Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 26, 2011.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Wangari Maathai, the first African woman recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, died after a long struggle with cancer, the environmental organization she founded said Monday. She was 71.

One of Kenya's most recognizable women, Maathai won the Nobel in 2004 for combining environmentalism and social activism. She was the founder of the Green Belt Movement, where over 30 years she mobilized poor women to plant 30 million trees.

Edward Wageni, that group's deputy executive director, said Maathai died in a Nairobi hospital late Sunday. Maathai had been in and out of the hospital since the beginning of the year, he said.

In recognizing Maathai, the Nobel committee said that she had stood up to a former oppressive regime in Kenya and that her "unique forms of action have contributed to drawing attention to political oppression."

Maathai said during her 2004 acceptance speech that the inspiration for her life's work came from her childhood experiences in rural Kenya, where she witnessed forests being cleared and replaced by commercial plantations, which destroyed biodiversity and the capacity of forests to conserve water.

Although the Green Belt Movement's tree-planting campaign did not initially address the issues of peace and democracy, Maathai said it become clear over time that responsible governance of the environment was not possible without democracy.

"Therefore, the tree became a symbol for the democratic struggle in Kenya. Citizens were mobilized to challenge widespread abuses of power, corruption and environmental mismanagement," Maathai said.

Tributes poured out for Maathai online, including from Kenyans who remember planting trees alongside her as schoolchildren. One popular posting on Twitter noted that Maathai's knees always seemed to be dirty from showing VIPs how to plant trees. Another poster, noting Nairobi's cloudy skies Monday, said: "No wonder the sun is not shining today."

A long time friend and fellow professor at the University of Nairobi, Vertistine Mbaya said that Maathai showed the world how important it is to have and demonstrate courage.

"The values she had for justice and civil liberties and what she believed were the obligations of civil society and government," Mbaya said. "She also demonstrated the importance of recognizing the contributions that women can make and allowing them the open space to do so."

The Nelson Mandela Foundation expressed sadness over Maathai's death. The foundation hosted Maathai in 2005, when she headlined the foundation's annual lecture.

"We need people who love Africa so much that they want to protect her from destructive processes," she said in her address. "There are simple actions we can take. Start by planting 10 trees we each need to absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale."

A former member of Kenya's parliament, Maathai was the first woman to earn a doctorate in East Africa — in 1971 from the University of Nairobi, where she later was an associate professor in the department of veterinary anatomy. She previously earned degrees from Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas and the University of Pittsburgh.

Maathai first latched on to the idea of widespread tree planting while serving as the chairwoman of the National Council of Women in Kenya during the 1980s.

The Green Belt Movement, which was founded in 1977, said on its website that Maathai's death was a great loss to those who "admired her determination to make the world a more peaceful, healthier and better place."

Maathai is survived by her three children. Funeral arrangements were to be announced soon, the Green Belt Movement said.


Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press

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December 12, 2018

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January 1, 2014

~V posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2012

Jeanette posted to the memorial.

111 Entries

Adriana Durrah

December 12, 2018

Wangari, We will miss you dearly. I first learned about you in my college studies. You were so brave and a champion for justice. Rest In Peace.

~V

January 1, 2014

May it comfort the Maathai family to know that Wangari has the hope of being found in God's book of remembrance. Malachi 3:16.

Jeanette

January 3, 2012

To the family and friends of Wangari Maathai,
Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss. Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes - Psalm 116:15.

Jeanette

November 30, 2011

Those who die God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes - Psalm 116:15. I am so sorry for your loss.

Pete kinuthia

October 14, 2011

Farewell Tata Wangari,may your soul rest in eternal peace.

jimmy dalizu

October 10, 2011

You were great mama.

Conso

October 9, 2011

Surely mama mazingira.you were a legend.we wil miss you.

esther wanjiru

October 8, 2011

grant her oh lord eternal joy and may perpetual lights shine upon her forever.may GOD rest Wangari in peace.

