Jerusha Maruti

continuation

Dear Jesh,
On 2 January last year (2025) you came back to Nairobi after many months in Chennai, India. We missed you very much. On the next day ... I am trying to remember ... Letty and Joe organised a party for you. And We gave you a painting that I made that year. The title was "Free spirit": a land scape of a lady on a beautiful garden full of flowers. This is how I imagine you now. We wrote many messages for you. I send you the process of the painting (Trinity would like to see). And the messages at the back. I saw the painting at your house in Kisumu last Sunday the day before your first birthday in Heaven and I looked again all those messages with Tia and Theo... the three of us agreed to do it for you.
These are beautiful memories about you.
Greetings.
Fr Edward

Dear Jesh,
This is the memento card we did to remember and pray for you.
We gave to many people here in Nairobi, Kisumu and Bungoma.
My blessings to you.
Father Edward

P.S. The people abroad ... you could ask for a hard copy or crop the one I share at the bottom of this message.
P.S. The image of our Lady is a wooden carving at the entrance of the house of Jesh and Joe in Kisumu.
P.S. The prayer is called The Memorare.

*In Loving Memory of Jesh Maruti*

My heart is heavy as I say goodbye to my dear cousin, Jesh Maruti.

Jesh, you were more than family. You and Joe opened your home and your hearts to me, and I will always cherish the warm welcome I received at your Westlands residence. Those sleepovers, the late-night talks, the laughter echoing through your home, the comfort I felt just being with you both — those are moments I’ll hold onto forever.

Watching you and Joe together was a gift. You weren’t just husband and wife; you were best friends, true partners. The love you shared was the kind people hope for and rarely find. I envied it in the best way, because it showed me what love should look like — patient, joyful, unwavering.

Joe, you had a gem. I know there are no words that can ease this pain, but I hope you feel how deeply Jesh was loved, and how proud she was to be yours. The way you stood by each other, in happiness and in sadness, is a testament to the beautiful life you built together.

To a family that stood with me through every season — my celebrations and my sorrows — thank you. You showed me what it means to belong. Jesh, your kindness, your light, and your love will never leave me.

They say God takes the best, and He took one of the very best when He called you home.

Rest in peace, dear cousin. You are forever in my heart, and your memory will live on in every story I tell about what true love and true family look like.

With all my love,
Victor Haya

Weehu my dear sister this has really hit home vibaya sana. I will really miss you Jesh, You taught me a lot about this world how to Pray, party, kuenjoy life, to take care of myself and how to be serious.
You were the family glue and you always made me feel a part of the family together with my family Asante sana.
We will surely miss you . Oh! Imagine I know you are in heaven JC showed me saw😉 Anywho we’re all on a journey in this world. Till we meet again. Rest well Nyar Alungo🙏🏽

Jerusha (sweety) my childhood osiepa it's painful to write that you are no more. You were always smiling and loved God devoted catholic. You are a champion. Your so strong and courageous when we visited you. God has picked a beautiful heart. Rest easy nyasema/ nyar nyalego/ jesh/ sweety

Mtu wangu!

I look around at faces in the light,
And cherish every hand that reaches out,
But none can fill the hollow of this night,
Or speak the language we two spoke about.

"My people" are the ones who need no cue,
The ones who hold the maps of where I’ve been.
The world feels smaller, colder, lacking you— My witness, my sister, my unrelated kin.

Go softly now, beyond the reach of breath,
Into the peace where weary spirits shine.
I’ll hold the line against the sting of death:
There are friends, Jerusha—and then there are those who were mine.

She was such a good mum, not just to her own, but to me too. She made me feel loved, protected and treated me as her own. She was an incredible person and her absence will be deeply felt.

