Gaudence Nahigombeye
, - February 2, 2010
Biography
Gaudence Nahigombeye, age 54, died Tuesday February 2, 2010, at Flower Hospital after a long illness. A native of Burundi Africa, Gaudence came to America to both escape the genocide in Burundi and to pursue her higher education, earning a PhD in Educational Technology at the University of Toledo. Gaudence taught high school French at three Toledo schools, Notre Dame Academy, Woodward High School and Waite High Schools. Her students affectionately referred to her as 'Madame.' Forced by ill health to take a leave of absence from her beloved French classes at Waite High School last year, Gaudence hoped that her students were being taught the language properly in her absence. She demanded and appreciated excellence in all areas of life, yet she possessed a quick wit, a great sense of humor and a broad smile. Gaudence's lifelong love of academics was directed in recent months to exploring and understanding the illness that sapped her life. She was eternally hopeful that she would some day be able to return to the classroom. Gaudence brought a strong Catholic faith with her from Burundi and was a longtime member of Corpus Christi University Parish, a place where she found nourishment for that faith. Her faith and her love of Jesus brought her much comfort as she faced and surmounted many difficult obstacles along the way. Gaudence is survived by her loving daughter, Aline Kaze; two brothers living in Burundi, Elias Harimenshi and Daniel Dayimiye, and niece Anastasie Ngendakumama, Toledo. Gaudence was preceded in death by her husband, Antonie Barampama. She will be greatly missed by special friends, Pat and Dick Hanusz and Mrs. Hubie L. Pitts. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 6, from 10 AM to 11 AM at Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr Street, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 AM. Internment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Those considering a memorial tribute to Gaudence are encouraged to consider the Aline Barampama Kaze Educational Trust, c/o Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr St., Toledo, OH 43607.
Facts
Death: February 2, 2010
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