Jeremiah 33v3 "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know"
Obituary
Wadzanayi Mupandawana was born on August 17, 1977, at Harare Hospital in Zimbabwe, a blessing to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mupandawana. She was the third of four children, growing up with her siblings Solomon, Absolom, and Roselyn. From the very start, Wadzanayi had a light about her—a warmth and kindness that touched everyone she met.
She spent her early years in Chitungwiza before moving to Eastlea. School began at Admiral Tait Primary, but it was at St. Rita Mupfumi Primary in Masvosva, Rusape, that she really found her footing. There, she developed a special bond with her grandmother—a bond that became the foundation of so much in her life. With her grandmother’s love and support, she finished Grade 7 with strong results and a heart full of determination.
Wadzanayi faced some bumps along the way during her secondary education at Musengezi Mission near Chegutu. But true to her nature, she didn’t let setbacks define her. She repeated Form 4 at Mupfumi Secondary in Masvosva, and with her grandmother by her side once more, she earned the grades she needed.
After school, life moved quickly. She was briefly married Mr. Chatora and, on October 1, 1994, welcomed her daughter, Yvonne, into the world. Yvonne was the centre of her universe, and despite the challenges of being a young mom, Wadzanayi kept pushing forward. She completed a Secretarial Course at Speciss College in Harare, determined to provide the best life she could for her daughter.
Her career took her to various companies, including a bank, and later, she worked at her uncle’s business, Tenda Transport. Life wasn’t always easy—her marriage to Desmond Nyaungwa ended, and she faced the uncertainties of starting over. But in 2004, she made the brave decision to move to the UK, looking for a fresh start.
In the UK, she joined her siblings Solomon and Roselyn. She settled first in Kettering, then in Leicester, where she got involved in volunteering, always finding ways to give back. Her main priority was ensuring Yvonne could join her, and in 2006, she made that happen, securing their future in the UK together.
Wadzanayi dreamed of becoming a nurse, and she started down that path, but her health had other plans. Still, she never lost sight of what mattered most—her family. She was over the moon when Yvonne got married to Trevor Munangi in 2017, and even more so when she became a grandmother to Jayden in 2018 and Elijah in 2021. Those grandkids were her pride and joy, and she loved them with all her heart.
Her faith was the anchor in her life, especially when times got tough. As a dedicated member of the AFM church, Wadzanayi was always there—whether in Kettering or Leicester—making sure everything was just right for church gatherings. She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome, always one of the first to arrive and the last to leave. Her spirit of service and her attention to detail made a real difference.
But in 2013, things took a hard turn. A stubborn cough led to a devastating diagnosis: throat cancer. The doctors didn’t give her much time—six months, they said—but Wadzanayi wasn’t one to give up easily. She fought with everything she had, leaning on her faith and the love of those around her. After intense treatments, the cancer was no longer detectable, and she had defied the odds.
The battle wasn’t over, though. The treatments took a toll on her body, leaving her with a husky voice and unable to eat normally. Despite all this, Wadzanayi kept going, kept fighting, and kept inspiring everyone around her. Even when she tried to learn sign language, her health complications made it difficult, but she never stopped trying.
Over the years, her health declined, and she spent more and more time in the hospital. Yet, her strength was nothing short of incredible—she lived nearly 11 years beyond what anyone expected. But on Thursday, August 15, 2024, her journey came to an end. She passed away peacefully at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, leaving behind her beloved Yvonne and her cherished grandchildren, Jayden and Elijah.
Wadzanayi wasn’t just a mother, a grandmother, a sister or a daughter —she was a fighter, a caregiver, and a light in so many lives. Her love, her strength, and her unwavering faith will never be forgotten. Though she’s no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. We’ll carry her memory with us, always.
Tributes
GRANDKIDS
"We love you Gogo, our angel"
HODESCO
Our dear friend aunty Wadza.
Faithful steward who was also our treasurer
She was truly Saved to Serve.
Her love and commitment to work in the house of God encouraged and challenged us all who were previledged to work with her.
We admired most her unwavering optimism – even in the face of tough challenges, she remained resilient, finding light in the darkest of moments and being a pillar of strength and a source of encouragement for us all.
She served in this department wholeheartedly without being coerced or grumbling. She is someone everyone could count on to fill in the gap where there was need.
Anything out of line, TEXT message will be sent for corrections to be made and make peace. For that’s who she was, A PEACEMAKER.
You have left a void that can never be replaced or filled. Soja kumusha mutendi wazoroora. We will surely miss you. May your soul rest in perfect peace WOG
VOTE OF THANKS - FROM FAMILY
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for their presence, kind words, and gestures of sympathy and support during this journey. The love and compassion you have shown have meant more than words can express. Thank you!
We would like to specially mention the Mupandawana family, Munangi family, Ndlovu family, Mapfumhe family, Mungwari family and AFM Jubilee Congregation. Your love and support have been invaluable. Thank you!
Finally we would like to thank Apostle Mberi and his wife Mrs Mberi whose presence and words brought comfort and strength. You have become more of family to us.
Thank you!
Gallery
Memory wall
Service
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to Wadzanayi Mupandawana. While we mourn the loss of our dear Wadzanayi, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Ethel Road, Leicester, LE5 5ND
Meeting ID: 86110851502
Passcode: 786688
