Beatrice Niyonzima

Beatrice Niyonzima passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the age of 67 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Lyse Riza in Canada, Christa Munezero (Egide Nibajijuke) in Uganda, Yvan Ngabire (Eliane Ineza) in Burundi; grandchildren, Andrea, Jake-Zion and Brielle Rushihori, all in Canada, Marvella Himbaza, Arni Sezerano, Edna Irahambaye, Asser Mpundu, King Muhizi and Daniel Ntwari, all in Uganda, and Barth Muhire and Chloé C Gateka, both in Burundi; siblings Philotte Siniremera (Heri Njila) in the Netherlands, Oscar Rusimbi (Marina Uwamwezi) in Rwanda, Georgette Ndayizeye in Burundi, Regis Cimpaye (Gladys Kaneza) in Canada, Zenon Mugamba (Florence Kayitesi), Ferdinand Bagenzi (Immaculée Uwamariya) both in Burundi, and Marie V Gashurwe (Amatus Nduwimana) in the Netherlands; extended family members, Rusimbi family, Kanibi family, Gahushi family and Rwamibango family; and many more family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Barthélémy Gahungu, sister Florence Ndayisenga, father Oswald Rusimbi, mother Catherine Ntiharirizwa and son Yves Ndarishize.

Beatrice was born and raised in Burundi and was the firstborn in her family, an honour and a privilege she proudly carried. She lived her life by Christian values, had a beautiful heart that loved everyone and instilled compassion in others. She also loved to dance. Beatrice immigrated to Canada in the winter of 2004. She lived in Windsor, Ontario for about two years prior to moving to Calgary, AB, which has been her home ever since. She spoke a total of three languages (Kirundi, French and Swahili). She will be remembered for her big smile and her cheerful personality.

A Funeral Service will be held for Beatrice at Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel (4121 – 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 4:00 pm with viewing starting at 3:00 pm.