Obituary of Barbara Moukwa

Barbara Moukwa, of Chapel Hill, NC, passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes early Tuesday morning, December 3, 2024, at her home in Chapel Hill. She departed this life surrounded by the embrace of Christ.

Barbara was born on July 9, 1958, in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, to the late George Newton Caines and Elma Elizabeth Vitalicia Chrysostom. She was united in marriage to her beloved husband of nearly 40 years, Dr. Mosongo Moukwa, at the Assumption University Chapel in
Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Barbara began her early education at Barataria Boys RC School, where her father served as principal, and later attended Mt. Lambert Primary School. She completed her high school education at St. Joseph’s Convent in St. Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago. Barbara pursued higher education at Carlow College in Pittsburgh, PA, earning an Associate Degree in Undergraduate Studies in 1979. She continued her studies at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1984. Later, she completed a Diploma in Nursing at Meridia Huron School of Nursing, along with an Associate Degree in Science from Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, OH, in 1993. In 2017, she achieved a Bachelor of Nursing Science from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC.

Barbara devoted over 20 years of her career as a registered psychiatric nurse at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC. Before settling in the United States in 1988, she and her family lived in Quebec, Canada, for several years. She was deeply admired for her genuine kindness and unwavering respect for others. Barbara cherished her relationships with family and friends, always showing a heartfelt interest in their well-being and their children’s lives. She especially treasured her role as a grandmother, delighting in reading to her six grandchildren and witnessing the joy in their expressions.

A devout Catholic, Barbara’s faith was central to her life. She raised her children with a deep love for Christ, teaching forgiveness, compassion, and selflessness. Her legacy will be remembered as one of quiet strength, generosity, and dignity.

Barbara leaves behind her husband, Dr. Mosongo Moukwa; her daughters, Dr. Camille Mollineaux and her husband, Mr. Cavelle Mollineaux, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Dr. Elali
Reibel and her husband, Mr. Aaron Reibel, of Chapel Hill, NC. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Cayella, Colette, Cadence, Cayenne, Caleb, and Henry, as well as her siblings, Dr. Patrick Caines, and Professor Gloria Ojo, and their families. Her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Sandra Caines, Dr. Monica Belfon-Caines, and Professor Lystra Caines, her brother-in-law, Dr. Winston Harper, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members also mourn her loss.

She was predeceased by her son, Mr. Kambili Moukwa, her sister, Mrs. Mary Harper, her brothers, Dr. Myrven Caines and Dr. Cecil Caines, her brother-in-law, Mr. Julius Olatunde Ojo, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George and Elma Caines.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill, NC, officiated by Father Nicolas Rapkoch. Barbara will be laid to rest at Wake Memorial Park in Cary, NC, near her beloved son. The family will receive guests from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. that afternoon at Saint Thomas More Church.

The viewing for Barbara will be held at Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill, NC, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The address is 11680 15-501 North, Chapel Hill, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Thomas More Church at https://secure.myvanco.com/YGJD/home or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to family members, friends and neighbors for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

Barbara will be forever missed by her loving and devoted husband, children, grandchildren, family, and dear friends. May God grant her eternal rest.

Arrangements are in the care of Walker’s Funeral Homes in Chapel Hill, NC. Online condolences may be shared at https://www.walkersfuneralservice.com

To send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara moukwa, please visit the floral store  https://walkersfuneralservice.com/16/Send-Flowers.html