In loving memory · celebrating a beautiful life

Esther Onami

April 1998 — July 2026 · twenty-eight years of light

This is a place to remember Esther — Essie to those who loved her. Her bright laugh, her generous heart, and the way she made everyone around her feel at home. Share a memory, look through the photographs, and celebrate a life that touched so many.

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Esther Onami, smiling, in a navy floral dress

Her Story

The Essie we love

Esther Nyaboke Onami — Essie to nearly everyone who loved her — was born on April 3, 1998, in Magadi Town, Kajiado, Kenya. She began her schooling at Imperial Primary School in Kisii Town, and in 2006, at eight years old, her family moved across the world to the United States, where she grew up in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Ask anyone who knew her and the same words come back: energetic, happy, down to earth, generous. Essie had a distinct laugh you could pick out of any room and a smile that put people instantly at ease. She carried a positive spirit wherever she went, and a real gift for making the people around her feel seen, welcomed, and cared for.

Energetic, generous, and impossibly warm — Essie made every room a little brighter just by walking into it.
— those who loved her

She carried that same spirit into everything she pursued. From Pilgrim Lane Elementary to Plymouth Middle and Armstrong High, and on to Minnesota State University, Essie worked as she studied — meeting each chapter with a quiet determination that never dimmed her warmth.

She loved to sing, and music was never far from her. She loved slow afternoons watching movies and long, unhurried walks out in nature. Between her studies and her work, she filled her days with the simple things that made life full — and with the people lucky enough to share it with her.

Above all, Essie treasured her family and her friends; they were the heart of her world, and she was the heart of theirs. Her faith was just as close — a devoted Seventh-day Adventist and a former member of the Pathfinder club, she held her belief gently and lived it generously. Twenty-eight years was far too short, but every one of them was full of light. This is how we remember her, and how we always will.

Life Timeline

Moments along the way

April 3, 1998

A joyful beginning

Esther Nyaboke Onami — Essie — is born in Magadi Town, Kajiado, Kenya, into a family who adored her.

Kenya

First lessons

She begins her education at Imperial Primary School in Kisii Town, from nursery school.

2006

A new home

At eight years old, Essie and her family move to the United States, settling in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Growing up

Rooted in Plymouth

From Pilgrim Lane Elementary to Plymouth Middle and Armstrong High, she grows up close to her family and her Seventh-day Adventist community — and becomes a member of the Pathfinder club.

College years

Working toward her dreams

She pursues higher education at Minnesota State University, working while she studies — with the determination and perseverance everyone knew her for.

Her days

The things she loved

Between work and study, she fills her life with singing, movies, and long walks in nature — always with the people she loved close by.

2026

Forever remembered

Essie leaves behind a family, a community, and countless friends who carry her light and her laughter with them always.

In loving memory

Eulogy

Given by her brother, Mike Onami

Today, we gather with heavy hearts to remember and celebrate the life of Esther Nyaboke Onami, a beloved daughter, family member, friend, and cherished member of our community.

Esther was born on April 3, 1998, in Magadi Town, Kajiado, Kenya to Mr. and Mrs. Onami. From the very beginning, Esther’s life was a journey that would take her across countries, cultures, and communities, touching many lives along the way.

Esther began her education at Imperial Primary School in Kisii Town, where she attended from nursery school. In 2006, her journey took her to the United States, where she continued her education. She attended Pilgrim Lane Elementary School, followed by Plymouth Middle School and later Armstrong High School.

Esther continued to pursue her dreams through higher education at Minnesota State University. Her achievement was especially meaningful because she worked while pursuing her education. Balancing work and school required determination, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that Esther demonstrated throughout her life.

Esther’s journey from Kenya to the United States was more than a change of location. It was a testament to her ability to adapt, grow, and embrace new opportunities while carrying with her the foundation and values she received from her family.

Those who knew Esther will remember her not simply for the places she lived or the milestones she achieved, but for the person she was. She was a young woman with a life full of promise, dreams, relationships, and experiences. Her story was still being written, and that makes her passing especially difficult to accept.

There are moments in life when words simply cannot express the depth of our loss. We wish we had more time. More conversations. More laughter. More ordinary days together. We wish Esther could have continued to experience the opportunities that lay ahead of her and see the impact of all the work she had put into building her life.

But today, even as we grieve, we can also be grateful.

We can be grateful for the years Esther was given. We can be grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Onami for the daughter they brought into this world. We can be grateful for the family, friends, teachers, classmates, coworkers, and others who had the privilege of knowing Esther and being part of her journey.

We can be grateful for the memories she leaves behind.

Esther’s life reminds us that a meaningful life is not measured only by how long we live, but also by the lives we touch and the memories we leave with others. Though her journey ended far sooner than any of us would have wanted, the chapters she shared with us will remain.

