Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honor and celebrate the life of Mariama Muhidin Ali—a sister, a daughter, a caregiver, and above all, a light in our lives. Mariama was not just loved; she was love itself. She carried it in her smile, in the way she nurtured those around her, and in the warmth she gave so freely.
Mariama was the second oldest of eight, but in many ways, she carried the heart of a mother. She helped raise her siblings alongside her mother, offering not just care, but unconditional love. She had a way of making life feel safe, fun, and beautiful. She was the kind of person who made you feel like a child again—full of wonder, laughter, and joy.
She loved the little things that made life magical—long walks, sightseeing, and the thrill of the Nickelodeon ride at MOA, where her childlike spirit would shine the brightest. She had a passion for makeup, and she made sure her sisters knew how to embrace their beauty and femininity. She taught them not just how to be “girly girls,” but how to love themselves, the way she loved everyone around her.
In 2018, Mariama was diagnosed with schizophrenia. It changed the way she lived, but it never changed who she was. Through every challenge, she remained full of love and light. She never let her struggles define her—she was strong, resilient, and most of all, she was whole until the very end.
Her passing was unexpected, and the pain of losing her is something words cannot fully capture. Our hearts are broken, but in our grief, we hold onto the love she left behind. Mariama lived to love, and that love does not end here. It lives in the memories we share, in the lessons she taught us, and in the kindness we continue to spread in her honor.
As we lay our beautiful Mariama to rest, we ask for your support. If you are able to donate, please do so. If you cannot, please share this with others. Let us come together to honor her life and help her family in this difficult time.
Mariama, you were a light in this world, and though you are no longer with us, that light will never fade. We love you, we miss you, and we will carry you in our hearts forever.
Organized by Jennifer Wigchers Weber
Minneapolis, MN