Heavy have been the times
Heavy was the day we heard the end was near
Heavy is to hear that you departed.
I remember the first time we met.
You entered my home along with your mom, Evans and Claudia. You entered and didn't behave like a stranger. Why should you?
Never did anyone know this was going to be one and done...but here we are.
Pained we were to here of the serious diagnosis and pained we are to hear it took you...ever so young.
Bring your love of football to heaven.
Convey greetings to those who went before you
Journey on beautiful soul, beautiful spirit, spirited Jesh. Journey on.
Your family will be OK. Your girls will thrive and you will smile on them from heaven. Journey on, Jesh.

Dearest Jesh,
Your were a force that moved with a quiet energy that uplifted all who interacted with you. Thank you for sharing your light, faith and family with me and my family.

Joan Walumbe

Nya Seme, we joked with Joe on how we did an exchange program. Ja Bungoma picked his flower from Seme and Ja Seme picked his flower from Bungoma. Rest well 🕊🕊🕊. To Joe and the family, Peace be with you. Heaven has a new flower!

All I have ever known and will ever know from Aunty Jesh is love.Godspeed Aunty Jerusha may your soul shine perpetually bright. Your love will live on in Tia, Theo, Trini, Tesse and Uncle Maruti.

This is sad to loss such a beautiful soul Jerusha you truly loved my daughter Effie now wakili Effie both in Kianda and law school in strathmore and this made us very close Effie is away in Switzerland and very sad and she’s praying for for your soul truly you are in heaven my dear sister may you rest easy being in the presence of our lovely lord Smen
Matilda ombok / wakili Effie Okola Odhiambo

Jesh my sister,
We are heartbroken and words can't explain it now.
From the day you broke news to me of your health status, it has been a long journey of prayers, frequent visits and daily prayers and sharing of words of hope and encouragement.
It was sad to see you breath your last. We prayed, fasted, cried and hugged and held each other in the hope that somehow you may live one day longer and it wasn't to
be.
You have fought the battle
gallantly. Never at any one
day did you give up. You kept the faith and kept telling me it shall be well till the last day.

I am heartbroken to lose you. You have been more than a
sister to me and always had a
way of appealing even to the
most unloved people and build their confidence, trust
and hope in God.
Rest in peace. Amen.

Jesh the ever gentle soul,
May you rest in the arms of the Lord who formed you from the dust of the earth. May our holy mother Mary, the angels, and all the saints welcome you now that you have gone forth from this life. May Christ who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace. May Christ who died for you admit you into his garden of paradise.
Go well Nya seme. It is very sad but indeed worthwhile.....
Now I can respond to your message "Happy Easter to you too Jesh in heaven where there is no pain" say hi to Fr. Alfonso

My lovely Sizoo Jesh,

It hurts so much to see you go. You fought this monster like the boss you are, right to the very end. I’m so proud of you.

You will always be in my heart, and I know I’ll keep seeing you in our beautiful girls. I’ll miss your voice, your humor, and the way you’d say, “huyo msee ni mziiiiii!!!” or remind me, “I hope you have written down these things you say.” And of course, shouting “shots, shots, shots!” and not taking even one 😂

I grew up so scared of you—the strict big cousin—but somehow I learned how to maneuver around that strictness, and I came to understand the love behind it.

I’m so sad, Sizoo. But I truly believe you’re in heaven now, watching over all of us. We will do our best, I promise.

I love you forever.

Betty & Jesh

Thank you Jesh. For your selflessness and your witness to a life worth emulating. This is what i saw in you, thank you for giving your life as an example to me and those you guided.

Pray for us. ❤️

Dearest Jerusha,

We are heartbroken about your passing but we rejoice in the knowledge that you have gone to rest in the arms of our beloved Lord and Our lady whom you have so deeply loved in life. We are deeply consoled that you are not in pain anymore.

Thank you for being a loving, kind, warm and generous friend. You were a friend who was always present in our lives and gave so much of yourself to our family. We will always be grateful for your friendship, love, concern and support.

We are praying for you and your family during this trying moments. May God comfort and strengthen your husband, children, siblings, relatives and friends.

Please continue praying for us. We are asking you for many things.
Nind gi kwe Jerusha.

