Paula Anyango Ochieng

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mama Paula Anyango Ochieng (Dana), a beloved matriarch whose life's journey touched countless souls. 

Mama Paula was born in Siaya County in August 1942 to the late Margareta Akelo and Shem Ochieng. She was sister to Late Meshak Ochieng, Late Nehemiah Ochieng, Late Naftaly Ochieng, Late Benjamin Ochieng, Late Joshua Ochieng, and Late Abigael Ochieng.

Early Life and Education 

Mama Paula attended Hono Intermediate School and passed The Common Entrance Examination (C.E.E).

Marriage Life 

Mama Paula married the late Joseph Olunga Lupapa in 1959, and they were blessed with seven children. Patricia Awino, Michael Odhiambo, Rose Apiyo, Late Celestine Adongo, Late Sebastian Okello, Late Esther Atieno, Antonina Juma, and Mary Gorety Apondi.

She was mother-in-law to Romulus Okwiri, Benta Adhiambo, Alfred Odhiambo, John Ramogi, Michael Obika, and John Nyongesa.

She leaves behind 20 grandchildren, Beatrice, Remus, Paula, Michael, Joseph, Pascal, Valeria, Brenda, Ian, Mary Rozario, Trezah, Luis, Adams, Terry, Cynthia, Norbert, Kizito, Jason, and Janice. She leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren.

Christian Life 

Mama Paula's spiritual journey was marked by her conversion to Catholicism after her official marriage ceremony to the late Joseph Olunga Lupapa in 1976 at Makupa Catholic Church, officiated by Fr. Aloice Ngoma. She embraced her faith through catechism classes at Mbaga Mission Catholic Church in the mid-1970s.

Upon relocating to Nairobi in 1980, Mama Paula found a home at Holy Trinity Catholic Church-Kariobangi North Parish. Supported by the Comboni Missionaries, she served as a tailor, cook, and caretaker at Kariobangi North Nursery School.

During her years at Holy Cross Catholic Church-Dandora Parish from 1991 to 2007, Mama Paula participated in the Pastoral Development Education Programme (Kujitegemea), ensuring her children's education.

In 2008, Mama Paula joined St. Peter's Oyugis Catholic Church, where she remained until her passing in 2024. Her commitment extended to St. Christine, a Christian community within Sikri Sub-Parish, and The Legion of Mary Devotion Group, Sikri Presidium, where she remained active until her final days.

Sickness

Mama Paula was diagnosed with chronic hypertension and a brain tumor in 2008, prompting her to have successful head surgery. Since the surgery, she has been on constant medication to help manage her condition.

She was diagnosed with a hernia in 2022 while being cared for by her friend and capable nurse, Sister Caroline Oteko of Rachuonyo County Hospital. She had to have another surgery, which was also successful.

Mama Paula was admitted to Kajiado Referral Hospital in December 2023 with Oedema and heart failure. 

Her condition worsened on January 14, 2024, and she was readmitted to the same hospital. On Saturday, 3rd February 2024, Mama Paula (Dana) passed on peacefully in her sleep while undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

Rest in peace, dear Mama Paula (Dana). Your light will shine on forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you.