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Rebecca Dolyniuk

Image by Nick Andréka

REBECCA NEKESA NAMUNYU DOLYNIUK

June 1, 1978 - January 9, 2025

With great sadness, we announce that Rebecca passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on January 9, 2025, at the age of 46, after a long and determined fight with cancer.


She is survived by her husband of 11 years, Troy; children, Mwamba and Lulu; parents, retired Salvation Army Majors Peter and Margaret Namunyu; siblings, John (Florah) Namunyu, Ruth Namunyu, Rispah Namunyu, and James Namunyu; Troy’s siblings, Sean (Karen), and Lynn (Jann); and nieces and nephews.


Rebecca was born in Kenya and came to Canada in the summer of 2004 to study social work at Booth College. The plan was to return home after the program was completed, but Rebecca chose to continue her studies at the University of Manitoba, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work, permanently calling Winnipeg her new home thereafter.


In 2012, she met Troy and they started dating. As Rebecca would say, “We aren’t spring chickens anymore,” so they married in 2013 and welcomed their first child, Mwamba, in 2014. Rebecca was very proud to earn her Canadian citizenship in 2015, and in 2016 they welcomed their second child, Lulu.


Rebecca’s passion for caring for others as a social worker took her through several organizations, culminating in self-employment where she started her own private practice offering therapy for her clients. Even through her initial cancer diagnosis in May 2019, she continued to serve her clients and gave them the best care she could possibly manage while at the same time fighting for her own life.


Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Pat Harris and the Cancer Care team at Grace Hospital. Very special thanks also go to her palliative care nurses, Chanelle, Sheila, Linda, and Charis, and their team, as well as Johanna and the other home care aides who all worked to make it possible for Rebecca to remain at home and as comfortable as possible in her final months, weeks, and days.


A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Elim Chapel, 546 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. Viewing begins at 10:00am, with the service at 11:00am, followed by a reception. Interment to take place after the reception at Hespeler Cemetery in Niverville, Manitoba.


Rebecca has asked that charitable donations be made in her memory in lieu of flowers. Donations to the children’s education, care, and RESP funds can be made via etransfer to troy@thirstywater.ca.


Rebecca’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Charles Waweru

January 25, 2025 at 4:03 AM

My heartfelt condolences

Len and Mona Desilets

January 20, 2025 at 3:43 PM

To Troy and family...

So sorry to hear of Rebecca's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Zipporah Mwaniki

January 18, 2025 at 7:21 PM

Rest easy Rebecca. You ran the race, won the fight and kept the faith. You weee a hero and your legacy remains

Keziah Mbithe

January 18, 2025 at 11:26 AM

When we become comfortable in silence thinking tomorrow will come and we will look for each other, sometimes like this tomorrow never comes. My condolenses to her family may the Holy Spirit be a comforter to you at this difficult time. She was a warm person. Last memory I have we were chatting inside Quarry Rd church after youth fellowship.

Eunice Chiri Keter

January 17, 2025 at 2:20 PM

Rest easy Rebecca. Rest now. You have faught the good fight. May God the Almighty give you rest.

 

My heart goes out to Your family. May God give them the grace to live through your loss.

 

Poleni sana!

Silantoi Kisoso

January 17, 2025 at 10:51 AM

Our beloved Rebecca, rest in peace.

Lydia Kagunda

January 17, 2025 at 10:13 AM

Sleep well Rebecca. Your resilience and positive attitude encouraged me. May God grant Troy, the kids and the entire family Peace, comfort and strength to carry on. May prayers and thoughts are with you.

Lydia Kagunda

January 17, 2025 at 10:13 AM

Sleep well Rebecca. Your resilience and positive attitude encouraged me. May God grant Troy, the kids and the entire family Peace, comfort and strength to carry on. May prayers and thoughts are with you.

Phylis Karegeya

January 17, 2025 at 9:59 AM

Rebecca was such a warrior. I remember when I went to visit her and I was having a hard time trying to figure out what to say to encourage her, I found her in high spirits telling me how much progress she had made, giving Praise to God and smiling for ear to ear. I left so encouraged by her. You will be missed! My condolences to Troy, Lulu and Mwamba. May the peace of God that surpasses human understanding be upon you as you grieve the loss of Rebecca.