"If you are an apostle, death for you will be a good friend who helps you on your way" ( St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 735)

With deepest sympathy and caring thoughts,
Emma, Vicky and Angie Oketch

I am deeply saddened and at a loss for words regarding the passing of my daughter, Jesh. It is difficult to comprehend that you are no longer with us. Your gentle voice, kind smile, and warm welcome during my visits will be profoundly missed. I had found solace in the thought that you would always be there for your siblings and in-laws, that you would support each other and overcome past difficulties. However, the cruel hand of fate has taken you from us. The void you have left will be incredibly challenging to fill. May the Lord grant strength and comfort to your beloved husband, cherished children, and the Ouko family. Rest in peace, Nya Kochola.

I will miss our deep, genuine, heart to hear conversations. Always as authentic as your laugh.

Forever in our hearts 💕

In Loving Memory
Mrs. Jerusha Maruti
A Woman of Grace, Strength, and Boundless Love

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
— Proverbs 31:25
Dear Maruti Family,
It is with hearts full of grief, yet overflowing with gratitude for having known her, that we, Adiel and family, join you in mourning the passing of the remarkable Mrs. Jerusha Maruti. Who would have thought that a simple high school friendship between our daughters Malia and Trinity could grow into such genuine love, unity, and unwavering support between two families.
Words feel small in the face of a loss this profound, yet we feel compelled to honour the extraordinary woman she was — because some lives are too luminous to be left in silence.
Over the past year and more, we watched with deep admiration as Jerusha faced her battle with cancer not with bitterness, but with a dignity and quiet courage that left all who witnessed it in awe. Having been hornered to stand with her and her family until her final breath, Jerusha did not simply endure — she lived. Through every difficult day, through every moment of pain, she continued to pour out warmth, laughter, and love to those around her. That is the mark of a truly rare soul.
Jerusha had a presence that made a room feel warmer simply by her being in it. She carried herself with a grace that was never loud but always felt — in the gentleness of her words, the sincerity of her smile, and the way she made every person she encountered feel truly seen and valued. She was the kind of woman whose love left a permanent mark on the people fortunate enough to receive it.
To her beloved family — her passing has left a space in your world that no one else can ever fill, and we grieve alongside you with full hearts. Yet we also hold on to the truth that a life lived with as much love and faithfulness as hers does not simply end. It echoes. It lives on in the kindness you carry, in the memories you treasure, and in the legacy she wove into the very fabric of your family.
She fought with everything she had, and she did so with her head held high and her faith unshaken. That in itself is a testament to the woman she was — a testament we will carry with us always. We are deeply honoured to have known her and deeply saddened by this farewell.

“Blesséd are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
— Matthew 5:4
Resting now in the arms of her Maker.
She will never be forgotten.

With love, prayers, and deepest sympathy,
Adiel & Family

Dear Jesh, your departure is the worst thing that happened to me, how I loved your smile so beautiful then when I was uncertain of my drive to Opus Dei you chose to walk the path teaching me how to love God whole heartedly. Oh how I will miss our talks, you allowed me walk this journey with you sharing with me all your reports Oh Jesh you really wanted to live. I miss how you called me My Baby... sleep in Heaven in Peace my spiritual Director and personal Friend

Forever my confidant

May her soul rest peace, Jerusha was a unique lady, prayerful, resilience, welcoming, a person of the people. She cared for others and loved family we will miss her

We, the Odundo Ombech family, are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear cousin, Jesh. It is incredibly difficult to fathom this loss, especially at a time when she served as the true glue of our family. We extend our deepest condolences to her immediate family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.
From early childhood, Jesh inspired us through her profound love for family, her unwavering dedication to the church, and her selfless work in the community. She was a woman who lived to empower others. We fondly recall our early years together—the family gatherings, celebrations, and the many shared joys and sorrows that were always brightened by her enduring spirit and positive outlook.
Jesh will be remembered as an exceptionally loving, cheerful, and hospitable soul. This was evident in everything she did, from the care she gave her family to the passion she poured into her charitable causes.
Even in her final journey, her battle with illness served as a powerful testament to her character. Her positive mindset and belief that all things can be endured and overcome provide a lasting lesson for us all. Jesh had a way of connecting with each of us in her own special way. We pray that her spirit lives on in us and that her soul finds eternal rest."
Gordon, Thomas, Lawrence and Eric

Many many years ago in a distant land. This is the famous gate where we all took photos.

