Njoki Owusu - Eulogy

Early Life 

Agnes Njoki Mutura-Owusu was born on March 18, 1969, in Kisumu, Kenya to her proud parents, Francis Nguru Mutura and JessieLove Wanjiku Mutura. At the time of Njoki's birth, her father was on a short-term posting in Kisumu for Shell International Company. Njoki was a spirited and intelligent child who brought much joy to her parents. She was a caring sister to Njeri, Ciru, Jay, Michelle (also known as Phoi), and the late Desmond. Once her parents returned to Nairobi in 1972, Njoki attended nursery school in Tigoni and then started her elementary education at Loreto Convent Msongari in 1974 where she studied until completing her "A" levels in 1987.

Education and Professional Life

Following her "A" levels, Njoki worked briefly in the administrative office at Loreto Convent Msongari where she exhibited her work ethic and gregarious nature. She then went on to work with the guest relations office of Alliance Hotels in Mombasa, Kenya where she honed her ability to work with a diverse group of people, including international guests and showed her propensity for hospitality. In 1990, Njoki traveled to Canada to pursue further studies. She started at Cantab College where she earned her Ontario Academic Credits and then attended York University to study Political Science and African Studies. Njoki loved learning and wanted to explore and deepen her knowledge of God and went on to attend Canada Christian College to study Pastoral Counselling. By profession, Njoki was a social worker which was aligned with her big hearted and generous nature. She worked as a relief worker at Salvation Army - Peele Family Shelter. Njoki also worked alongside Foster on family business pursuits. She had many interests and gifts including competitive swimming, fine and performing arts.

Family Life

In 1993, Njoki met Foster Owusu at a church event in Toronto. The connection was instant, and their courtship led to a marriage of more than thirty years starting on October 29, 1994. Njoki and Foster were a magnanimous couple that rooted themselves in community, cultivated relationships and touched many lives. They were blessed with their first child, Michaela Adwowa Jessie in 2000. Joshua Kwesi Mutura followed in 2022, then Emmanuel-Paul Kwaku was born in 2006. Their three beautiful children reflect the attentive, thoughtful and dedicated parenting of Njoki and Foster. Through every interaction with them, you experience the love and values that their mother, Njoki exhibited and shared generously. Njoki was a dedicated aunt to many nieces and nephews that she poured her wisdom into, she also has several extended family members that loved her dearly, along with an abundance of friends who essentially became family.

 Community

Njoki had a tremendous gift of easily connecting with people. She had a diverse set of friends from many walks of life and stations. She was intent on knowing and impacting everyone in her orbit. Her friends at New Life Community Church were like family and particularly meaningful to her. She led and participated in many purpose-filled groups including the "Women of Valor" and many others. Njoki also engaged and contributed her talents and time to several local and international missions.

Health Challenge

In early 2020, Njoki was diagnosed with breast cancer. She managed the illness well over five and a half years and was blessed not to have suffered much from oppressive symptoms. Njoki passed away peacefully on July 23rd, surrounded by the overflowing love of family. We find solace in knowing that Njoki is at peace and we honor the remarkable and enduring legacy she leaves through the many lives she touched. Her presence will be deeply missed, yet her contributions remain a lasting presence within several communities.