It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mrs Elizabeth Feilden, Founder and Patron of Amani UK. Elizabeth had a very bad fall in early November 2011 and had been in hospital ever since, dying peacefully at 4:00pm on Thursday January 26th 2012.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Elizabeth then click here to make an online donation or click here to contact me about a donation.

The story of Elizabeth and her founding and development of Amani UK are best captured by reading ‘The Amani Story’ on this website and her achievements for the people of Kenya flow through the pages of this website. Rather than repeat the story in this announcement, there can be no better tribute to her work and the esteem with which she is held, than in the letter below, written by Leonard Odongo on behalf of the Kenyan people she served and loved.

Jim Leftwich
Co-ordinator

For and on behalf of Upendo Federation staff, friends and the community that we all serve, I take this opportunity to convey our sincere condolence to the family, relatives and friends of the late Mama Elizabeth Feilden. It has come as a shock to many of us who new Elizabeth and had personal relationship with her. It has dealt a big blow to many here in Kenya and in particular the community around the old original Amani project. Indeed she has left a big gap in the Amani UK team as the Founder and Patron. For a period of more than 4 years since she last visited us, it was very rare to hear from her as we knew she had advanced in age and needed to have more time back home with her family after serving Amani project for that period. In most cases we would ask the visiting teams how she was doing but we received a consolation that she is doing well but growing old and tired. The worst bit is that she has left us.

Mama Elizabeth’s life with us here in Kenya was very wonderful and enjoyable. She was such a strong lady though old in age but very committed to the word of God. She had very masculine characteristics as she believed what a man can do, a woman can do and never entertained gender disparity. Sharp in brain, strong , dedicated, committed, very enthusiastic and all that one would require to succeed in life. She had developed strong personal relationships with her staff and those in the community. Many times she would have guests whom many of those she worked with had not known but she endeavoured to develop a wide network of friends and partners.

Mama Elizabeth initiated so many projects including paying school fees for orphans in the community and brought many up from scratch. She provided food for the hungry and developed a liking for her neighbours who would visit her for help. She extended her support into the other communities and especially when there were tribal clashes. Through her links and networks she provided food and clothing for the victims. She lived a life of a villager and interacted with many in different levels. She brought so many visitors from UK including her family whom she introduced to the community and so far developed relationships even up to date.

It is a moment of sorrow to all who knew Elizabeth and we all believe that all her work and life were through the spirit of the Lord. She lived a Christian life and as a missionary she changed the lives of many. God brought her to this world and has taken her back. We thank God for being so kind and loving to us for letting us have Elizabeth amongst us and served according to God’s will. Many lives changed spiritually, socially and physically through the powers God provided through Mama Elizabeth. We believe and trust that God will provide for another person to fill the gap Mama Elizabeth has left.

Mama Elizabeth, you fought a good fight, in spirit and in the life of God. You served the Lord and you’ve gone in the Lord. "May the Almighty God Rest your soul in eternal peace." Amen.

Leonard Odongo
on behalf of everyone in Kenya