just being there when someone needed her. She made everyone feel cherished, and she had a way of making every moment special, no matter how small.

Mom was born on May 6th 1965 in Nyeri, Kenya. She was the first born to Peter and Grace Githinji. Her sisters and brothers are John, Charles, Laban, Joshua, Jessee, Martha, and Rachel Waititu. After meeting her husband Sospeter Githu in 1985, they were married and welcomed twins Shelmith and Jackline Maina in 1988, then Grace Maina 1990 and finally Esther Maina in 1998. They have four grandchildren Nathan, Natalia, Natasha and another one on the way.

Mom migrated to the U.S and settled in Olathe, Kansas with her husband in 2024. In the short time she has been in the country, she found a welcoming community at Neema community church. She built meaningful friendships, joined the choir, and was committed to serving the Lord through the church.

Today, we grieve the loss of her physical presence, but I know that she will always be with us. She lives on in the lessons she taught us, the values she instilled in us, and the love she shared with us. Let us carry her light forward, embracing life with warmth, compassion, and strength.