Denzi (Daisy) Nyapendi was born on September 17, 1952 in Korobudi Mulanda, Uganda to the late Peter Oluli and Mary Athieno. She was baptized at Siwa Church in Mulanda, Uganda. She was the eighth child in the Oluli family, and a sister to Leopold Odoi, Raymond Ochiela, Peter Oluli, Dalia Owino, Cossiano Ongwen, Stanslaus Angura, Mary Oketcho-Dicks, and Henry Olele.
Denzi began her education at Siwa Primary School before moving on to Mulanda and Nagongera Schools, where she finished her primary and secondary education. Denzi then enrolled in nursing school at St Anthony Hospital, but later changed to a career in politics. Denzi began her political career in Iyolwa, Uganda, in 1986 and continued until 2011, when she immigrated to the United States. She moved to Bloomington and worked at Indiana University until her death. Denzi worked tirelessly. During her time in politics, she positively empowered women in her community to become more developmentally and personally independent. She was a hard worker who took pride in her work.
Denzi met and married Samuel Oketcho Owange in 1973, and the couple had three wonderful children; Rosemary Oluli, John Owange, and Agatha Owange. Denzi adored her family and made an effort to remind them of this on a daily basis.
Denzi has always loved music and dancing. She enjoyed going to church and praying. She was a faithful member of both University Baptist Church and St. Charles Borremeo Catholic Church. Denzi was obsessed with current events and would analyze and debate them with anyone at every opportunity. She led a straightforward life, believed in discipline, and was never afraid to speak her mind. She was a very pleasant, lovable person who enjoyed being of service to others. She enjoyed spending time with and staying in touch with family and friends. Denzi always went out of her way to make sure everyone was okay. Her house was always crowded with family, friends, and neighbors.
Denzi lived a long and healthy life. She was discovered dead at her Bloomington, Indiana home on September 25, 2022, a sudden and unanticipated death. We are grateful to God for the time with her he gave us.
Denzi was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Leopold, Raymond, Peter and Henry, and her children, John and Agatha. tildShe is survived by her daughter, Rosemary, her sisters Dalia and Mary, her brother, Cossiano and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at University Baptist Church, 3740 E. Third Street, Bloomington, on Friday, September 30 at 11 am. Friends and family are invited to attend.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DENZI NYAPENDI
Denzi Nyapendi was born on September 17, 1952 in Korobudi Mulanda, Uganda to the late
Peter Oluli and Mary Athieno. She was baptized at Siwa Church in Mulanda, Uganda. She was
the eighth child in the Oluli family, and a sister to (the late) Leopold Odoi, (the late) Raymond
Ochiela, (the late) Peter Oluli, Dalia Owino, Cossiano Ongwen, (the late) Stanslaus Angura,
Mary Oketcho-Dicks, and (the late) Henry Olele.
EARLY LIFE & EDUCATION
Denzi began her education at Siwa Primary School before moving on to Mulanda and
Nagongera Schools, where she finished her primary and secondary education. Denzi then
enrolled in nursing school at St Anthony Hospital, but later changed to a career in politics.
WORK/CAREER
in Denzi began her political career in Iyolwa, Uganda, in 1986 and continued until 2011, when
she immigrated to the United States. She moved to Bloomington and worked at Indiana
University until she her death. Denzi worked tirelessly. During her time in politics, she
positively empowered women in her community to become more developmentally and
independently independent. She was a hard worker who took pride in her work.
FAMILY LIFE
Denzi met and married Samuel Oketcho Owange in 1973, and the couple had three wonderful
children: Rosemary Oluli, (the late) John Owange, and (the late) Agatha Owange. Denzi adored
her family and made an effort to remind them of this on a daily basis.
HOBBIES
Denzi has always loved music and dancing. She enjoyed going to church and praying. She
belonged to both the University Baptist Church and the Catholic church. Denzi was obsessed
with current events and would have her analyze and debate them with anyone at every
opportunity. She led a straightforward life, believed in discipline, and was never afraid to speak
her mind. She was a very pleasant, lovable person who enjoyed being of service to others. She
enjoyed spending time with and staying in touch with family and friends. Denzi always went out
of her way to make sure everyone was okay. Her house was always crowded with family,
friends, and neighbors.
HEALTH
Denzi lived a long and healthy life.
She was discovered dead at her Bloomington, Indiana home on September 25, 2022. A sudden
and unanticipated death. We are grateful to God for the time he has given us with her.
TRIBUTE FROM SISTER - DALIA OWINO
Denzi was a hardworking, loving, and caring individual. We shared a lot of laughs and jokes.
She has a wonderful daughter, Rosemary, who needs all out positive support as she copes with
losing her mother, her staunchest supporter and sauce of strength. And she now will take on a
great deal of responsibility managing on her own. Rosemary will require a great deal of support
and words of encouragement, and we will do our best to provide it. Any additional assistance
will be greatly appreciated. My sister will be sorely missed.
TRIBUTE FROM SISTER - MARY OKETCHO-DICKS
Denzi is my sister, and I'm very proud of her. She was like a second mother to all of my kids.
She treated them as if they were her own. She was there for me when I was sick. Always there
for me. I will miss her sense of humor, jokes, and smiles. Denzi, rest in peace.
TRIBUTE FROM BROTHER - COSSIANO ONGWEN
Denzi is my younger sister. She was upbeat and cheerful. She enjoyed assisting and
entertaining others. She loved singing clan and church songs and could do so beautifully. She
has always been financially and emotionally supportive of me. She helped me in so many ways.
Denzi always gathered a large crowd for celebrations whenever she returned to Uganda. We
adored her and treasured the time we spent together. We thank God for her friends and all
those in America who stood by her from the moment she arrived until her death. She worked
hard and accomplished a lot. We beseech God for mercy and favor on her soul until we meet
again.
TRIBUTE FROM NEPHEW - PETER OTEMBI
Waya Denzy was an extraordinary woman. Her love and devotion to family and friends is
undeniable; she always gave her all. No one of us (nieces and nephews) who grew up in
Uganda can claim not to have been nurtured by her at some point. She was selfless when it
came to family, and she was the go-to person for many of us until her death. I can honestly say
she was the first to offer her help whenever we lost a family member (counselling, food,...a bull
or two), even when she was in pain herself. She made certain that each of the deceased family
members received a fitting send-off. We are all thankful for having known her and very proud to
call her Waya.
TRIBUTE FROM NIECE - NOELINA TINO
Mama Denzi, you truly were our second mother. Despite the difficulties, you loved us until the
end. I remember you leaving the village at midnight to come to Kampala to be with me and
Teddy in the hospital when I was having surgery in Kampala. Only a true mother can
demonstrate such selflessness. You taught us to be disciplined and to never settle for second
best. You always encouraged us to aim higher. I remember telling you that when you grow up
and come to my house, you will not eat vegetables. It's too bad you never got to come to my
house so I could feed you properly. We will miss you terribly. I keep hoping that you will pick up
your phone. I kwale ri wani, mama! May you smile with the angels. Until we meet again!
TRIBUTE FROM SISTER IN LAW - JANIPHER OCHIELA
Denzi was a loving and a caring person to everyone not only for family members. I’m very
grateful to have such a wonderful sister in-law. I will miss her very much but she will always be
remembered. Have a peaceful rest my beloved sister. May Almighty God rest your soul in
eternal peace