Nyepuka Ruach Miak

We are saddened to announce the death of beloved mother and sister, Nyepuka Ruach Miak. Nyepuka died on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at her home, where she lived with her children.

Nyepuka was born in Akobo, Jonglei, South Sudan in 1975, to Ruach Miak Thiep and Nyabiel Kuon Nyuot. Nyepuka’s dad died when she was young. She and her brothers were raised by their mother and their great-uncle Peter Gak Deang, a Presbyterian Evangelist. In early 1982, Nyepuka’s family fled South Sudan and travelled on foot to an Ethiopian Refugee Camp (Itang); South Sudan had become a fighting ground between the Southern separatists AnyaNya-II and government forces. Her family settled in Thowkoat.

In Thowkoat (Pinymale), Nyepuka attended Itang Primary School. She also sang in the Pinymale church choirs. She got married in early 1989 and started a family of her own.

In 1990, Nyepuka went through Kenya with her new family while the rest of the family travelled back to South Sudan during the Ethiopian revolution war that forced refugees out of the country. Nyepuka and her family arrived in Canada in early 1993. Over the years, she lived in both West Canada and here in London, Ontario. Nyepuka focused her energy on what was important — raising her children. She recently went back to school; at the time of her death, she was attending Fanshawe College to become a social worker. She stopped taking classes after her cancer progressed.

Nyepuka was predeceased by her father Ruach Miak Thiep, her mother Nyabiel Kuon Nyuot, and brother Kayier Ruach Miak.

She is survived by her children: Changkuoth, Nyuon, Teny, Giw, Nyamer, & Thot; brothers: Keak, Gatwech, & Duop; sister-in-law Nyamuoch; nieces: Nyagoa & Nyaluit; nephews: Zechariah, Ruach & Goi; and uncles: Peter Gak Deang, Jock Deang, & Mai Deang.

She will be missed.