Obituary of Marie Francine

Marie “Mamaleki” Francine Kasidi was called home by God on Monday, April 27, 2020, after a brave battle with cancer. She was 57 years old. Marie was born on November 05, 1962, in the Kindu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to father, Mwinyi Kasidi and mother, Halua Saburi Kisila. She came to the U.S. on January 31, 1990, as a political refugee with her family and was sponsored by St. Thomas Moore Church. Marie attended the University of Kinshasa and Kirkwood Community College. She also worked at the University of Iowa for over 10 years. Marie raised two children Patricia Sula and Leonard Sula, in addition to her step-daughters, Maisha Sula, Andjelani Sula, Mwanni Sula-Keller, Yoha Sula, Falanga Sula, Lucia Mekumbilwa, and Georgetta A. Mukumbilwa; step-sons, George Sula, Asumani Sula, Makoko Mukumbilwa, Pierre Mukumbilwa, John Betofe and others, plus a host of step-grandchildren. She is also survived by over 28 siblings in Belgium, DRC, France and the United Kingdom. Marie is predeceased by her father and mother. Marie loved spending time with her family and was an active member of her church. She was an avid lover of African gospel music and loved dancing to Congolese music. She was known for her beautiful smile, quick wit and compassionate spirit. “Honey” and “Beautiful” were the names Marie affectionately called everyone who she came in contact with. She had a passion for preaching the gospel and was the epitome of resilience, strength, and grace. Her work ethic and dedication to her loved ones were unmatched. Marie loved taking pictures with her family and traveling. You often felt Marie’s inner beauty, love and that smile before you saw her. She would light up the room like no other and will be forever in our hearts. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Church of the Nazarene in Iowa City. Burial will follow at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City at 12:30 p.m. Because of current state regulations regulating the number in attendance, persons are encouraged to view live streaming of the services through Facebook by searching “Remembering Marie Francine” and request to join the group. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 to 8 pm at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Because only 10 people are allowed in the funeral home at a time, staff will be admitting new families and friends as people leave. PLEASE PLAN TO STAY IN YOUR VEHICLES UNTIL DIRECTED TO ENTER. You may also choose to drive past the west chapel doors to see the family but you MUST stay in your vehicle as you drive by (the family will not leave the funeral home to greet you, but will see you as the doors will be open.) The funeral home will have staff and signs assisting you. We appreciate your understanding and assistance as we all support Marie’s family. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.