Jane Kamabu

January 17, 2025 at 9:41 AM

I'm out here in the Northern Communities and awfully sad that l can't come to your memorial Rebecca!! Thank you for being such a beautiful soul. Your unmatched generosity, compassion, warmth and resourcefulness will be forever be remembered by every soul you touched. Fare thee well warrior woman till we meet again. May God's victorious right hand hug Troy and the children close and comfort your entire family ♥️

Donald Andolo

January 17, 2025 at 7:46 AM

It is so hard to find the right words -

No matter how long ago you met Becky, her prescence, smile and kindness will be permanently imprinted in your heart. That is my experience.

 

We mourn the loss of someone who cared so much for others.

I cannot imagine how this moment feels for those who were closer to her - family and confidants.

But we know that she has already been received into the arms of The Loving Father.

May her memories stay with us all and give us hope in this life.

Adey (Jilo)

January 17, 2025 at 5:55 AM

Gone too soon, my dear. To Him we belong, and to Him we shall return. I will always remember you for your infectious laughter, your kindness, and your incredible ability to find answers to every situation while remaining your authentic self.

 

The last time I saw you, we couldn’t stop laughing about the struggles of being social workers—a path you guided me toward when I was new to Canada in 2005 and struggling to find my way. I still cherish that conversation and cannot thank you enough for your support and wisdom.

 

Rest in peace, my dearest. You will always be remembered.

Peter Mangera $ the Mangera Family

January 17, 2025 at 12:02 AM

Dear Troy, Mwamba, Lulu and the entire family;

May the love and strength of the Holy Mighty God hold and strengthen you.

 

May the memories of Rebecca live with you forever, Amen.

Janet Mobisa

January 16, 2025 at 11:55 PM

Beautiful inside and out.She was very funny,I enjoyed her jokes and straightforwardness.

One memory I have; Rebbeca served as part of the KAM executive one time and one Jamhuri event we cooked for the association instead of catering as Rebbeca knew our efforts will gannet more funds to support the association.it worked, it was the biggest event ever attended.She had so many great ideas, rest with the angels.

our deepest condolences your babies, hubby and family at large. and all your friends

 

 

Busi Musiiwa

January 16, 2025 at 9:28 PM

A Tribute to My Beautiful Sister, Rebecca Namunyu Dolyniuk

To Troy, Mwamba, Lulu, and Rebecca’s family,

My heart is shattered as I write this, yet I am filled with gratitude for having been blessed to know and love Rebecca. She was more than a friend to me—she was a sister, a mentor, and a vessel of God’s wisdom. Though her life on earth has come to an end, her light continues to shine in all the lives she touched. Rebecca demonstrated the fullness of what it means to walk with the Lord, to love deeply, and to carry others in their time of need—even when she herself was burdened.

I met Rebecca during our university years when we were working on our Social Work degrees at Booth University College. I graduated in 2005 but it didn’t take long for Rebecca to change my life as she had a way of showing up when it mattered most. I remember 2009 like it was yesterday. I had lost my younger sister Zodwa in Zimbabwe, leaving me utterly broken and trapped in grief. Rebecca, in her gentle and compassionate style, didn’t try to tell me how to grieve. She didn’t preach or offer platitudes like Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Instead, she sat with me in my darkness.

I remember one day, she showed up at my house on Pembina Highway in Winnipeg. “Let’s go get ribs,” she said with a warm smile. I didn’t want to leave the house—I couldn’t even imagine eating—but she persisted. That simple outing wasn’t just a meal. It was her way of reminding me that even in the deepest grief, there’s space for moments of light. She taught me that sometimes, the best way to help someone isn’t by speaking but by simply being there. Rebecca didn’t try to fix my pain; she carried it with me. She taught me that love can sit quietly, without words, and still speak volumes.

Rebecca taught me something profound: that we don’t have to fill silence with answers, and that we actually don’t have to fix what is broken. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer is to sit with someone in their sorrow and trust that God’s light will eventually shine in the darkness.

A Life Anchored in Faith: Rebecca’s Unshakable Faith in God

Rebecca loved God with all her heart, and her faith was steadfast, even when faced with the trials of life. When she received her stage 4 cancer diagnosis, her trust in God never wavered. She didn’t let fear or doubt consume her. She kept her gaze firmly on the Lord, teaching us all to notice God in the mundane and trust Him in the extraordinary. She often reminded me of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Rebecca’s faith wasn’t passive—it was active, living, and breathing. Rebecca found God in the ordinary moments of life. She taught me to notice Him in the sunrise, in the laughter of children, and even in the trials that seemed insurmountable.

