Zenebework Mamo Chorka Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mama Zannabuu was born in Western Oromia, Sayyoo, Dambi Dolloo, on May 4, 1934, from her mother Nuri Gabra Sillasee and her father Reverend Mamo Chorka. She was the fourth of thirteen siblings, six girls and six boys. When it was time for Zannabuu to get married, several suitors lined up to ask for her hand. One of them was Reverend Kumsa Boro, the teacher she respected and loved as a father figure. Zannabuu was shocked because Kumsa was much older than her and he was a widower with five children. But she prayed profusely and asked God to show her the right partner for her life. When God answered her prayers, Zannabuu chose Kumsa. They were married in 1953 and raised fourteen children together. As a young married woman under immense persecution by the united powers of the Orthodox Church and the government, Zannabuu joined the chorus of strong women who fiercely resisted the persecution and supported their closely-knit communities. She fearlessly filled the yawning gap where most church men were either away on Gospel work or they were in prison being tortured. Authorities saw Kumsa as the ringleader of Protestants and threw him in jail along with many others. Zannabuu looked after the prisoners, and she looked after their families. She took care of farming to feed the multitudes in need and she took care of children’s education to raise the next generation of her community. Mama Zannuu was a symbol of strength and a living fountain of faith and hope. She lived a tough life filled with adversities and challenges. Yet, she tapped into her inner strength and refused to give up or despair. She made hope out of hopelessness and home out of homelessness. She kept renewing hope for herself, for her family, and for her community. For her, everything is possible. Nothing is impossible because she had such an unshakable faith in her Almighty God. With every government that came and went, Mama Zannuu devised fresh strategies of overcoming the new adversities. Through the unending the persecution and repression, Mama Zannuu toughened up her spirit, renewed her resistance and became a symbol of strength for her many children and her community. When her many children were killed, imprisoned, tortured, and exiled, Mama Zannuu never grumbled or showed any sign of weakness. She needed to be brave and strong for all those who looked up to her for strength. She went from funeral to funeral, from prison to prison, and from home to home, spreading hope and imparting strength. Mama Zannuu continued to be the pillar of her community, their symbol of strength. She remained the unbreakable iron woman even in her final years when dementia attacked her beautiful mind and forward-thinking brain. She remained the fountain of faith and hope even when the illness sought to dim her hope. When it was time for Mama Zannuu to submit herself to the care of others, her loving God prepared the most nurturing and caring nest in her most beloved daughter’s home. Mama Zannuu who nurtured and cared for everyone was now cared for and nurtured by her daughter. Her beloved daughter became her beloved mother figure. The cycle of life is complete. Mama Zannuu who raised generations of children now joins generations of her ancestors who raised her. The generational cycle is also complete. At 88, Mama Zannuu has lived a full life. She has raised fourteen children and pampered twenty-one grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren. Far beyond her biological relations, she has raised and pampered the many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of her community to the very last of her breath. Despite all the adversities in her life, she always exuded happiness, joy, and fulfillment. Her beautiful big smile will always remain the symbol of joy for us.

Zenebework Mamo Chorka

May 4, 1934 - May 21, 2022