Oh Jesh,
I will.never forget how you proffesionally and lovingly you made me know the kind of person i am,your life lessons spiritual guidance oohhh Jesh ,Rest easy baby girl.
U will forever be missed.
May your soul Rest In Eternal peace.

Jesh was not only a loved sister-in-law but also a cherished sister and friend. I recall our initial meeting at her parents' residence, where she greeted me with a warm embrace and a welcoming smile. Despite my initial apprehension as a first-time visitor to my sister's in-laws, Jesh immediately put me at ease. Her calm and inviting demeanor was consistent in every subsequent encounter and even during our phone conversations.

She confronted her battle with cancer with remarkable courage, inspiring all who knew her. Even amidst the most challenging times, when fear and pain could have easily prevailed, she chose resilience, hope, and love. Such bravery is truly exceptional and has left an indelible impression on all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nya Seme, your quiet strength, love, and warmth will forever remain with us. May you rest in eternal peace, my dear. Until we meet again.

You shall be deeply missed.

Nyar Seme ❤️, I will miss our chats, your laughter, and most of all your kindness and wise counsel. You were truly one in a million. You carried your illness with such grace, courage and strength. Until we meet
again my dearest friend❤️ May your
soul rest in eternal
peace

My dearest Jesh, my spiritual director and my confidant. I remember the first day I met you in a recollection in Kisumu and we connected instantly. You became my spiritual director and its been an amazing spiritual journey.

Three days before you departed, you told me we shall talk soon, little did i know that was the last conversation i will have with you.

I'm deeply hurt that I will never sit down again with you and share our sincere conversations. I miss you already. You fought bravely and you were always cheerful, the pain is over my dear. Dance with the angels and say hi to Fr. Alphonse.

Joe and your beautiful children, may our Mother Mary embrace you in her embrace. It's well.

A GENTLE SOUL WHO BECAME FAMILY
"Today I honor Jerusha, my beloved daughter-in-law, whose presence was a gift from the moment she entered our lives. Jerusha was more than family by marriage; she became a daughter, a friend, woven into the heart of who we are.

Jerusha had a rare gentleness that touched all she met. She was patient in listening, kind in her words, and generous with her time. I recall countless evenings when she would sit with me over tea, talking not just about big things, but the small joys of the day. She made people feel valued, even in the simplest conversations.

Her devotion to her husband and children shone brightly. She encouraged dreams, celebrated achievements, and created a home filled with laughter. Family meals, holiday gatherings, or spontaneous get-togethers were made richer by her presence, as she always ensured that everyone felt included and cared for.

Jerusha also loved the beauty of nature. Whether tending her garden, walking in the park, or simply noticing the colors of the sky, she found joy in the everyday. She reminded us that life’s blessings are often quiet and close at hand.

Her strength was equally remarkable. When faced with challenges, she bore them with courage and grace. She was not one to complain; instead, she found a way forward, guided by faith and love. That quiet resilience inspired us all.

Jerusha's humor, too, brought light to heavy days. A witty remark, a playful glance, or a burst of laughter—she had a way of reminding us that even in hardship, joy can be found.

Though her time with us feels too short, Jerusha's love remains. We will carry her spirit in the kindness we show, in the laughter we share, in the way we gather as family. Rest in peace, dear Jerusha. Thank you for being part of our lives."

"She was a gentle and loving soul, a woman who gave of herself quietly and fully to those around her. In her presence, there was warmth, care, and a sense of home. She carried her strength with grace, even in difficult moments, and touched many lives through her kindness and patience.

