Mary Oloo was a career medic and distinguished nurse at Migori County Hospital, where she awed many with her big heart and sense of humour. Nyar Anding’o, as she was fondly known to her family, still lives on in the memory of friends, relatives and everyone who associated with her seven years after her death.

Mary was born on December 1, 1969 in Pala, Ndhiwa district, Homa Bay County, and was the firstborn daughter of John Oloo and Roselide Oloo of Kaguria village. She attended primary school at Asumbi Girls’ Boarding, and went through secondary education in Mirogi, Ulanda and Kioge Girls. She then joined the Kenya Medical Training College, Kisii campus, from where she graduated as a community nurse.

Mary then went ahead to serve the country in different health facilities. At the time of her death, she was pursuing further training at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. A member of the Nursing Council of Kenya, Mary is remembered for her professional devotion and selfless service. She was a humble nurse who surmounted numerous odds to make a difference in society and went the extra mile for her patients. Her colleagues, friends and relatives haven’t forgotten her powerful personality, charisma and humour.

Mary died peacefully at the Kenyatta National Hospital on the evening of Friday, March 25, 2011 and was buried on April 16, 2011. She had been admitted to the facility on March 10, 2011 after being diagnosed with acute renal failure. Her sister Phoebe Ogweno and brothers Samuel and Zablon Mark stand with their heads held up because they believe nothing can ever harm a good person, even in death. To her loving mother and father, they thank God for having brought Mary into their lives, as she was the epitome of love. Rest in peace, Nyar Kaguria.