As we say goodbye to Esther, may we hold close the memories that bring us comfort. May we remember her with love rather than only with sorrow. And may the lessons of her life—her determination, her journey, her education, her work, and her perseverance—inspire us to live our own lives with greater purpose.

Esther, you came into this world as a beloved daughter, grew through the care of your family, crossed continents, pursued your education, worked hard for your dreams, and became part of many lives.

Your journey may have ended, but your memory does not have to.

You will continue to live in the stories we tell, the memories we share, and the hearts of those who loved you.

Rest peacefully, my dear sister Esther Nyaboke Onami.

May your memory forever be a blessing, and may your family and everyone who loved you find strength and comfort in the life you lived.

Farewell, Esther. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Gallery

A life in pictures

Moments of Esther — press play for a slideshow, or click any photograph to view it.

Video Tributes

Memories in motion

Messages and moments gathered from those who loved her — click any to watch, or play them all.

From her mother's family — Kenya

Memories sent with love from her maternal family back home in Kenya.

From her father's family — Kenya

Memories sent with love from her paternal family back home in Kenya.

Esther, family & friends — United States

Moments of Esther with the family and friends who shared her life here in the U.S.

Tributes

Share a memory of Esther

A story, a moment, a few words — every memory helps keep her close. Messages appear below once a family member has gently reviewed them.

Memories shared by those who love her

I still can’t believe you’re gone. I’ll always cherish the memories we made, especially the calls, the laughs, and all the random reels we shared. You’ll be deeply missed, cousin. May you rest peace until we meet again.🕊️❤️

Amos osoro · Cousin

So sorry for your loss sis Jane and the entire family. I pray that God may bless you and give you strength during this difficult times.

Roselidah Nyaberi

Life is so short.. I remember seeing you at church before you went to school. Never thought it will come to this, rest easy Esther. You will be missed.

Daniel Onyangore · Friend

Esther you have gone way too soon. May God grant your mom and siblings the peace and grace that only He alone can provide. Rest easy Esther!

Henry Mogire

A life gone too soon. Esther, may you rest at the feet of Jesus where pain or sorrow is no more. Rest in peace.

Eka · Esther mom's work colleague at North Memorial Hospital in mannerless

Gone too soon. I knew Esther as a radiant, warm and sociable child in her early childhood at Magadi. True to her character she gifted my daughter Stephanie, then a year younger, with her precious bicycle when she departed to the USA, a gesture that left an indelible mark on Stephanie. No wonder then that she went on to positively impact her acquitances later on in life. Esther we loved you but God loved you more. 2 Timothy 4:7 " I have fought the good fight, I have finished tge race. I have kept the faith". Fare thee well Esther.

Tom Miranyi · Friend to the mother

In college we used to call Esther Essie. I met her in the dining hall during my first days of college, still new to campus, still learning faces in the Kenyan community, still trying to find where I fit. A friend said, "Isn't that Esther?" and introduced us. I didn't know it then, but that moment was the beginning of a friendship that would shape my college years. Essie became a piece of home I didn't know I needed. We studied together in the dorm lounge, cooked meals side by side, shared food that our moms packed for college when we were coming back to school, went to events, went to church, sang together, told stories, laughed until our stomachs hurt, and ranted about relationships like sisters. I'm usually quiet and keep to myself when I'm new somewhere, but Essie didn't let me stay on the outside. She opened the door and pulled me in. Essie had this way of folding you into her world without asking permission — gently, naturally, like she'd been saving a seat for you all along. She made belonging feel easy. After college, life scattered us the way it does. We didn't meet in person as often, but we stayed connected — phone calls, memes, and those random run-ins in the community that always felt like a warm surprise. Sometimes I wish we had tried harder, but we moved through life like forever was promised. Like one day we'd slow down, grow old, and finally have time to hang out again. I imagined us having another girls' night, watching movies like we used to in the dorms, laughing at old Kenyan ads that made us nostalgic for home, talking about places we wanted to travel, ranting about reality shows, or just talking about life and love. For now, I carry Essie's memory with me — her gentle spirit, her loving heart, her welcoming presence. Until we meet again. Rest in peace.

June · Friend

I miss you so much. My life will never be the same.

Maryam · A close friend

Rest easy, sister. I can't remember a time we spent together that was not filled with laughter, and that is how I will remember you. Until we meet again 💕

Sophie · Friend

My dear cousin, you were full of life, laughter and energy, greatly loved by many and brought joy to the family. Although we are mourning today and our hearts are broken, the Lord has seen it better to be with Him. May your soul rest in peace until we meet again. Shalom.

Judith Kemunto · Cousin

Goodnight baby sister, not goodbye. We love you.

Renee Onami · Sister

Your light and joy will always shine, beautiful.

Miriam · Cousin

Rest well little one. It was truly an honor being your sibling in this lifetime. Be safe for now. We'll reunite again in the next life.

Mike Onami · Brother

In her memory