ForeverMissed
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The Funeral Service will be January 9th, 2022 at 11:00 am. 
It can be witnessed via YouTube at: Kenya Funeral 

Kenya Siana Flash was a remarkable woman. She touched the lives of many people in so many ways. She was warm, kind, charitable, and willing to share herself with anyone that crossed her path.  She will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues, and students.
She was born into a large family in Jamaica on July 14 1980.  She would live there for the first years of her life enjoying laughs and fostering the love of learning that she carried the rest of her life.  She would eventually move to Buffalo, New York in the United States with her mother and other children.  From there, the family bounced around to a few places.  Kenya would become a United States citizen, a fact that she held dear. 
After high school, Kenya would head off to Lafayette College where she would gain her Bachaleor's Degree in Government.  She would not be done with her education, but there would be a few year break before she finished. During this time, she held many jobs that she used to meet new people and learn new skills.  She would eventually make her way to East Stroudsburg University where she earned her Master's Degree in Political Science.  
She made her way to Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania where she worked as the Late Night Access and Lending supervisor at Swarthmore College library.  She then worked at King's College library.  Her enjoyments of learning and helping others combined with a budding love of teaching began to come together.  She decided to become an academic librarian, a goal that she put her all into.
Kenya went to Drexel University to get her Master's of Library Science degree.  She worked hard and graduated happily looking forward to her future.  She would take this typical Kenya attitude to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  While there, she would touch even more lives in her positive and warm ways.  She enjoyed her time, but wanted to grow more and found an opportunity to do that at Yale University. 
Kenya moved to Conneticut where she gave her all.  She was always striving to learn, grow, and teach.  During her tenure at Yale, she took on a role teaching, continuing to be published, and editing a book with two colleagues.
Over the years, Kenya did many, many impressive things that she would simply shrug off as normal.  This was never done in boast, it was just her way.  She would be the support that helped anyone achieve their aims.  She was too kind, sweet, loving, and open.  She loved many different things over the course of her life enjoying books, foreign television and movies, history, politics, math, and music.
After touching so many varied lives in so many places, it will be hard for people to fill the void she leaves behind.  We ask that people share their memories, photos, music, or videos with her.  We will all miss the joy and light that she brought to our lives.
December 26, 2023
December 26, 2023
I thought of you a lot today, dear Kenya! Miss you, your light, and your wisdom so much my friend! 
December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023
Kenya,

Two years later it’s still hard to find the right words to put in all that you mean to me. You love me more than I loved myself. You cultivated spaces for me and many others to be nurtured in. You are still so dearly missed and loved. Your impact grows. You mean the world to me and many others.
July 14, 2023
July 14, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday.
Marvin and I think and talk about you all so often. The little items that you gave us to brighten up our room brings us back to your incredible smile and laugh. You might not be here physically but are always in our hearts.
July 14, 2023
July 14, 2023
Thinking of you today. I'm enjoying looking at old photos and remembering you.
July 14, 2022
July 14, 2022
Thinking of you today, Kenya!!! I remember how surprised and happy we were to learn our bdays were only a day apart. You always had such wise and comforting things to say about getting older. All my love to you dear Kenya. Happy Birthday my friend ❤️.
July 14, 2022
July 14, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday. I hope you are smiling and having a beautiful laugh.  
July 14, 2022
July 14, 2022
Kenya was such a loving, kind and fun personality. In fact I we have a display at our post that she made and I still maintain because of her. It reminds me everyday how wonderful a person she was on this earth. I do know for sure she's still wonderful in her current existence. Be well my friend....