Judy Mwaura

October 8, 2011

Fare thee well our dearest mother 2 entire country

lucyanne maina

October 8, 2011

rest in peace,surely lots and lots to be remembered.av no words 2 explain,neva shall we forget u.lucyanne maina

Akinyi Awora

October 8, 2011

Whence cometh such another?the hummingbird that for the trees sung, when the mighty lions the forest foresook. ecowarrior,defender of the fallen ebu,caretaker of the homeless tadpole...the willow weeps,the olive droops in despair,for nature is bereaved..

October 6, 2011

Planting trees may seem a simple task, tending them may be viewed as a necessity but in reality, what Professor Wangari Maathai has left behind is an extraordinary undertaking which will benefit and safe the environment for many generations to come. R.I.P. Professsor Augusta W. Kabunyi-Limuru

Catherine Muvea

October 6, 2011

You are a Heroine May your soul rest in Peace and may God comfort your family and the country as a whole, your mark will always be in our hearts

Diana McLean

October 4, 2011

You stood tall like the trees you cherished. Thank you for all you have done for this broken world. You helped us hope.

William Mwai

October 4, 2011

Rest in Peace Prof. Wangari Maathai You really left a great mark in the hearts of people in the whole wide world.

john irungu

October 3, 2011

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

September 30, 2011

May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort you and your family.

Know that very shortly death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things will have passed away.

Please accept my sincere condolences.

D. Clark

Magondu P. Muhindi

September 30, 2011

Professor Wangari Mathaai was indeed an intellectual and a Kenyan own. She was courageous, far sighted, inspiring and an amazing woman!.She made the world a better place!. She did a very good job!. R.I.P.

anne jebet

September 29, 2011

Rest in peace mama

Joyce Conner

September 29, 2011

Wangari Maathai an inspiring beautiful legacy, thank you.

September 29, 2011

Thank you for your courage and inspiration in life as well as death.
My condolences to family and friends of this amazing woman.

Regina NYC

eveline

September 29, 2011

She was such a beautiful inspiring person and accomplished such beautiful things. Truly made the world a little bit better. R.I.P.

Anita Aguilar

September 29, 2011

My condolences for your great loss.
The wonderful memories of such a
courageous woman, whom God's light shined in her and thru her will
live in your hearts forever.
She continues to brilliantly shine
in God's Kindgdom! May God's Love,
strength and comfort guide you in this
journey of grief and sorrow!

I just read her great devotion to
humanity and it touched me so!

Sincerely
Anita Aguilar

kennedy odero

September 29, 2011

Great lady great ins[piration to all cant forget how inspiring your book unbowed was R I P ken odero california

September 29, 2011

Thinking of you in Savannah, Georgia. May Good bless you and your family.

Chuck Beard

September 29, 2011

A True World Class Hero! So grateful for her life's work! Chuck Beard - Burlington, NC

Chuck Beard

September 29, 2011

A True World Class Hero! So grateful for her life's work!

Pat Fointno

September 29, 2011

What a glorious testimony to what one woman can do. I read about her the other day and sat a little taller and thought more of what I can do on this planet to leave it a little better. What a life!!! May Wangari rest in peace and may her family be comforted.

Marcia Laris

September 28, 2011

Wangari Maathai has been one of my heroines. A brave and wonderful woman. Read her book. It is everyone's loss that her life was cut short. She made such wonderful contributions to the world and showed a bravery seldom seen.

Denise Newman

September 28, 2011

God Bless Wangari Maathai family and friends in the days a head.

Reba Nelson

September 28, 2011

To the love one's of Maathai Wangari,it;'s a blessing to have people like her in the world, God knows what we need when we need it she's shinning with the Lord now. Keep your head up.Stay Prayed Up In Chirst Jesus. With Love . The Nelson Family.

joyce jones

September 28, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of such a courageous woman. May she awaken to find all she fought for will have become a reality in a world made beautiful by God (Psalm 37:10,11,29) My sincere condolences to the family.

Rebecca Schiefelbein

September 28, 2011

My Prayers are with you Wangari as you are now with our Lord. Please give God a hug for me. You achieved so much while you were here on earth and you will be remembered.