She was a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a cherished member of our family. Her love will continue to live on in the people she raised, the lives she influenced, and the memories we hold close.

Though we mourn her passing, we are grateful for the time we shared with her. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May she rest in peace".

"Jesh dear, You will be forever in my heart. You were a beautiful soul that brought so much joy and love when we were together. I will always remember the bond we shared, the late-night talks and the secrets we shared. Rest in peace."

"Jesh dear, You will be forever in my heart. You were a beautiful soul that brought so much joy and love when we were together. I will always remember the bond we shared, the late night talks and the secrets we shared. Rest in peace."
Eve Walu- Sister in love

🌹In Loving Memory
A Tribute to Jerusha, Our Beloved Sister-in-Law
She walked through life with a warmth that was impossible to miss — a beautiful smile always ready to welcome, and eyes that made every person in the room feel seen and valued. Her kindness was not occasional; it was the very air she breathed. Whether in her home or in the lives of those around her, her generosity and hospitality turned every gathering into a place of belonging.
In the face of life’s hardships, she remained a quiet tower of strength — stoic, composed, and yet never cold. Her perseverance in difficult seasons was a silent testimony that inspired all who witnessed it. She did not merely endure; she pressed on with grace and cheerfulness, lifting the spirits of those around her even as she carried her own burdens.
We do not grieve as those without hope, for her life was a gift — a light that shone brightly in our family. May she rest in the peace of our Lord, and may her memory continue to call us to greater kindness, deeper generosity, and more cheerful love for one another.
“May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

"I thank God for the years He gave Jerusha to share with me.i first me her in the seminar in Tigoni,I heard alot about her, when she introduced herself as Jerusha ,I said,oh! You are 'the 'Jerusha! She was curious why I said that,I invited her for dinner,she came along with Joseph, and you know what followed.when she joined the Nyongesa 's family,we fondly called each gal gal.her ability to emphasize was remarkable,I felt that from her, she would listen to me with interest and actually wear my shoes.may you dance with angels gal..."

" Uncle Joe, I remember one time while in “sunny yellow” you came to pick me from school-you brought chocolate donuts.

Aunty Jesh, I remember your happiness 4 /4 times you had daughters.

Tess I remember the birthdays we celebrated together.

Trinity I remember your impeccable taste, of course influenced by your moms style in set design.

Teddy I can remember you being born, we were excited.

Tia I can remember you met your family after they had developed, making you a prodigy in emotional intelligence, reminding me when I give cold hugs.

I remember because they were meaningful experiences that have molded me into the individual that I am today.

Thank you. Recieve my deepest condolesces as we brave this unbearable loss together"

" I am grateful for Auntie Jesh because she was mom’s close friend. I am grateful for her kindness and the love brought to the family"

"May our Lady watch over you! 🌹 Rest in peace Aunty Jesh."

"A beautiful soul, a brave heart, forever in our hearts, rest in peace aunty Jesh."

"To Aunty Jerusha
Sad to see similarly a happy person leave the planet, I will remember you for the happiness you brought around as an Aunt.
Thank you for the memories as well may you now rest in peace well. For the 4Ts always keep the memory of your mums warmth alive and for Uncle Joseph may you be always the big strong uncle we know"

"Auntie Jesh.....a warm presence like yours is not easily forgotten. You carried kindness in your spirit, courage in your heart, and a quiet strength that touched everyone around you. In a world that often rushes past, you made people feel seen, valued, and at home.
Losing you feels deeply unfair, but your love and goodness remain with us.You were truly one of the best among us, and you will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever cherished."

"Hi Auntie Jesh,
You once taught me CRE, but beyond that you taught me life lessons.
Lessons of patience, lessons of compassion, lessons of empathy and lessons of perseverance.
Each time I live out these lessons, I will remember you in my prayers."

