Originally from South Africa, Mrs. Maria Fanjula Nyeka (56) died on Sunday the 7th of June 2015. She passed away after a formidable fight against cancer – a testament to how she lived her life, with sheer perseverance. Maria, as she's known to her colleagues and friends here in Lancaster, was married to the also deceased Mzimkhulu Nyeka and leaves behind one son, George Zwelethu Nyeka.

Fanjula, was born in Polokwane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa on the 21st of June 1958. She is the first-born daughter of the late Jonas and Peggy Thema, and is the older sister to Matsatsi, Moipone, Marischen and Harry.

Fanjula, arrived in the USA in 1980 to study to become a pharmacist. She attended Cheney University as well as Temple University in Pennsylvania. A warm and bubbly person, Maria was loved by her clients at Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She was very active, loved travelling and site seeing.

Fanjula, was a member of the Lutheran Church in South Africa, and so she joined the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster upon her return to the USA, having completed her practical's back in South Africa.

Fanjula, made the United States her second home and eventually become a permanent resident. She will be buried in her home country, alongside her husband, in the coastal town of Worcester, in the province of the Western Cape.

A memorial service, to celebrate Maria Fanjula Nyeka's life will take place on Saturday the 13th of June 2015 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602 at 2PM followed by a reception with the family. Friends and colleagues are invited to come and bid her beautiful spirit farewell.