Evelina Labutu Oryem Ayoro

Mama Evelina Labutu Oryem Ayoro. August 15, 1931 - March 6, 2026.

Mama Evelina Labutu Oryem Ayoro, beloved matriarch, faithful servant, and pillar of strength to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at 8:45 a.m., surrounded by her devoted children, grandchildren, and loved ones. She was 95 years old.

Birth & Early Life

Born on August 15, 1931, in Obbo Payam, she was a daughter of the sub-clan Lerwa Koyo Kitomir to parents Mary Acheni and Angelo Oryem Ayoro. Her roots in the rich soil of her Acholi homeland anchored her for ninety-five beautiful years.

Education

Mama Evelina attended Palotaka Primary School beginning in 1938, before advancing to Lower Convent in 1942, where she completed her studies in 1945. She believed education built character, responsibility, and purpose-values she carried throughout her life.

Career & Service

Mama Evelina began working in agriculture, teaching and guiding others while also serving with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), supporting communities through humanitarian aid and empowerment. Through dedication and leadership, she advanced to Kilio, where she became a weaving supervisor, empowering women to build independence and dignity.

Later in life, after relocating to Canada, she worked in a seniors' home cafeteria, continuing her lifelong calling of caring for others with humility and grace.

Faith

In 1990, while in Khartoum, Mama Evelina became an active member of the Legion of Mary, serving the church and community by caring for children, serving food, teaching Sunday school, and praying for the sick. She became widely known as Abuba Kenisa-a reflection of her deep commitment to the church and its people.

Family

Mama Evelina was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Okeny Lotwari; one beloved child; and her parents, Mary Acheni and Angelo Oryem Ayoro.

She is survived by her six devoted children, fifty grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom were shaped by her love.

Final Years

After suffering a stroke in 2023, Mama Evelina faced her frailty with quiet grace, never complaining and enduring with resilience until her final peaceful moments.

Legacy

Mama Evelina was a homemaker in the truest sense-filling her home with love, warmth, and belonging. She was a woman of few words but immense presence, known for her strength, generosity, and unwavering faith. She taught her family the Acholi language, culture, and roots. Her greatest joy was seeing her family gathered together, sharing food, laughter, and connection.

The family extends deepest gratitude to the caregivers at the seniors' home in Calgary who treated her with dignity and kindness, and to all who checked on her, prayed for her, and stood by her.

"Your body is at rest, but your spirit remains-in every lesson, every memory, every act of love that continues through us."

Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Pierson's Funeral Service, 4121 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta.

Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 5504 - 20 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta. Burial will take place at a later date in Lerwa Cemetery, South Sudan.

May her soul rest in eternal peace!