I vividly recall a conversation I had with Rebecca about Troy. He was struggling to see hope through the storm of her illness, deeply saddened by the sight of his wife so sick. Rebecca prayed, “God, please give Troy evidence. Show him that You are working.” When her tumor marker levels started decreasing after a new treatment, Rebecca was filled with joy. She called me and said, “Busi, God heard my prayer! He gave Troy the evidence he needed. Hallelujah!” She praised God not only for the healing but for meeting her husband where he was, providing the assurance he needed to keep going.

Rebecca always emphasized that we must trust God, even when we don’t understand His ways. She often spoke of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, reminding me of Exodus 12:35-36: “The Israelites asked the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing. And the Lord made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for.” She would say, “Busi, God provided for them in the most unexpected ways, and He will do the same for us. Don’t let fear or doubt take you away from your walk with the Lord.”

Rebecca’s Compassion and Selflessness

Even in her sickness, Rebecca thought of others. When I told her about friends battling cancer who struggled to afford organic produce for juicing, she didn’t hesitate. “Tell them to plant a garden,” she said with conviction. “God will always provide.” She didn’t stop there—she began sharing with me her own gardening journey on YouTube and encouraged me to share with others so that they can be encouraged to trust in God’s provision.

Her heart was so big that she often cared more about lifting others than focusing on her own pain. I remember taking long walks in my neighborhood, talking to her for hours. She would send me photos to reassure me that she was okay. One day in May last year, Troy sent me the following message:

“Hi Busi, Rebecca wanted me to send this to show you the progress she has made in the past few weeks and what God is doing for her. This is a before picture from when she was in the hospital for 19 days. They stabilized her, and this is the after picture from yesterday. She has been home for a week and a half and is regaining her strength. Praise God. Thank you for your prayers and support in scripture. 🙏🏾

The photos brought tears to my eyes. In the “after” picture, there she was—beautiful, smiling, and filled with hope. Even in her illness, she wanted to encourage me.

In 2023, Rebecca and Troy were faced with another trial. Troy lost his father, and Rebecca’s mother in Kenya also became very ill. Despite her own struggles, Rebecca found a way to visit her mom. She sent me a photo from the airport in Minnesota with the message: “At the airport in Minnesota, going to Kenya to see Mom.” She knew I was worried about her, and once again, she reassured me as her famous words echoed through: “Busi, God goes before us. Do not fear.” She would always echo the words from Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

A Legacy of Forgiveness and Eternal Perspective

Rebecca also taught me about forgiveness. I shared with her about a painful incident from my days in university. She had a way of teaching about forgiveness that was both practical and deeply profound. She once told me to think of forgiveness like looking in the rearview mirror while driving. “Busi,” she said, “when you glance back, the things behind you—your pain, your anger, your hurt—should get smaller and smaller the farther you go. That’s how it should be with forgiveness. You don’t forget the past, but you don’t stay parked in it either. You lean into the journey ahead, trusting that with time and grace, those things won’t feel so big anymore.” She reminded me that forgiveness is less about erasing the past and more about giving ourselves the freedom to move forward.

Words of Comfort for Rebecca’s Family

To Troy, Mwamba, and Lulu—Rebecca’s love for you was immeasurable. Rebecca adored you with all her heart. Troy, she often called you her “answered prayer from heaven.” (TRUE THAT!!!) and took joy in the beautiful family you built together (HALLELUJAH TO THAT!!!). Mwamba and Lulu, your mom was a woman of faith, wisdom, and kindness. She taught us to trust God, to find joy in the little things, and to love unconditionally. She wanted you to know that God goes before you and that His promises never fail.

To Rebecca’s parents and siblings and the rest of the family, your daughter and sister was a gift to all who knew her. She carried God’s light wherever she went. Her faith, even in her darkest moments, is a legacy that will continue to inspire us.

Rebecca’s Legacy

Rebecca lived a life that reflected God’s grace and love. She taught us to trust in the Lord, to sit with others in their pain, and to believe that God’s promises are true. Though we mourn her deeply, we can celebrate her life and the countless ways she impacted ours.

May her family find peace in knowing that Rebecca’s legacy of faith, compassion, and wisdom will endure. May her children grow up hearing about their mother’s strength, love, and unwavering trust in God. And may we all honor her memory by walking in faith, just as she did.

She lived this truth, teaching me to trust God’s timing and perspective.

Troy, Mwamba, Lulu, and all who loved Rebecca,

There are no words good enough to capture the depth of Rebecca’s love for God or the way she allowed that love to radiate in her life. Even in the most painful chapters of her journey, Rebecca didn’t turn away from God. She turned toward Him, fully, with an open heart and unwavering faith. Her life was a proclamation of God’s promises, His love, and His unchanging character.