September 28, 2011

I am truly sorry for your loss. I pray that the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

T. Gates

Anne W

September 28, 2011

Everyone is deeply saddened on the sudden passing of Wangari Maathai. Wangari was a great leader and my role model. She worked tirelessly to fight and save our environment. Wangari we will miss you very much.
I extend our deepest sympathy to your wonderful family. May you all find the strength and courage to get through the days ahead.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you – God Bless
RIP mother Wangari

Alice

September 28, 2011

RIP mum. We are proud of you. Mother earth is proud of you. You will live on in our hearts. May God wipe away your family's tears.

Carolyn Stinchcomb

September 27, 2011

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. May the sweet memories of Wangari Maathai's life sustain and bring you peace. Godspeed!

Lucy Kiruthu

September 27, 2011

Rest in Peace Prof Wangari Maathai! You were a courageous leader both in the environment and in governance. We will forever remember you. Heartfelt condolences to your loved ones.

James Millsaps

September 27, 2011

Oh, what an angel Heaven has received. For all Professor Maathai's work and devotion to humanity she will never be forgotten. May I offer my symphathy to the family of Wangari Maathai. May you rest in peace, Professor Maathai. Thanks for all you did to advance social issues in Africa and the whole world.

Mariah Nelima

September 27, 2011

To the family of Wangari Maathai, she has only left for a little while. She has left her foot prints not only in your hearts but also on the sands of time. Be strong, let the Lord give you courage and strength during this period of grief. Fare thee well mum, we shall miss you greatly.

Emma Jean

September 27, 2011

God has promised,"Like the days of a tree will the days of my people be."(Isaiah 65:22)
Looking forward to those peaceful and joyful conditions resulting from God's kingdom. Professor Maathai days will be as long as the trees she planted.
Sorry for your loss.

September 27, 2011

To the family of Wangari Maathai, May God grant you all Peace and Blessings! God Bless Johnette (Washington DC)

Bernice Kisuli

September 27, 2011

We are saddened by the death of such a great heroine- Prof.Wangari Maathai but celebrate her for standing out insuch an exemprary manner with determination for the sake of humanity

Mechelle

September 27, 2011

To the family of Wangari Maathai,

Courage is the absence of fear. Both in Mrs.Maathai's professional and private life she truly exemplified this belief. My prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow.
God bless

Fred Baumgarten

September 27, 2011

I still can't believe we have lost such a great woman so suddenly. The world needs so many, many more like her. Let us never forget her example of peace, truth, and love for the earth.

SARAH MWAI

September 27, 2011

YOU MADE US KENYANS PROUD,YOU MADE THE WHOLE WORLD PROUD.WE CELEBRATE YOUR GOOD WORK.WE LOVED YOU BUT GOD LOVES YOU MOST.REST IN PEACE MUM.

Maura Kolars

September 27, 2011

What a tremendous loss of a tremendous woman. You taught us to believe and to perservere.

September 27, 2011

To the family of Wangari Maathai, Our heavenly Father is with you, and He will revive your spirit and crush heart-Isaiah 57:15. (Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.)

Micheal L. Nesbitt

September 27, 2011

My Sincere Condolence...

Micheal L. Nesbitt
Burbank,CA.

Robyn

September 27, 2011

To the Maathai family: I am sorry for your family's loss. I hope Ps. 34:18 can bring your family some comfort.

Nashipai Jane

September 27, 2011

She made us proud, she made Kenya shine in the world. A nobel prize winner, a champion to the end. RIP mamma.

jane alala

September 27, 2011

She is one of the most beautiful and powerful women I have ever seen. I admired and respected her. She touched so many lives and even though she is physically gone, her spirit is still here with us. She blessed so many and we should keep what she started alive. To her family, you had one of the best mothers, always remember and follow what she taught you. Wangari rest in peace in Jesus name, you lived well. Jane Alala

RICHARD WANJIRU

September 27, 2011

You were realy an icon to our country a mentar a driving force to Enviromental conservation,a mother ,a driver to many people you will realy remain to be.Kenyan and the world at large we have lost may the almighty rest your soul in eternity AMEN.

