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In Loving Memory of Gaudence Ikirezi
January 01, 1934 - October 23, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we honor the beautiful life of our beloved grandmother, Gaudence Ikirezi, who was born on January 1, 1934 in Gashirabwoba, Cyangugu, Rwanda to Leonidace and Threse Runyamanza.
She shared a devoted marriage with her late husband, Felicien Kajibwami. Together, they built a home grounded in faith, resilience, and boundless hospitality. Gaudance was blessed with nine children, nurturing each with unwavering love, grace, and guidance.
Grandma Gaudence lived a vibrant and meaningful life, filled with love, kindness, tenderness, and joy. She was a remarkable woman whose presence brought warmth and comfort to those fortunate enough to know her. She was more than a grandmother; she was a source of wisdom, comfort, and understanding. She was the kind of person you could talk to about anything, knowing that she would listen with an open heart and offer the best advice she could give. Her words carried wisdom, her kindness brought peace, and her tenderness made people feel loved and understood.
She loved God more than anything in this world. She always advised everyone to trust God, no matter what.
Throughout her life, Grandma Gaudence touched countless hearts through her compassion, generosity, and loving spirit. She had a way of making ordinary moment’s special and leaving beautiful memories wherever she went. Her love was a blessing, her presence was a gift, and her wisdom was a treasure that will continue to guide her family for generations to come.
Although saying goodbye is one of life's most painful experiences, we find comfort in knowing that a life as beautiful as hers can never truly be forgotten. The love she gave, the lessons she taught, the laughter she shared, and the memories she created will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her physical presence may no longer be with us, but her spirit will continue to live on through the lives she touched, the values she instilled, and the love she planted in the hearts of her family and friends. Whenever we remember her gentle nature, seek wisdom in difficult moments, or show kindness to someone in need, a part of her beautiful legacy will live on. Grandma Gaudence, thank you for the love you gave so freely, the wisdom you shared so generously, and the joy you brought into our lives. You will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always remembered. Your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure, and your love will remain with us forever.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her two children, Patrice Mbashyabahizi and Bertrilde Kajibwami; and her loving husband Felicien Kajibwami.
Her enduring legacy lives on through her six surviving children; Berthe Kajibwami, Cipeciose Kajibwami, Charles Kasanziki, Mathieu Ngoga, Django Mbaraga, Elie Kajibwami, and Nindo Kajibwami who carry forward her wisdom and strength, as well as her 37 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. To her family, she was a matriarch of peace, warmth, and enduring love—a steady light whose blessings touched four generations.
Gaudence will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her quiet wisdom, and her boundless heart that always had room for one more. While she will be dearly missed, her memory and legacy will live on in the stories, laughter, and faith of her vast and loving family.
You may have left our sight, but you will never leave our hearts. Your spirit will forever inspire us, and your legacy of love will live on for generations to come. A Beautiful Soul Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, and your love will live on in all of us forever.
Rest peacefully, our beloved Grandma Gaudence Ikirezi.
FOREVER LOVED. FOREVER REMEMBERED. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
Special words from her family:
Mom, my best friend. I will see you again in heaven. We lived together in peace. I thought I had more time with you. I was hoping you’ll live until you’re 100 years old. Rest in Jesus’s hands. I love you.
I loved you so much! Please say hello to mom and dad. I love you
My grandma, my mom… you’ve loved me since I was a little child. You’ve given me everything you had. There were days you lost sleep worrying about me. You’ve taught me how to love God. When it’s time for me to come, I’ll meet you in heaven
My beautiful queen and my best friend. I love you and I miss you so much! My heart is broken. I won’t be able to call you again and to hear your voice. Thank you for your words of wisdom that you’ve instilled in me. I continue to and put God first. I can’t promise you I can’t get married again, sorry in advance. I can promise you that I’ll raise my children the right way and I promise I will take care of mom and papa. I will take care of mom the way she took care of you. I promise I will be patient with mom. I love you so much.
Hello mom, open your arms and give me a big hug! Where you’re going say hello to dad, your first born, second born and last born. You’re going to meet Jesus and Mary. God is capable of everything. Dream of God
We thank you for your advices and we’ll keep your advances. Rest in peace. We believe you’re in heaven with Jesus.
Mom, I love you. You’re the source of my blessings! You’re irreplaceable. Rest in peace. You’ve left us with beautiful memories of peace and love. I’ll keep your legacy.
I love you and I’m glad you left us in peace. You were my aunt and friend. You’ve showed us love and we ask God to love others the way you loved us. I love you and will always love you until eternity!
My heart is heavy as I say goodbye to my beautiful grandma, Tate. A piece of my heart goes with you, but your love, wisdom, and memories will live with me forever. Rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord, Tate. I love you always and forever. Until we meet again.
Cox - Rowley Funeral Home
Union in Jesus Christ Church
Memorial Park Cemetery
Visits: 19
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