Mrs Grace Murindagomo (nee Tsanga) the widow of the first African Anglican bishop, the Rt Rev Patrick Murindagomo, has died. She was 85. Her husband was the first African Anglican Bishop in the then Rhodesia in 1974.

She married her husband in 1949. They moved to Penhalonga (18 km north of Mutare in eastern Zimbabwe) at St Augustine’s Mission between 1974 and 1978 when her husband died.

Mrs Murindagomo was one of the early veterans of Mbare and an active member of the Mothers Union, following her husband’s death.

She succumbed to stroke complications. Family spokesperson Dr Amy Tsanga described her as a pillar both in the family and in church. “It is not only the Anglican church which has been robbed of one of their historical icons, but many of our country’s leaders who passed through St Augustine’s Mission during those years,” said Dr Tsanga.

“Perhaps most significantly, loss is also to the Mbare community as she was one of the few surviving earlier residents and elders from the last century of this vibrant historical township.”

Affectionately known as “Gogo Murindagomo” to many in that community, and most remembered for her forthright personality and humane values, she is survived by four of her six children, 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.