Mrs. Waithira Gacangi Kiruthi

Mrs. Waithira Gacangi Kiruthi of Rockville, Maryland passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the age of 59. Waithira was born August 17, 1960 in Kiambu, Kenya. She was the first child of Mrs. Lilian Wairimu Kahihu and the late Mr. Kahihu Karanja. She came to the United States in 1976 at 16 years old and lived with her late uncle Dr. Kamanu Githara whom shared guardianship with Ms. Iris W. Warren of Salisbury, Maryland. 

She first lived in Baltimore, Maryland and later moved to Salisbury, Maryland where she attended Wicomico High School. She later moved back to Baltimore and graduated from Southern High in 1980. Thereafter, she attended Coppin State University and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Psychology.  More recently, she completed a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling in 2016 from Trinity University in Washington, D.C.

Waithira’s main pride and joy was her devoted role as a Kenyan wife and mother. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and caring for her family. Waithira dearly loved traveling with her family on routine vacations and gardening at her estate.

Waithira had an unwavering love of God, learning, teaching and mentoring throughout her life. She served as an adviser, confidant, motivator, best friend, and a spiritual compass for many family and friends.

She worked for several local daycares and later joined the Montgomery County Public School System in 2003 where she worked for 13 years in a variety of roles in Special Education for students of various ages and grades.

Waithira is survived by her husband, Dr. Gacangi Kiruthi; and her three adult children, Dr. Wambui Gacangi Kiruthi, Mr. Kiruthi Gacangi, and Mr. Muturi Gacangi Kiruthi. She is also survived by several siblings and many extended family members in both the USA and Kenya.

When reflecting on the strong family values she fostered within her home she would often say, “You see one duckling, you see them all.” She will be dearly missed by her ducklings, but her strong legacy and spirit will continue to live on for eternity.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm at Rockville Presbyterian Church located at 215 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.  Parking lot is located at the rear of the church on Harrison Street.  Additional parking is available in the lot across the street from 111 W Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850 (overflow lot for Rockville United Methodist Church).  The funeral procession will depart immediately following the service from Rockville Presbyterian Church to Parklawn Memorial Park located at 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, Maryland 20853 where the burial will take place.

Waithira was fond of the mission of helping children with special needs. In lieu of flowers and fundraising, please send donations in her honor to: Heshima Children’s Center in Nairobi, Kenya - http://www.heshima.org/support-heshima.html.  Be sure to include in the comment box: “In honor of the late Mrs. Waithira Gacangi Kiruthi”.

May God let her soul rest in eternal peace.