Afouwa Kassegne, 70, of Springfield, IL passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. She passed peacefully while in the company of her family.

Afouwa was born in Bakpete, Togo, West Africa on December 31, 1952, and was the daughter of Oulouwou Kassegne and Legbassi Guedoh (Kassegne). She married Kossi Awanyoh.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Kossi Awanyoh, and a brother, Kossi Kassegne.

Afouwa is survived by her brother Koadjo Paul  Kassegne, two sisters Akossi Kassegne and Salome Kassegne (Ettey); five children Komlanvi ((Veronique) Awanyoh, of Togo, Ameyo Awanyoh (Ayilisungu), of Springfield, IL, Sefako Awanyoh (Gnaro)of Togo, Kossitse (Yawa) Awanyoh of Togo, and Akpene Awanyoh( Ajavon)of Togo; nine grandchildren Grace Ayilisungu, Gloria Ayilisungu, Louise Awanyoh, Serge Awanyoh, Michel Awanyoh, Marie-Colombe Awanyoh, Maria-Goretti Awanyoh, Jean-Baptiste Gbedenu, Marcel-Marie GNARO; uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.

Afouwa's family and Catholic faith were her greatest joys in life. She was passionate about reading the Holy Bible, praying the Holy Mysteries of the Rosary, attending the daily Mass and prayers that the Church offers, and cooking for her children and family. She cherished her time with everyone.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Church, 245 N Amos Ave, Springfield, IL 62702 on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 4:30 pm. A visitation will follow the Funeral Mass from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

Burial will be at the Cemetery in Togo, West Africa.

Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Springfield, IL is in charge of the arrangements.