In Loving Memory of Mrs Evelyn Njenje nee Sibanda

16 July 1947 - 17 January 2024

Kwekwe, Zimbabwe - South Elmsall, UK

In the quiet embrace of West Yorkshire, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends we gather to celebrate the blessed life of Mrs Evelyn Njenje, a beloved friend, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a pillar of strength for all who had the privilege of knowing her. Today we come together not to mourn her passing, but to honour the remarkable woman whose presence graced our lives with immeasurable generosity and unwavering love.

Evelyn Njenje nee Sibanda was born on the 16th of July 1947, to the family of Jack Chatyoka and Violet Ncube, both of blessed memory. Evelyn was second born out of her 3 siblings. She had two sisters Eugene Magaya the first born and Eunice Manoti, the last born and Absolom (brother) who came after Evelyn; all of whom are of blessed memory. 

Evelyn was born in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, where her spirit took root and blossomed into the remarkable individual we all have come to know and love. Her early years were marked by her entrepreneurial spirit that guided her throughout her life. Her hands were always busy, crocheting, knitting and sewing clothing.

In Kwekwe she mainly worked at Naran’s Department store after she obtained a certification in skincare cosmetics.

In the early 70’s Evelyn met her husband Fungayi Daniel Njenje (Snr). They relocated to Waterfalls, Harare, Zimbabwe in 1979. They later settled in Greendale, Harare, Zimbabwe in 1983.

Evelyn’s professional journey included roles at renowned department stores namely Barbours and Greatermans where she contributed her expertise as a cosmetics specialist. Beyond her formal employment, she pursued her passion for knitting, crocheting and sewing, creating beautiful cardigans, dollies and clothing for sale at home and abroad.Up until her retirement in the late 90s Evelyn worked as a Pharmacy assistant.

A devoted mother, Evelyn was blessed with five children: Barbara, the late Belinda , Benhilda, Bernadette & Fungayi Daniel Kudakwashe (Jnr). Her dedication to the family extended beyond her immediate household by being a caregiver with boundless compassion for relatives on both sides of the family. She touched the lives of friends and acquaintances alike, leaving an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Most people remember her for always giving nature, she had clothes or something to give to everyone and anyone. 

In 2006 Evelyn’s husband passed away and she later moved to the UK in 2009 to be with all her children and grandchildren; embracing a new chapter of life with grace and resilience.

She has been blessed with 8 grandchildren Andy, Troy, Tia-Myla, Olivia, Gabriella, Anaiya, Isariah and Elijah - and two great grandchildren Jermaine & Joshua.

Evelyn’s faith was unwavering, nurtured in the Salvation Army Church where she was baptised., She sang in the church choir, and played the tambourine. She believed in the power of prayer, and she turned to God throughout her life to overcome challenges. Her triumphs, both big and small, were a testament to her tenacity and unwavering faith in God Almighty.

As we bid farewell to Evelyn Njenje, let us remember the laughter she shared, the wisdom she imparted, and the love that bound us together. Her spirit lives on, in the cherished memories we hold dear. In the quiet moments and the echoes of her laughter, we find solace and a reminder that love transcends the boundaries of time.

As we celebrate Evelyn Njenje’s life today, let us carry forward the lessons of generosity, strength, love, compassion, and unwavering faith that Evelyn shared with us. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave to all.

May God bless and keep you, Dear Evelyn, as you embark on your eternal journey. You will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

Please Click Here to View the Order of Service

The Live Streams

The Family Home

The Service

The Committal

The Wake

Tia Njenje-Mbanga and Olivia Njenje (Granddaughters) will read this poem on the day

She Is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone, Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone, Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Tributes

Mum, my hero, my mentor, you will always be remembered .Your presence in my life was a gift and memories will live in my heart forever. You were my rock ,my guiding light ,my source of strength .You will be missed mum ,but memories will bring us comfort and joy .Thank you mum for that 'something ' you always gave vana vaEuna .Only God knows mum.
- ELINA MANOTI

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In the quiet corners of my heart, there exists a sacred space reserved for someone who was more than just a mom – she was my guardian angel. Through the highs and lows of life, she stood as a pillar of strength, a beacon of hope, and a source of unwavering support. Today, as I pen down these words in tribute to her, I am flooded with a myriad of emotions – grief for her loss, gratitude for her presence, and above all, love for the countless memories we shared.

Not just a mom, she was a guiding light that illuminated the path of our upbringing. In the absence of parental figures, she stepped in with open arms, offering the invaluable gift of her unconditional love. She embraced her role as caregiver with boundless compassion, nurturing and shaping us into the individuals we are today.

Her presence in our lives was a constant source of comfort and reassurance. Whether it was lending a listening ear, offering words of wisdom, she had an innate ability to soothe our worries and lighten our burdens. Her unwavering commitment to our well-being knew no bounds, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.

As I navigate through the waves of grief that accompany her passing, I find solace in the cherished memories we created together. From laughter-filled family gatherings to quiet moments of shared solitude, each memory serves as a testament to the bond we shared. Though she may no longer be physically present, her spirit lives on in the echoes of her laughter, and the love that continues to flow through our veins.

Though her departure has left a void that can never be filled, I take comfort in the knowledge that her legacy of love and compassion will endure for generations to come. Today, as I bid farewell to my beloved amai, I choose to celebrate her life, her love, and the profound impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In loving memory of my guardian angel, may your spirit find peace in the eternal embrace of heaven. You will forever hold a special place in my heart, and your memory will live on in the stories we share and the lives you touched. Until we meet again, Amai, tinoti zororai murugare, tabaiwa panorwadza kasi Mwari vaita kuda kwavo, Tichaedzawo kuzadzikisa zvishuvo zvenyu. You will be deeply missed, but your love will never be forgotten.