April 9, 2022
April 9, 2022
It has been several months since we’ve lost Kenya, but the pain has not lessened. Becuase of the weird covid induced schedule, I keep imagining that I will see Kenya again for lunch, and we would gossip and laugh and commiserate. Kenya was one of the most loving human beings I have known. She was particularly fond of her niece, with whom she identified and whose wellbeing meant everything to her. She also worked to make her friends and colleagues at Yale feel supported and less lonely. In this time of great loss, her death seems even more tragic for not being related to covid, yet getting lost in all the mourning that has touched so many. I admired Kenya and I found so much pleasure in sharing time with her. I wish I had something more profound to say, but mostly I just miss her and her infectious smile and her ability to see good in the world in a way that I could not.`
January 22, 2022
January 22, 2022
I was very saddened to hear the news of your passing today. I remember our time in East Stroudsbur, your kindness and your megawatt smile. You were such a positive ray of light. We connected again in 2016 and we were supposed to attend the summer reggae wine & music festival at Linganore wine cellars when you visited MD. How I wish we saw each other then. I pray God comforts your family at this difficult time. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
January 19, 2022
January 19, 2022
Kenya, you were moved on to your next phase of existence too soon. You had so much left — to give, to get, to achieve, to change, to reform, to create. You were multiple, and every part of your identity had such power that people who only met you once, or only knew you for a few years, like me, are deeply sorrowed at what's been lost. You seemed to know yourself, and to embrace your multiplicity, which I think was a source of your ability to connect with so many. More than once since you've moved on I've wished to be able to share something with you, so I hope you're able to latch on to those thoughts from your new place. Enjoy the great fancons and research libraries in the Beyond — you deserve them.
January 17, 2022
January 17, 2022
Kenya was such a warm, generous, friendly and vibrant friend. She made you feel like you'd known her for ages. I first met her as a postgraduate student at Yale, when she gave me an introduction to the resources. She went above and beyond to help and gave of her time and knowledge so generously. When we went for coffees we would talk energetically about research and she would share her own plans to pursue further studies and delve deeper into the topics she loved. I am so sorry her life was cut short so suddenly. She will be sorely missed. Her light and spirit will leave a lasting impact on so many. My. thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. Love, x 
January 14, 2022
January 14, 2022
My favorite memory of librarian Kenya Flash was when I met with her on the week of halloween and she was dressed as comedian Amber Ruffin…. Best costume ever by one of the best people I’ve ever met. I wanted her to post it on Twitter and tag Amber/the late night writers crew to go viral, but she insisted all she wanted was for Amber Ruffin herself to see it— none of that extra internet fame stuff. She promised she would let me know if she got the courage to do it. I wish I remembered to ask about it during the last time we spoke. It was so lovely to laugh with her during that rough midterms period.
January 14, 2022
January 14, 2022
I met Kenya at a library conference. Her warmth, generosity, and community spirit was infectious and I thought of her often in my work. She was a force for good and will be missed.
January 13, 2022
January 13, 2022
I met Kenya on a walk to registration at ALA. We shared a mutual love of government information, choir, and chocolate. I was impressed by her intellect and by the profound joy which emanated from her and infused everything she did. Anything seemed easy as long as Kenya was on the team.

I will miss her so very much.
January 13, 2022
January 13, 2022
I miss Kenya so much. She was so amazing. It is hard to believe that she is not with us any more.
January 13, 2022
January 13, 2022
Kenya was one of those people that brought peace where ever she went. I remember meeting her as a new resident who was deeply overwhelmed and not at all confident in my approach or abilities. Kenya helped me to build myself up, and I know she helped many others with this as well. I can only hope that I was I able to reciprocate the strength and affection she shared with us. And while we saw each other in person sparingly, we collaborated across distances, building a community of support. I remember the party in New Orleans when we attended the ALA Conference and how she encouraged me to head back to my Air BnB when she saw how the mosquitoes had attacked me, haha. She would make me laugh so hard when we decided to watch the drama The Untamed with several other library friends. The last time I spoke to her was to collaborate on a roundtable presentation. She once again helped guide us and support us. I will miss Kenya terribly and I'm forever thankful that I was able to meet her and interact in this life. Rest easy my friend.
January 12, 2022
January 12, 2022
Kenya was such a breath of fresh air here at Yale and I will be forever grateful that I got to learn from her expertise; benefit from her openness and collegiality; and see her in action sharing her knowledge with students. Kenya, you will be sorely missed.
January 11, 2022
January 11, 2022
Kenya Flash, thank you. Thank you for being a kind person, a constant professional, and giver of your time and expertise. We literally just made lunch plans for February and I promised to give you a tour of the library stacks. Your absence is still shocking and you will be missed by many. On behalf of BCALA, Rest In Power.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
Dear Kenya,
I was still hesitant because I thought it would become a reality that you left if I said goodbye to you like this.
You reached out to me first, I who was overwhelmed in an unfamiliar environment. I still remember the food truck lunch we had that time, the cupcakes we picked very seriously, and our unbroken stories and laughter. Whenever we met, we were always ready our arms open to hug each other.
