Marlene Uziya Rashidi

Marlene Uziya Rashidi, 20, of Lincoln, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2016. She was born to Magombora and Masoka (Kabonga) Rashidi on June 11, 1996 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Marlene and her family moved to Nebraska in December 2009, after fleeing their homeland and living as refugees in South Africa and Zimbabwe.Marlene Rashidi was a sophomore studying political science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and was a thrower on the school's track team. She was also an accomplished poet with dreams of becoming a public defender. She also worked for the university's newspaper and was a freelance writer and poet. A book of her poems titled "Refrain from Silence" is available on Amazon.Marlene graduated from Lincoln High School in 2014 and her track coach remembered her as a quick and powerful thrower. "Marlene valued her faith family and friends," coach Zo Maier said. "She overcame many adversities during her short life... As a person, Marlene had an inner strength and drive to succeed." Her UNK coach Brady Bonsall called her "strong, talented and confident.Marlene's family include her parents, Magombora and Masoka Rashidi; brothers, Blaise and Pete Rashidi; sisters, Tabitha and Elizabeth Rashidi; along with extended family and many friends around the world.
5200 R ST Lincoln, NE 68504
S 1st St & W Pioneers Blvd Lincoln, NE 68522