Anumakonda Jagadeesh

September 27, 2011

Wangari Maathai was a great personality who contributed much to Environment in Africa. She has a unique place in African Environment history.

Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India
E-mail: [email protected]

Anumakonda Jagadeesh

September 27, 2011

Wangari Maathai was a great personality who contributed much to Environment in Africa. She has a unique place in African Environment history.

Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India
E-mail: [email protected]

Pete Ulicny

September 27, 2011

Ms. Maathai was a great Nobel Peace Prize winner. May she rest in peace. God bless her family and friends.

Kariuki Kiragu

September 27, 2011

My condolences to the family for the loss of a great mother, sister and daughter, to the world for the loss of a great leader, teacher and again. Let’s take heart; Wherever Maitu is now, she must be astonished at how much she achieved, yet the best is yet to come….so may children want to emulate her, that her eternal life is assured. Let us do likewise, she will be happy. Goodbye Maitu, just for a short while. Kariuki Kiragu

WINFRED NDUNG'U

September 27, 2011

R.I.P OUR GREAT HERO EN ICON.YOU WILL GREATLY BE REMEMBERED BY MANY.

walterrean salley

September 26, 2011

This great humanitarian has left a hole in the earth with her passing.

Cathy Taber

September 26, 2011

I have long admired Maathai. She has done phenomenal work under sometimes extremely difficult circumstances. She has and will continue to inspire me in my own life. For those of you who knew her personally, I am truly sorry for your loss. May God be with you as you grieve.

Reta Saffo

September 26, 2011

A true fighter... and a truly beautiful human being!! Her gorgeous ginormous smile alone said so very much.

Peace-

Deborah Gipson

September 26, 2011

May the family find the concolation in the, "Power beyond what is normal," to go from one day to the next. "May be
God's and not that out of ourselves." ( 2 Corinthians 4:7 ) You have my deepest sympathy

September 26, 2011

A great lady...R.I.P....

V.Coates Oh

T. P.

September 26, 2011

Yohana 5:28, 29 -- Msistaajabie jambo hili, kwa sababu saa inakuja ambayo wale wote waliomo ndani ya makaburi ya ukumbusho wataisikia sauti yake 29na kutoka, wale waliotenda mambo mema kwenye ufufuo wa uzima, wale waliokuwa na zoea la kutenda mambo maovu kwenye ufufuo wa hukumu.

Jones

September 26, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear about the lost of Wangari Maathal. My condolences to the family and friends. God assures us there is hope for our loved ones to live again. ~Daniel 12:2~

R Golay

September 26, 2011

To the the family of Wangari Maathai - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.

Theresa Campbell

September 26, 2011

At Isaiah 33:24, Jesus says, "no resident will say I am sick". May your faith be strengthened by his words.

Harts

September 26, 2011

Our condolences to Wangari's family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all during these sad times. WIth deep sympathy for your loss.

James Pandaru

September 26, 2011

I believe Wangari Maathai was the embodiment of our Mother Earth who manifested herself in Wangari to articulate and move the human species to compassionately work in harmony with her in healing this precious blue planet for the benefit of all life.

Peace Is indee Flowing Like a River thank you Professor

Donell Thomas Brown

September 26, 2011

am inspire to sing Peace is flowing like a river,Flowing out through you and me,Spreading out into the desert, Setting all the captives free. Let it flow through me,Let it flow through me, Let the mighty peace of God Flow out through me.Let it flow through me,Let it flow through me,Let the mighty peace of God Flow out through me. Love is flowing Joy is flowing Faith is flowing Hope is flowing Eternal rest, grant unto Professor Maathai , O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May Wangari Maathai rest in peace.
Amen

chepchirchir Rotich

September 26, 2011

RIP Prof maathai, the gap you have left in kenya is too big.you were a true heroine, the freedom corner in uhuru park will be a constant reminder to us for what you stood for.to the family, receive our sincere r soul rest in eternal peacecondolence.may you

September 26, 2011

Rest in peace Wangari, you did well.

