With gratitude, we pause to remember those who have recently passed away. Their service, leadership, and commitment strengthened ASEC and remain part of its enduring legacy. We hold in our hearts all those who came before us and carry their influence forward together.
Mollel Jeremia Joseph
Tanzania—ASEC Alumni Beneficiary
June 5, 2000–May 6, 2025
Jeremia shared his story with ASEC during the 2024 SLDI Partners Workshop. Born in the village of Sanya Station, in Maasai land, Jeremia, the son of his father’s first wife, was disadvantaged because preference was given to the children of his father’s second wife. Sr. Cresensia Romani Tarimo, FCSM, an SLDI alum, identified Jeremia as a young boy and brought him to study at the O’Brien School for the Maasai. At the time of his untimely passing, Jeremia was in his third year of university study at the National Institute of Transport. The O’Brien Foundation supported Jeremia throughout his educational journey.
Abraham Chunu
Nigeria—Facilitator, SLDI Administration & Basic Technology Tracks, HESA Workshops, ASEC Alumni Workshops
June 1, 1956–June 15, 2025
Abraham facilitated ASEC workshops, primarily SLDI Administration, for more than 400 women religious over the course of 18 years. He regularly co-facilitated workshops with his wife Helen, who is continuing his legacy as an SLDI facilitator to this day. ASEC Nigeria staff described him as a “gifted educator” who “journeyed faithfully with us, forming hearts, shaping minds, and empowering numerous Catholic sisters with knowledge, skills, and confidence.”
Sr. Mary Lilly Driciru, MSMMC
Uganda—Facilitator, SLDI Basic Technology Track, ASEC Alum
September 14, 1963–November 8, 2025
Sr. Mary Lilly graduated from SLDI, following the Administration Track, in 2021; however, she began her journey with ASEC as a facilitator in 2016. Collaborating with co-facilitator Sr. Prossy Naturinda, Sr. Mary trained 98 sisters in four SLDI Basic Technology Workshops between 2016 and 2022. Sr. Mary was an active participant in ASEC’s Alumni Programming in Uganda. ASEC alumni postponed a scheduled Alumni Workshop in November 2025 to honor Sr. Mary Lilly.
Donald R. McCrabb, DMin
United States—ASEC Board Vice Chair
July 20, 1954–December 10, 2025
Donald served on ASEC’s Board of Directors from 2023–2025, most recently as Vice Chair and Academic Committee Chair. Before joining ASEC, Don had a distinguished career in Catholic ministry and education. He was a devoted husband to Barbara, father, and grandfather. At an ASEC event in Washington, DC last year, Don reflected, “sisters have been a powerful and positive impact on my life, sisters helped me, the Church in Africa deserves the same.”
Sr. Marie du Rosaire Francina Mpola Makoae, FCSCJ
Lesotho—Former ASEC Program Coordinator, Lesotho
October 22, 1950–February 28, 2026
Sr. Francina was ASEC Program Coordinator, Lesotho between 2020 and 2023. During her time with ASEC, 157 sisters were educated—119 through SLDI, 9 through HESA, and 29 through the Scholarship Program, which was introduced to Lesotho in 2021 during Sr. Francina’s tenure. Sr. Francina shepherded these sisters and laid the foundation of the Scholarship Program in Lesotho. She served as provincial superior for her religious institute between 2002–2008.
Ambassador Professor Costa Ricky Mahalu
Tanzania—Vice Chancellor, Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Mwanza (HESA Partner)
July 9, 1948–March 9, 2026
Ambassador Professor Costa was appointed Vice Chancellor of SAUT in 2019 and served until his death earlier this year. During his tenure, ASEC sponsored more than 90 women religious to study at SAUT through the HESA and Scholarship Programs. Additionally, at least 6 ASEC HESA alumni were hired to work at SAUT, including as Assistant Lecturers.
Be a Ray of Hope
Communities across Africa are counting on Catholic Sisters, but 48 lack the education needed to carry out their important mission work. You can be a Ray of Hope for a Sister who needs you by donating to her education today.
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