Rebecca could have been angry. She could have asked, “Why me?” She could have blamed God. But I never heard her do that. Instead, she leaned into Him even more deeply. She held onto His promises and used her suffering as a way to glorify Him. She showed us what it truly means to live in relationship with God: to trust Him, to surrender to His will, and to believe that even in the darkest moments, He is good.

Rebecca didn’t just endure her situation—she testified through it. Her life became a living sermon, preached not from a pulpit but from her hospital bed, her garden, her phone calls, and her quiet, daily faith.

In her suffering, Rebecca pointed us to Philippians 4:4-9:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Rebecca lived these verses with her entire being. She rejoiced in the Lord—not in a forced way, but with a deep, abiding joy that could only come from knowing Him intimately. Even as her body was failing, her spirit was alive, wrapped in the peace of God that transcends all understanding. She taught me that the peace Paul speaks of isn’t the absence of pain but the presence of God.

She reminded me that “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable” could always be found in God. Rebecca said to me, “Busi, don’t let your heart dwell on fear or despair. Think about God’s goodness. Remember His promises. That’s how you guard your heart and mind in Christ.”

Rebecca knew that most of us don’t truly lean into God until life strips us of the things we think we can control. She used her suffering as a bridge to show us that God is trustworthy, even when we don’t understand His plans. She taught me—and all of us—not to rely on our own understanding but to trust Him completely, as Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches.

Even as she faced her hardest battles, Rebecca reminded me to look for God’s love. She knew that His love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an unshakable truth. It’s the manna in the wilderness, the parting of the sea, the still small voice and the stillness in the storm.

Rebecca shaped my faith in ways I can never fully express. She showed me that true faith isn’t about understanding everything—it’s about trusting God when nothing makes sense. She taught me that praising God in the valley is more powerful than praising Him on the mountaintop because it shows the world who He is.

Her faith was unrelenting, and her message was clear: “Don’t stop trusting Him. Don’t stop believing. God’s promises are true. He is who He says He is.”

A Final Reminder for Us All

To Troy, Mwamba, Lulu, and all who are grieving: Rebecca’s love for God was her greatest gift, and it’s a gift she leaves with us. Her life was a testament to Philippians 4, reminding us to rejoice, to trust, and to fix our hearts on the truth of who God is.

Mwamba and Lulu, your mom would want you to know that God’s love for you is even greater than hers. She trusted Him to take care of you, and she believed in His promises for your lives. Troy, Rebecca’s answered prayer, she would want you to remember that God’s peace is with you, guarding your heart and mind as you navigate this loss.

God’s Promises in the Mundane and the Miraculous

Rebecca’s love for God wasn’t just rooted in scripture; it was alive in her everyday life. She saw God’s hand in the small, mundane moments and the big, miraculous ones. She praised Him for tumor markers decreasing, for the strength to walk again after weeks in the hospital, and for the courage to keep going when her body was weak. She would tell me, “Busi, don’t miss what God is doing in the small things. That’s where His love shows up most clearly.”

To all of us, Rebecca’s life is a reminder that even in suffering, we can rejoice. Even in loss, we can trust. And even in death, we have hope, because as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Rebecca is now in the presence of her Savior, free from pain, her faith made sight. She would want us to remember that God is always present, that His promises are true, and that His love never fails.

Rest in peace, my beautiful sister. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7). Though we mourn her deeply, we celebrate her life and the countless ways she blessed us. Your life was a song of faith, and your legacy will echo in our hearts forever.

Caroline Atuya

January 16, 2025 at 7:28 PM

Fare thee well Rebecca. Your courage, resilience, and faith will never be forgotten. Thank you for your contributions to the community. I learned about parenting and attachment styles from you. May God comfort your family. May the love you created and shared with your young children keep them strong. Rest in Peace!

Esther Sande

January 16, 2025 at 7:19 PM

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rebecca's family!l fondly remember my visit to her in the summer Filled with laughter about "Weingo" even as she fought the cancer bravely.Her determination to gain weight and the support of Kenyan women who rallied around her to help her through this journey is truly inspiring.Rebecca your relentless spirit and dedication to your family will always be remembered You fought a great fight and your legacy will always live in our hearts. Fly with the angels sister Until we meet again, rest in peace.