- Johnny Manoti

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From the depths of my soul lies the confession that there will never be another lyk u Mum.U were my pillar of strength and a sample of your inspiration was a treat. Nothing can ever comprehend yo worth and no one will ever b compared to u.Yo impact in my life has been outstanding for that u will be eternally written in my heart.any greatness that I might have is yours In exchange of every sleepless night n every sweet thing u do for me .in yo debt I'll forever b AMAI.yo luv exhibited itself in streams of natural affection but now I feel like my fountain of hope has dried out. Remembering you will be easy but missing you is a heartache that will never fade away a man's ways are in full view of the Lord,may he continue to guide your pathway to HEAVEN the same way you guided us.Till we meet again, ndokutendai nekutichengeta kwamakaita AMAI.

Jeffy Manoti

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Amai Njenje, you were a God-given mother. I thank God for the opportunity He gave me and many others to have you in our lives. It has been difficult coming to terms with your unexpected departure, but I am comforted by the great memories of the many years we shared. I will always cherish that warm smile and your gentle laughter. Your compassionate and generous demeanour was most amazing, you were truly a blessing. I will miss you mum, rest in peace.

Farai Mwamuka

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Amai, it hurts so much to say goodbye, was looking forward to seeing you again but time is not ours. I am so grateful for the time we shared here in Zimbabwe.
We used to go to church together, share meals together, laugh together and sing together your favourite song "Nditungamirei Jehovah ndichifamba parwendo" of which this is the journey that you are now on, and i pray that God will lead your path to eternity.
To me you were a Mother, a friend and an advisor. You were the kindest soul, a cheerful giver, very passionate about the well being of other people.

You touched the lives of many with your kindness and generosity, if love is sweet as a flower, then Mhamha Njenje is that sweetest flower of love. Words cannot express my gratitude. Your passing may bring tears to our eyes but the love you radiated will never fade away. Thank you so much for the care, the unforgettable memories, i will treasure them forever.
Go well Mhamha, rest in tranquillity.

Nyasha Sakupwanya

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On behalf of the Manoti family, especially me Elina, Jeffy, Johnny, Sheryl, Samantha and Jamal, It’s with sadness that we lost a mom, a mom who made sacrifices for our livelihood. We surely could not have made it to where we are today were it not for her kindness and generosity. She made it a point that our mother (her sister) got enough for our upkeep.She was our biggest inspiration and supporter, for that she will forevermore  remain in our hearts and prayers.

Saying goodbye to her is going to be a very painful experience especially that we are not there to witness physically the lowering of her body. May God Almighty prepare for her a good place to stay and may Heaven be her final abode and may our good Lord forgive her for all her past sins that she committed knowingly and unknowingly. KWAMURI AMAI TINOTI KWAMURI, HAMBA KAHLE, HAMBA NOKUTHULA.FAMBAI ZVAKANAKA AMAI TILL WE MEET AGAIN.Lastly,to the Njenje family,TINOTI CHEMAYI NETARIRO,RUFU INZIRA YEDU,AMAI VAZORORA  .MURIDZI WE RUVA ATEMHA.

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Dear Mom...

You were precious,,a gift from God,so much love you possessed..you touched our hearts in so many ways even on dark days your strength and help made us realize we had an angel beside us,,you were our shoulder to cry on..you put others first before you.We are going to miss you Mom...Fly with the angels....

Till we meet again💔💔💔

 Magaya & Family...

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We will keep the memory of you alive by cherishing the moments we spent together and remembering your legacy always.” “We honor and cherish your memory, our beloved Mom Mai Belinda as we used to call you.May your spirit live on forever in our hearts and souls. We will sadly miss your love Rest in peace.

Love Nyasha Mvududu and Family

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HUMBOO HWAAMBUYA E NJENJE KUBVA KUMUZUKURU CHARLES MUNAWA

SONG: TAZVIONA HUPENYU IDOVA

Ndiri kudzamirwa zvakanyanya nekurasikirwa naambuya wangu. Ambuya vaive munhu aigara zvakanaka nevamwe. Vaiva munhu aisvikika, vaive munhu akareruka, vasingatyisi kunyangwe uine zvavaida kwavari. Kunyangwe vaita dambudziko vaive muyananisi. Ambuya vakange vasinganyime. Vakanga vakandidzidzisa kupa vasineyi nekuti une zvakawanda zvakadini.

Zvese izvi zvaireva RUDO. Ambuya vaive vakandidzidzisa kunamata. Vakandisiira nhaka inogara nekusingaperi.

Kunesu vazukuru vambuya E Njenje tasara, ngativei nerudo serwaiva naambuya vedu. Makaita basa nedzidziso.

Zororai murugare ambuya. Dzamara tasanganiswa, nesuo tichatevera. Tinokudai nekukurangarirai nemhuri.

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Evelyn (nee) Sibanda Njenje

To Tete Lillian you were more than a Muroora (Sister In Law), you were my friend, a true Gem, genuine friend, an all weather friend. 0 Mai Belinda, Mai Njenje, Mukadzi waMukoma Jimu, Mukarandi wehanzvadzi yangu. 0 You kept your faith, you relied on God when the world seemed to have crushed on you, you were exhausted but your face remained radiant as if nothing was happening in your life e.g mukoma Jimu's stay in hospital). The distance you would travelled to attend church services (Greendale to Mabvuku, is a true testimony. You were and you remain a true Salvationist, a true Soilder of Christ. It is only befitting

Tete Lillian