Chronicle Editor
Freedom Mupanedemo
UNDER normal circumstances, one’s death brings with it immense grief for family and friends but it was not the case with a Gokwe centenarian, Gogo Kundai Mutsaro, who died yesterday at the age of 116.
Born in January 1907 and living for a century, stealing over a dozen more years in another century, Gogo Mutsaro died in her sleep and instead of mourning, family members, relatives, friends and the community at large celebrated her legacy.
“When she clocked 100 years some 16 years back, it became her song each time relatives, friends and members of the community visited her that no one should cry on her death but instead should rejoice and celebrate the gift of longevity granted to her by God.
“True to her wish, her demise has turned to be one kind of a rare death in our community where everyone is in a celebratory mood instead of mourning. We are celebrating her life, the gift of longevity, said one of Gogo Mutsaro’s grand-children, Ms Loraine Mutsaro.
She said the family was celebrating the departed granny while giving thanks to God.
“Even us as relatives we are not mourning but celebrating Gogo’s life, its a milestone and we believe she is one of the oldest people to have lived this long. She deserves a place in the Guinness Books of Records,” said Ms Mutsaro.
She said Gogo Mutsaro was not sick but died in her sleep.
“She never complained of any illness, she was okay the previous day and took her food as usual, she died peacefully in her sleep and everyone who comes to the funeral is not mourning, it’s all joy, we are celebrating, Gogo’s life,” said Ms Mutsaro.
Chief Chireya said Gogo Mutsaro was the oldest woman not only in his district but probably in the world.
“I don’t remember any other villager who lived this long as Gogo Mutsaro, she was the fountain of history in the district hence wee are celebrating her rich legacy. She was the oldest woman living in the world I suppose,” said Chief Chireya.
Gogo Mutsaro’s eldest daughter, Ms Seremi Mutsero (88) said the centenarian had a total of 11 children, 58 grandchildren, and 116 great grand-children.
She will be buried today in Zumba area Ward 5 of Gokwe Chireya.
Online Reporter