 

With love from Esther on behalf of Sande family

Rispah Namunyu

January 16, 2025 at 6:40 PM

I have a lot to say about my sister yet words fail me. I'm grateful to God for blessing me with a sister so loving, caring and selfless. She went above and beyond for me and those around her. Her love for God was evident and infectious. I cannot describe the pain that lies within me, but nonetheless may the name of the Lord God Almighty be glorified in all of this.

Deb

January 16, 2025 at 8:43 AM

Rebecca was an amazing woman and colleague. Rest in peace.

Major Catherine Alemba

January 16, 2025 at 12:25 AM

It is with deep sorrow the I receive this news. Rest in eternal peace my childhood sister and friend and may the Lord take care of the family you are leaving behind. You had such a kind heart and soul. You will never be forgotten.

Captain Job Musungu

January 15, 2025 at 9:20 PM

Becky Rest In Peace. Praying for your family.

Manitha D.

January 15, 2025 at 7:06 PM

I have met Rebecca and her family at Elim Chapel. She was such a kind woman. My sincere condolences to Troy , Mwamba and Lulu. May God's peace cover you. Hugs...

Steve Bollegraf

January 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM

My deepest condolences to Rebecca's family and friends on their loss. Although I had not met Rebecca, I know and work with her husband Troy. His love and compassion for Rebecca and their children was apparent in every conversation we had about her, and our families. My thoughts remain with Troy, Mwamba and Lulu during this very difficult time.

Major Rispah Anzigale

January 15, 2025 at 1:31 AM

Becky gone too soon.May your soul Rest in eternal peace@Troy,Mwamba,Lulu and The relatives,May God Comfort you.

John Ologi Otieno

January 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM

You have fought bravely and served deligently. Rest with the angels saoca

FLORENCE LUSIKE(SIMIYUS LT.COL)

January 14, 2025 at 11:44 PM

Gone too soon yaya

My heart felt condolences

May your soul RIP.....

KALAA LUKALI....

Catherine mulongo daughters to major's Mulongo la

January 14, 2025 at 10:21 PM

.my younger sister Becky ,I saw you grow as a humble girl,now that you've gone to be with the Lord I will miss you dear,let your family get solace in the name of Jesus Christ till we meet again..

Elizabeth Ngare,Daughter of Retired ( Otieno)s

January 14, 2025 at 2:08 PM

God well kid sister.

I saw you a little girl at Quarry Road Nairobi where our parents were serving at the East Africa THQ..Go well.

Till we meet again at Jesus' feet

Ruth Namunyu

January 14, 2025 at 1:39 PM

Memories with My Sister, Becky

 

Becky, our memories together are priceless treasures etched in my heart. I’ll never forget how we, the "3Rs" – you, Rispah, and I – would sing together, creating harmony not just in music but in our lives. Your beautiful smile and infectious laughter brightened even the darkest days, and your selflessness was a gift to everyone who knew you.

 

As our eldest sister, you were a blessing beyond measure. When Mom was away ministering as a pastor, you stepped into her shoes with love and grace. You ensured we were cared for, made sure we ate, bathed, finished our homework, and woke up early for school. You did it all, never once complaining, but always with a heart full of love.

 

Your voice was nothing short of heavenly – a gift from God that touched everyone who heard you sing. Even in your sickness, your spirit was unyielding, like a lion. Through your YouTube channel, you inspired others, encouraging them to persevere and not lose hope, no matter their circumstances.

 

As your younger sister, I learned so much from you. You were more than a sibling; you were my friend, my confidant, and my guide. Despite the challenges you faced, you never wavered in your faith. You held onto it firmly, a shining example of resilience and trust in God.

 

Becky, your light will continue to shine in our hearts. Until we meet again, know that I love you deeply and will carry your legacy forward. You will forever be missed but never forgotten.

Rest easy,you fought a brave fight 💪..

Shalom 🌹

S

Emmanuel Twang'a

January 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Rebecca I met you at Quarry Road Corps in 1998. We served together in the youth fellowship which you contributed a lot to my spiritual growth,
My prayer life was given a drastic boost since you were my prayer partner. You showed me how to trust in God and I held fast to the faith. Was looking forward to seeing you again so we can reflect on the goodness of the Lord.

You invited me in 2019 to subscribe to your YouTube channel to keep posted on your ministry and prayers which I did. You went ahead to send me money on my phone to buy bread for my family. This is something that will still live in my heart my beloved sister. May you rest in eternal peace and the light of glory keep shining on your way. Till we meet again my sister Becky.

Steve

January 14, 2025 at 12:21 PM

Rest on!

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