Nova Monica Akinyi Otieno

She was born Sept. 23, 1999, in Rachuonyo, Kenya, Africa to Maurice Odago and Jecinter Lillian Adhiambo Odanga. Nova then moved to the United States with her parents.

She graduated from Oneonta High School in 2017. Nova received her Bachelor's Degree from University at Buffalo majoring in biology and a minor in psychology as well. Having a great passion for the medical and healthcare field, Nova was an aspiring neurosurgeon with plans on entering medical school after taking a gap year.

Nova was a very hard worker in school and out of school. While at OHS Nova participated in the French Club, Drama Club, Choir, and the Track & Field Team. While at the University of Buffalo she was a member of Student National Medical Association (Liaison), the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS), and Treasurer and historian for the Black Student Union (BSU). Most of all Nova will be remembered as a kind, caring, energetic, and a role model for those who knew her. According to her former teachers, Nova always raised the atmosphere and the level of engagement in the classroom.

She is survived by her parents, Maurice Otieno Odago and Jecinter L. A. Otieno; brother, Hastings; sister, Randy; grandparents, Silfanus Odago Obura and Consolata Odago; and maternal grandparents, Leonard Odanga Seda and the late Monica Akinyi Odanga; a very special niece, Siprose Odago; Angelina Odago, Pamella Odago, Washington Odago, Jacob Odago, Benta Odago, Nicholas Odago, Caroline Odago, Fred Babu, Josephine Awino, Naomie Aluoch, and Timothy Odanga. Also, Otieno Ombok, Wanda Ombok, Carolyn Opee, Beaty Opee, Edward Obura, and Betty Ogange. Nova is also survived by many cousins, aunts, uncles, as well as many friends.

Nova was predeceased by her grandmother, Monica Akinyi Odanga.

Calling hours will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, June 11, in the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta, NY at which time the family will be in attendance.

Also friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service, Saturday, June 12, in the Main Street Baptist Church.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 12, in the Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main Street, Oneonta with Pastor Ken Zulkosky officiating.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help send Nova back to her native country of Kenya. Also, a fellowship in Nova's memory will be established to help future students entering the medical and healthcare field. Donations may be made at gofund.me/43da331d.