SISTER MARY BERTHA AMUCU

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SISTER MARY BERTHA AMUCU It is with surprise and sadness we announce the passing of Sister Mary Bertha Amucu in the morning of April 17, 2008. Born in Uganda she went to Madera Primary School and then to Bukeda Teacher Training College. After graduating she entered the Franciscan Missionary Sisters Convent in Nkokonjeru. Later she joined the contemplative order of the Benedictine Sisters in Tororo. When Idi Amin took power in 1971 sister Bertha was sent to a Benedictine convent in Tanzania to teach in a college. A few years later she travelled to the Mother House in Holland. While there she became quite fluent in Dutch. After a few years the Dutch sisters encouraged her to go to an English speaking country. Sister chose to settle in an American Benedictine convent. While visiting friends in Winnipeg Sister decided she would like to remain in Canada. It had been her intention to pass through Winnipeg and return to her beloved Uganda but things there were too dangerous (Yoweri Museveni was in the throws of taking power) so Sister applied for refugee status in Canada and was accepted. Some years later, Bertha became a Canadian citizen. During her time in Canada she attended the University of Winnipeg and obtained a BA degree. Around 2005 sister retired from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and lived quietly at 224 Kennedy until the onset of her illness in 2006. She moved to Beacon Hill Lodge where she was well cared for and made many friends. Bertha appreciated the calls and visits from the Ugandan community as well as her extended family at 224 Kennedy, especially Matt and Laura. Bertha was predeceased by her parents. She leaves to mourn her two brothers Moses and Simon as well as many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place care of Wheeler Funeral Chapel. The Uganda Canadian Association of Manitoba plans to celebrate Sister's life together with members of the African community and friends on Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m., Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave St. Contact Hamza Mambaali at 253-4096 or Rose Tilbrook at 957-0810. Any donations in sister Bertha's memory may be made to The University of Winnipeg Foundation; 705 - 491 Portage Ave. R3B 2E4.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2008