In Kisumu

Dearest Jerusha,

The decade of being colleagues opened the door to our friendship. Your calm, optimistic and cheerful spirit brought me to SLS often. Your friendship, genoristy and committment encouraged me to keep coming to Keri for our weekly circles.

Meeting you last time at Prof's place gave me hope. You encouraged all of us Jerusha. Despite the pain, Jesh you showed up! You came! You were there! You didnt seek to be served, you served Jesh, even when it was difficult. You still smiled! You still asked how my little ones were doing. Walking you to the car was an honor. Almost like a walk of honor. Sitting back that evening, I thanked God for you. I prayed for you and your family. But God knew best. He has taken you to a better place.

Am in tears, yes, Tears of a loss of a friend and a sister. But also tears of peace, which cuts deep, knowing that you are in a better place.

Say hi to Fr. Alph!

To my dearest godmother,

Your smile lit up every room, and your laughter brought joy to everyone lucky enough to know you. You were deeply loved, and your kindness and spirit will stay with us always. We will carry your memory forward and strive to be even a fraction of the incredible person you were. Rest in peace—you will never be forgotten.

Carene, Nicole and Natalie

Hi Jesh,

I still remember you from our time as roommates at Egerton. Your smile has always stayed with me. While the rest of us lived in jeans and T-shirts, you were always impeccably dressed for lectures—something I quietly admired. I also miss your infectious laugh; it brought so much warmth to those around you.

Even when distance separated us, you remained present in my daily prayers and at Mass. I continue to pray for you now, that you may enter fully into God’s glory.

Thank you for embracing life so fully, for your constant smile, and for always carrying yourself with such elegance.

Rest in peace!

Dear U.Maruty, 4Ts ( Tess, Trinity, Theo & Tatiana),

Thinking of you all and sending love your way. May you find strength in each other, comfort in the memories you hold dear, and peace in the moments of quiet reflection. Wishing you warmth, courage, and gentle days ahead.

With heartfelt thoughts,

One thing I will always carry with me about Aunty Jesh is her hugs—they were so genuine, so full of warmth and love. It’s something I learnt from her, and it reflected the depth of her beautiful soul. She had a way of making people feel at home, just by being herself. I will deeply miss that… and her gentle, loving heart. Forever in our hearts A.Jesh.

Dear Jesh,
We Thank You!
We Love You!

Always,
Caroline Dimba-Abwoga

Jesh, at Egerton, in our AGHE course 💕 I was 102, you were 103, you laughed when I reminded you that in March. Always my pillar in academics, dependable and full of integrity 🙂. Even during graduation we were next to each other.
You embodied love wherever you stepped with your smile, and the few periods when I didn't see your smile I always knew something was terribly wrong.
Your body gave up your spirit, but I still feel your spirit smiling in your new journey.

My dear nyaseme min Tatiana am still in denial but I know you are in heaven.You took care of me like a baby continue praying for me mama.Iam missing you already I know we will meet one day.Rest in peace Min Tess.

@Jesh, you came, you saw and you showed the way. We are coming after you. Shalom, till we meet again.

Jesh...I don't know what to say...you were a beautiful soul and I'm grateful that God blessed you in that way because you had space for everyone in your heart.
It was easy to get along with you and you had such depth in the advice you would give.
Thank you for being exemplary, thank you for being courageous, thank you for being authentically you.
Well done! Well done... May God reward your fidelity.
I am encouraged that you are no longer in pain. It has pleased God to call you back home, we accept His most perfect will.
May God comfort your family in a special way.

Pray for us Jesh... Pray for us!

Dear Joe, your beautiful daughters, and the Ouko family,

My heartfelt condolences to you all during this very difficult time. May God grant you peace, strength, and comfort in the days ahead.

Jesh was quietly a powerhouse. She was gentle, resilient, and deeply present in the lives of those who knew her.

She carried a very heavy battle with remarkable courage and grace, and I know she is already dearly missed.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

May she rest in peace, and may her memory continue to be a blessing to you all.