Cecilia Wanjiku Gichane-Bell

July 14, 1960 - October 24, 2019

Cecilia Wanjiku Gichane-Bell July 14, 1960 - October 24, 2019

Cecilia Gichane-Bell was born in Gatitu, Kenya on July 14, 1960 to Francis Gichane and the late Margaret Nderitu Gichane. CC as was fondly known to us, was wife to Jim Gichane-Bell, loving mother to Brandon Gichane-Bell, Mathew Gichane-Bell and Travis Bell. CC was the eldest and beloved sibling to; Esther Salome Githinji, Alfred Gichane, Patricia Nderitu, Herbert Njoroge, Agnes Wangui (Kui) and Pastor Joyce Charles of Oracle TV, Nakuru. Sister-in-love to Grace Gichane-Ndomo, Githinji, Virginia, Wanjohi and Charles Wanjagi.

CC was a doting auntie to Melanie Gichane, Megan Gichane, Marques Gichane, Reuben Thuita, Francis Nderitu Githinji, Bryan Githinji, Alfred Gichane, Francis Nderitu, Sharon Wanjiku, Melvin Nderitu, Ernest Kimani Njoroge, Havillah Wangare, King David, Ruth Nduta, Joyce Wanjiru and Abigael Wangeci. CC cared a lot for her family always checking in and stepping in whenever anyone called upon her. She went out of her way even to her sisters and brothers in love. Such is her love that she is the godmother to her brother Alfred’s three children Melanie, Megan and Marques. CC was blessed to have 4 grandkids and lots of loving families and friends in Kenya and North America. Cecilia started her education at Baragoi Boarding Catholic School, in Kenya. After her elementary schooling known in Kenya as grade primary, CC would then attend high school in the USA.

In 1978, accompanied by her grandmother, Cecilia moved to the US where she started high school at Gunn High School in Palo Alto. CC loved school and excelled n high school. Her drive and ambition got her into San Jose State university where she would later graduate. CC’s hard work paid off, as she was hired at the prestigious and world-renowned Stanford University, Engineering department where she was a Research Administrator, a position she held until the time of her death. Having worked at Stanford for over 30 years, her co-workers and students would describe CC as someone who would prioritize others before herself. She was selfless and always went an extra mile to ensure everyone around her was comfortable and content. Her joy was to see everyone is happy first.

CC had a passion for cooking. Many are times that she hosted family and friends for pasta dinner. Many will remember her yummy pasta and sauce and homemade bread, wondering when they would visit again for another meal to share and laugh. Her home was always open to everyone. CC would babysit her cousins’ children and even friends of friends’ children, such a warm hearted and caring person. CC will be deeply missed by many near and far. Last September 2018, CC had a scheduled simple knee procedure that was successful. However, while undergoing treatment and healing, CC was diagnosed with AML (Leukemia). CC responded well to treatment and even went back to work. Even with everything going on, CC continued to do what she did best, work and be there for family. CC bravely battled and fought with a smile and determination to live, but succumbed to the cancer and rested on October 24th, 2019, surrounded by family.

CC, we love you, but God loved you more. May God’s name be praised