By CTW Team

Mrs. Maureen Jura Ochola, Principal Career and Placement Officer in the Student Life Division passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Maureen joined USIU-Africa as an Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor on March 1, 2016 and was redeployed to the Placement & Career Services (PACS) Department in November 2022. She was an integral part of the USIU-Africa community, and her contributions were invaluable. She will be remembered not only for her professional skills but also for her kindness, warmth, and positive spirit.

Maureen was a loving and cherished wife to Mr. Clement A. D. Ochola - State Department for Trade, Nairobi, and mother to Bianca Grace Mary Ochola and Bradley Paul Jura Ochola - both of United States International University-Africa and Lavine Ochola.

Here are some tributes from the PACS Department and students she mentored:

• “Maureen has left a mark on the lives of the students she served. Rest in Peace Maureen.” ~ Patricia Gichuki, Career & Placement Officer.“Saddened by your loss. You will be greatly missed.” ~ Christine Nzyoka, Internship Coordinator.
• “If tears could bring you back I’d cry a river, the moments we shared the memories I have of you will never be forgotten. You believed in me and made me do things I thought I couldn’t. Working together has been great. RIP Osiepa.” ~ Winny Oloo, PACS Graduate Associate.
• “Maureen, your departure will take me long to cope with, nevertheless I am grateful our paths crossed. May your memory forever be a blessing. #RIP.” ~ Caleb Mukhwana, B.A. International Relations
• “A woman with a gentle soul and a warm smile that motivated me to become a better Career Peer Advisor and student overall. Her efforts to brighten the future of students at USIU-Africa will never be forgotten. May Maureen's soul rest in eternal peace.” ~ Pearl Nganga, BA. Psychology.
• “Her nurturing spirit, warmth, and mentorship extend beyond my personal experience, reaching and positively impacting numerous individuals at USIU-Africa and extending beyond the university’s boundaries.” ~ Dudi, Nyok Luat, BSc. International Business Administration.
• “Her motherly instincts and professional expertise blended seamlessly, fostering a nurturing atmosphere where both family and colleagues felt cherished and valued. Rest in Peace Maureen.” ~ Sophia Chikwibu, Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
• “Madam Maureen was a jovial, warm soul; I will forever cherish our conversations on gratitude and life - She was truly remarkable and will be dearly missed.” ~ Priscillah Zoe, BA. Psychology.
• “A lady of high dignity and morals possessing a passionate heart and art of service to unfold our purpose for life as the chosen generation. Rest in eternal peace, Madam Maureen.” ~ Rebecca Prefina Mutudu, B.A. in International Relations.
• “Madam Maureen was meticulous in her work and this was felt from her training session during the Career Peer Advisor (CPA) training. May she rest in power.” ~ Joseph Manyallah, B.A. International Relations.
• “While our encounters were rare, Maureen’s lasting impact ignites a zeal for work in those she touched at PACS. My sincere condolences to her children, friends, and acquaintances for the deep loss.” ~ Stella Ruthuku - M.A. Clinical Psychology.
• “Maureen Ochola was an embodiment of kindness and unparalleled expertise.” ~ RoseAnn Ntinyari Kobia, M.A. International Relations.
• “Mrs. Maureen’s passion and guidance have left an indelible mark on PACS and the entire university community.” ~ Cherop Nema, BSc. International Business Administration.
• “Your smile provided comfort, a certainty that all will be well. Always ready to assist, pure soul she was, may you rest with the angels, may you rest in peace. Till we meet again.” ~ Bernard Ohanga.
• “My sincere condolences on the passing of Mrs. Maureen Ochola. Her impact in the university community is immeasurable. Wishing comfort and support to the family and the entire university community.” ~ Brian Njuguna - BSc. Finance.
• “In the brief encounter we shared, her radiant and boundless love left an indelible mark on my heart. Though our meeting was fleeting, her impact is everlasting, a testament to a remarkable soul gone too soon.” ~ Edna Gabriella Ngalasa, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology.
• “Her tireless efforts and commitment to providing USIU-Africa students with diverse opportunities were commendable and inspired me to do my best as a Career Peer Advisor and a student.” ~ Naomi Bwalya, Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
• “Maureen went above and beyond to include someone in the mentorship programs including opening a link for me to join the Jubilee mentorship program. She impacted my career and I was able to learn more about insurance which grew my interest in the industry. I am now interning in an insurance firm and it is through the opportunity she gave to me. Mwenyezi Mungu ailaze roho yake mahali pema peponi.” ~ Laura Ann Michelle. BSc. International Business Administration (Class of 2023).
• “She was a vision bearer and her spirit to nurture will forever be inspiring.” ~ Vanessa Ngunjiri, B.A. International Relations.
• “Ms. Maureen was the guiding light to my success, her remarkable presence will be dearly missed, but the impact she has left is everlasting.” ~ Neema Rhonnah Mkenda, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology.
• “She was an extraordinary mentor; her professionalism was incredible. Her work and presence will be missed. May her soul rest in eternal peace.” ~ Elvir Ninteretse, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology.
• “She was always ready to help me out whenever and where she could, I am so grateful for the moments we shared together on campus, and she will always hold a special place in my heart and life.” ~ Michael Khanda, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology.