Patrick Karongo, the husband to the late Dr. Sarah Thuo performs the 'soil back to the soil' ritual at the Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester, Mass. . Dr. Thuo's mother ( in stripped shirt and black suit) looks on as she is held by other mourners for support. H. Maina/Ajabu

By Harrison Maina, Ajabu Africa News

WORCESTER, Mass. The Kenyan doctor who passed away recently in Boston was laid to rest during a painful ceremony at the Notre Dame cemetery in Worcester, Mass on Tuesday July 28, 2009. Dr. Sarah Thuo passed away at a prime age of 34, just as she was embarking into building a promising career and family life.

Several hundred Kenyans turned out  for the final memorial service  for Dr. Thuo, who is survived by a husband, a three and a half year son, a mother, three sisters, in laws, nephews and cousins .

The service was held at the First Assemblies of God in Worcester and was conducted by Rev. Mungai of the newly inaugurated Jamhuri  Gospel Church .

Other Kenyan pastors attending the service were Rev. Peter Gachathi of Saint Paul's chuch in Lawrence, Rev. Mumbui Karimi of Ushindi church in Lowell, and Rev. Christopher Kamau of Divine Gospel ministries in Worcester.

Philip Gitonga, a long time community organizer in Worcester was the mcee.

During the memorial, the congregation was informed of the many years that Dr. Thuo struggled with an ailment that led to a surgery, but did not stop her dedication to her family and her career in the medical field.

Several friends of the late Dr. Sally gave moving reminiscences of life with the late Thuo and praised her for a great attitude and a spirit of unwavering quest for excellence and never quitting.

In his sermon, Rev. Mungai asked Kenyans to remember that death is not the end of everything.

“There is truly a life after death, and we all need to be constantly prepared for that”, said the cleric.

The memorial service was followed by a very emotional burial ceremony at the Notre Dame cemetery in which many Kenyans attended.

Mr. Thuo Karugu coordinated the ceremony which saw Dr. Thuo’s (no relation) body laid to rest next to the grave of her cousin who passed away last year.

Mourners then proceeded to the usual P&I restaurant on Lincoln Street where Kenyans in Worcester usually meet to celebrate the life of a passed on colleague for closure.

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