Hello everyone!
We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman — Mbonella Phiri-Nkomo — a mother, wife, sister, friend, and guiding light to many. She left us on the 26th of July, 2025, at the age of 61. And though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit continues to live in each person she touched with her love, warmth, and wisdom.
To know Mbonella was to know love in its purest form. She had a heart big enough to embrace everyone who crossed her path. She had a way of making you feel seen — truly seen — and loved without condition. She was caring in the kind of way that made you believe everything was going to be okay, simply because she said so.
She was also, as many of us would agree, beautifully stubborn — never one to back down from what she believed in. Whether it was her firm stance on how to properly prepare a family meal, or the “right” way to tend to a garden, Mbonella stood her ground. And in doing so, she taught us all the importance of staying true to ourselves.
Mbonella was a woman of simple joys and deep values. She loved cooking — not just because she was gifted at it, but because it was her way of bringing people together. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, of laughter, and of unity. Her food had a way of healing — whether it was a celebration or a hard day, she knew just what to make.
And then there was her garden — her sanctuary. In every seed she planted and every flower she nurtured, you could see the care she gave to life itself. Her hands were rarely still — always planting, always feeding, always building something that would grow and thrive.
But perhaps Mbonella's greatest gift to us all was her ability to bring people together. Whether it was family or friends, she was the glue that held us — quietly, persistently, and lovingly.
One of my favorite memories with her — and one that has shaped me deeply — was the way she taught me the importance of family. Not through long speeches or lessons, but through her actions. The way she showed up for those she loved. The way she listened. The way she never let anyone feel alone. From her, I learned that family is not just about blood — it's about presence, compassion, and unwavering support.
Losing Mbonella leaves a space that cannot be filled. And yet, we are all better because she lived. We are stronger, more loving, more united — because of her example.
So let us carry her with us — in our kitchens, in our gardens, in our stubbornness, and most of all, in how we love one another.
May her soul rest in peace, and may we honor her by living in the way she showed us — with heart, with strength, and with open arms.
Thank you.
