The campus community mourns the passing of Irene Njuguna, who died on Saturday, February 20. Irene had been employed for 15 years as part of the Bucknell Dining Services team. Irene recently won Bucknell Dining’s “Most Popular Team Member” student contest.
Included below is the complete text of the obituary, as provided by the family.
You are encouraged to visit our In Memoriam Site at bucknell.edu/InMemoriam and share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Irene’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
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Irene Wanjiku Njuguna, 65, of Lewisburg, died Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Irene was born in Dagoretti, Kenya November 1, 1955, where she leaves a host of family and friends.
She graduated from Mutu-Ini primary school and Dagoretti high school and then went on to receive a degree at Tala Secretarial College. She worked at Kenya National Capital Corporation (Kenyac) rose to personal secretary to a managing director where she worked for 7 years. She then went on to retire from Telecoms Kenya post and telecommunications after 20 years.
Irene migrated to the USA with her family in 2005. She worked at Bucknell University catering for 15 years up until now where she was loved tremendously.
She was a beacon of light and love and inspired everyone with who she came into contact with! Loved by all, she will be missed dearly.
Irene was the exact type of person this world needs more of. She had a larger than life personality and was great at making people laugh. She was a kind soul, a sincere woman, and could always be seen with a smile on her face, one that radiated. She made a lasting impact on everyone she met.
Heaven has truly gained a beautiful Angel.
Irene leaves behind her husband, Peterson Njuguna, sons, Simon Mugo and Samuel Mwangi, daughter, Eve Njeri and a host of family members and friends!
She was the sixth born child of Simon Mugo Nyoike and Josephine Wanjiku Mugo. She was a daughter-in-law to the late Monica Njeri and the late Samuel Njuguna. Sister to late Hannah Muthoni, late Virgina Ndorio, late Winnie Wambui, Mr. Joel Nyoike, Violet Wanjiru, Rev. Nancy Mugo, Catherine Karanu and Evanson Ngugi all in Kenya.
Sister-in-law to George Gicharu, James Muchiri, Margaret Muhia, and Joseph Muhia. Mother-in-law to Brian Davis and Tiarra McFadden. Grandmother to Brian, Brianna, Brendan, Bryson and Braylon. Aunt to many!
King James Bible
Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family in the Lewisburg Cemetery.
The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, South Second and St. Louis Streets, Lewisburg.
Oh no, this is such sad news! I will always remember our talks and her beautiful family. She was so good at learning Spanish and so interested in learning languages and other cultures. I will miss her kindness and smile! She was an amazing and brilliant woman!!
Every time I entered the Caf, I would go straight to the pasta section to look for Irene. She would always smile when she saw me, asking me how I was doing and if classes were going well. Those little interactions brought light to my day, and I’m grateful for her kindness. Sending lots of love and good energy to the family.
Irene always brought a smile to my face no matter how my day was going. She loved to ask how I was doing everyday. I will miss her presence dearly. My heart goes out to her family.
Irene was my absolute favorite cafeteria worker. Even when my days weren’t the best, she put a smile on my face, as well as everyone else’s. She always made it a point to ask “How was your day?” and talk about my classes, or even the weather, with me. She will be missed by so many.
She loves to learn greetings of different languages from students. HELLO你好, THANK YOU谢谢, GOOD BYE再见, She spoke these Chinese phrases when I went to the salad section. I think she was my best friend in the Caf. I will miss her.
Irene was very nice and greeted me every time I went to the pasta section. I thought she was taking a leave and did not know that she already left us. She will be missed. Sending love to her families.
Irene was so kind and was my favorite cafeteria server. She knew my name and always asked how my day was. I always looked forward to our conversations at the pasta station. I will miss her!