Simegnish Hunegnaw, 82, passed away on April 28, 2026. She was the heart of the Ethiopian community and a source of strength for so many others. Born in Asmara, she made a courageous journey with her husband, Berhane, and their son, Samson, to New York City to build a life filled with faith, opportunity, and love. She later made homes in Brooklyn, (where they added David to the family), Long Island, and Dayton, always bringing warmth, discipline, and compassion with her.
She worked for decades at Wright State University, helped Ethiopian families get settled and supported, and helped build St. Gabriel Ethiopian Church. She loved deeply, cooked beautifully, cherished her injera, and will remain in our hearts forever.
Simegnish was preceded in death by her husband, Berhane Hunegnaw, in 2014. She is survived by sons, Samson Hunegnaw and David (Cari) Hunegnaw; and sisters, Elenne (Tekeste) Abraham and Kongit Mosissa.
All are invited to gather on Sunday, May 10, at Debre Hail St. Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (300 Maryland Ave, Dayton, OH) at 8:00am, with funeral service beginning at 10:30 am. Immediately following the church service, mourners will travel in procession to Woodland Cemetery, where Simegnish will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Debre Hail St. Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Dayton.