Greenwood Family

September 26, 2011

There is a hole in the world,

In my heart.

A hurt in my soul,

In my spirit,

A loss given deeply into my being

As if the roots have been torn and dismissed.

Yet,

Through this sense of weeping within,

I shall venture deeper into the desert sands,

To plant and nourish more and more and more trees,

To carry your spirit and everlasting song,

The hope carried on the buds of new leaves,

The young, the old, the ones who yearn for new hope.

There is a hole in the world,

Into which, we must plant a tree of Maathai.

September 26, 2011

Pax.

Jane M.

September 26, 2011

Iko siku utanikumbuka tu....one day you will remember me. We will never forget you Wangari.

Jones Family

September 26, 2011

Our sincere condolences to the Maathai family. May your memories bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time. 2 Cor. 1:3,4

C Abdullah

September 26, 2011

Take your well-earned rest sister. We shall see you again.

September 26, 2011

Now who will keep watch over the Kenyan forests and water catchment! RIP dear HERO
ATTYANG, OHIO.

September 26, 2011

Wanjira, Muta and Family,

How heavy our hearts to learn of your mother's passing. Meeting her and being in her presence is one of my most memorable experiences in life. She represented such goodness for all of mankind.

In addition to trees, she has planted her seeds of courage, compassion and understanding in each of you. May you always feel her presence guiding you each new day.

God bless you,
Nancy and Joe Palmisano
Davidson, North Carolina
(formerly of Geneva, New York)

GWEN BONNER

September 26, 2011

MY CONDOLENCES ARE WITH YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

CHERISH THE MEMORIES AND THE LOVE SHE LEFT IN YOUR HEART.

WITH DEEP SYMPATHY

JoeAnn Ballard

September 26, 2011

The work Wangari did will never be forgotten. Her voice will be missed.

Dannie Dozier

September 26, 2011

R.I.P.-Thank you for your hard work.............................

J. THOMAS

September 26, 2011

Rest In Peace Mrs. Maathai knowing that you did something positive to change this world. God Bless you and your family.

Jenny mwai

September 26, 2011

R.I.P you will forever be remembered

September 26, 2011

May the God of all comfort be with the Maathai family during your time of grief.

JOASH MARORO

September 26, 2011

Death leaves a heartache
No one can heal;
Love leaves a memory
No one can steal. R.I.P

kourtney taylor

September 26, 2011

sorry wish i could have read your book

David Ole K

September 26, 2011

Trees everywhere. Let us do it for Prof. Let push for tree donation/Planting not flowers. I will do 5000 in Ewaso .. (David Ole K)

Dr. Robert East

September 26, 2011

I had the pleasure and honour of meeting the good professor back in the mid-80s when working in South Nyanza District with the Ministry of Energy and Regional Development. We met twice at Greenbelt nurseries and she was so jovial and encouraging to me and everyone. I was so looking forward to hearing her speak in Pittsburgh on 9 October of this year! May God grant her eternal peace and me He console her family.

Janann Ransom

September 26, 2011

Job well done

Wambui Gitau

September 26, 2011

RIP Wangari.You will continue to live in the millions of trees you encouraged us to plant and in all the loved ones you leave behind.

September 26, 2011

She is resting in heaven. Returning to college at 61, I wrote a paper on a person I admired most and she was my pick. What a remarkable person. We are all very fortunate for her presence on our earth!

September 26, 2011

I just recently read this book to my niece. RIP, you're story is amazing.

September 26, 2011

Thank you. The world regrets the loss of you. I will plant my 10 trees. (Patty Bates)

Marie Johnson

September 26, 2011

One day you will live when peace rules the earth.I can't wait to meet you at that time. All will be peaceful with one another. May God's Kingdom come!
Sincerely,
Marie Johnson

Jane Dowling

September 26, 2011

God bless you. Thank you for all that you've done!

Mr.Stanley Williams;Senior

September 26, 2011

Sorry!!!Mrs.Wangan

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December 12, 2018

Adriana Durrah posted to the memorial.

January 1, 2014

~V posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2012

Jeanette posted to the memorial.