Rahab Nzamutuma

Rahab Mukeshimana Nzamutuma was born on December 12, 1956, in Rwankeri, Rwanda and passed away on September 28, 2024, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was born into a prominent and loving ministerial family, the beloved daughter of Pastor Stephano Baraburiye and Martha Nyirarubabaza and was one of nine siblings: Fanuel Harelimana, Phenias Baraburiye, Adele Nyirandikubwimana, Elianne Nyirahabiyambere, Stephanie Nyirahabiyambere, Jemime Nyiransabimana, and the late Jacque Mutabazi and Felix Habyarimana. 

On August 15, 1977, in Rwankeri, Rwanda, Rahab married the love of her life, Issumael Nzamutuma, with whom she shared a beautiful journey. In 1980, Rahab and Issumael moved to the United States and settled in Berrien Springs, Michigan to continue education at Andrews University. From 1988 - 1999, Issumael and Rahab would answer the call to do missionary work that led them to serve at institutions of education such as Adventist University of Central Africa, Helderberg College in South Africa, to Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts. Wherever the Lord called the Nzamutuma family, they would build strong community relationships and continue to maintain these special bonds often nurtured by Rahab by opening up her home and heart to everyone. In 2007, when Leominster All Nations SDA Church was launched, Mrs. Nzamutuma played a critical role and very quickly became the Mother of the church until her last breath. Together in 2018, Rahab and Issumael launched Kumon Leominster Math & Reading program, where every Kumon student knew her as “Grandma” who always had a word of encouragement or a little something to put in their hands to enjoy. 

After retiring as a Certified Nurse Assistant, Rahab found numerous ways to fill her days with baking bread or cornbread, spending time visiting with loved ones in person or over the phone, or enjoying daily walks with her husband and family, and gardening- joyfully growing all kinds of vegetables that she would be excited to share with her family and community. Just one of the biggest impartations she made on her community were her signature blankets where she would literally cover as many babies with her own touch of love. 

Rahab was a woman of unwavering faith built through her strong devotional life spending time in worship daily, enjoying weekly prayers with her dear sisters, bible study and virtual worship with her brothers and sister-in -laws across the world. These experiences fueled her faith. Rahab’s supernatural and God-given gift to the world was pure love of people without bias, preference, or limitations. If she knew you, she loved you. Rahab is survived by her devoted husband Issumael and her cherished children: Innocent Rukundo, Junia Dushime-Blackman, Kevin Bugingo, Charlene Lofters-Rukundo, Dwayne Blackmon, and Nikiwe Bilima-Bugingo. She also leaves behind her six beloved grandchildren: Nevaeh Blackman, Rohan Blackman, Selah Bugingo, Elise Rukundo, Mikaela Bugingo, and Eden Rukundo, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members whom she loved greatly. 

Rahab’s legacy of faith, love, compassion, and selfless giving will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her as she lived out to the fullest her life’s bible verse in Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” (NKJV)

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Rahab’s family for a viewing on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at Leominster United Methodist Church, located at 77 Hall St, Leominster, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at St. Leo Cemetery in Leominster.