Last fall, at our Zoom meeting, we chatted about a Korean actor you fell in love with, Korean movies and dramas, and of course, food as always. we finished our long chat by talking about planning to research Korean immigrants in Cuba together. Thank you for the warmth you showed me. Thank you for the kindness you shared. Thank you for the times I spent with you. I'll remember you forever.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
We want to express our very sincere condolences. Kenya was an amazing person with a heart of gold. Mr. Doug and I will keep all everyone in our prayers.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
Kenya had a big and generous heart and a way of making others feel welcome and seen. I appreciate how she would take the time to treasure each person. Her warmth, creativity, innovation, and commitment to social justice was beyond inspiring. How lucky we are to be able to encounter someone like her. To Kenya's family, I am deeply sorry for your loss and wish you comfort and healing. Thank you for sharing her with us—She will always be a bright star in my sky.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
Kenya, you were so kind and intelligent. I always came away from meetings with you feeling inspired. Your presence made the world a better place. I miss you terribly.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
Kenya possessed one of the most curious mind and generous heart.
She was fearless in pushing the boundaries of wisdom, and investing in the lives of others to give them fresh resources to multiply their possibilities.
Like Dr. King, the length of her earthly journey may have been brief, but she leaves impactful imprints upon our hearts.
May the warm memories of our engagement with her mute our grieving.
May we hang on with confidence to the blessed Hope, that give us real anticipation on reunion on that day when the last enemy death will be defeated.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
I am so sad to hear of this devastating loss. Kenya was one of the most enthusiastic, kind people I have worked with. The void she leaves is big.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
Kenya was a wonderful woman who I always looked forward to seeing and working with. Her smile and energy were electric and it made any meeting all the better. I loved that I was able to unleash my love and appreciation for libraries with her with reckless abandon. She was truly a remarkable woman and librarian and will be remembered always.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
I still remember how when I first met her for a research workshop, she was so excited during a webinar/speaker event she hosted about the US constitution. Her energy was contagious. For someone having a rough day, a rough week, I didn't expect to feel such immediate warmth upon reception. I want to hold onto the memory of her eyes glowing as she turned the speaker volume up loud so that we could watch, listen, and learn together, spontaneously, but in solidarity.
January 10, 2022
January 10, 2022
I am grateful to have known Kenya and to have had the opportunity to work with her. Kenya brought her all to every meeting, workshop, and research inquiry. She was was an enthusiastic teacher and collaborator. Kenya was the rare combination: a fountain of knowledge and a cheerful, unassuming presence. May her memory be a blessing to her family and all who knew her.
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
Dear Kenya
It was with shock that I heard of your passing just after the holidays .I am still in disbelief in fact after only being in contact with you recently .
I was grateful to get to know you over our shared love of Chinese dramas .I was proud of your achievements and have always felt we were kindred spirits .You were a lovely person .
I am grateful to have actually spoken to you, exchanged many messages and drama recommendations . I will always recall your love for the ‘Ashes of love ‘ drama and recently rewatched it in your memory .Please know that you were a bright light that will be missed .
Sending you and our family lots of love from your cousins Kacey and Alicia
Sleep in peace dear Kenya ❤️
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
I had the honor to meet and work with Kenya one time, and I will never forget that one time. She lit up the room with her smile, enthusiasm, knowledge, and kindness. Her smile was contagious! I feel blessed and honored to have known her even for a short time. To the family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers. 
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
It was an amazing privilege to have had the chance to know Kenya. Her enthusiasm for helping students was infectious. She wanted to expose students to more of the library had to offer; those that took advantage of the opportunities she helped open up were forever grateful. I'm grateful to have known and worked with her. Her absence leaves such a large hole that we'll never be able to fill, even as her memory will serve as an inspiration.
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
Kenya was a bright light and shining star. She was an incredibly inspiring and compassionate colleague and a joy to be around. Her death is a great loss to Yale and to this planet. Blessings to her great spirit and much sympathy to her family and loved ones.
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
Dear Kenya, you remind me of a beautiful hibiscus flower / brightens up the room / or any corner of the universe / a brilliant and beautiful soul / the heaven's luck / the earth's loss / may your soul be on a journey accompanied by much love and light.
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
Kenya was an amazing colleague, librarian, and friend. It was just a joy to speak with her and to be in her presence, even virtually. I already miss our video chats and text messages. My world is noticeably dimmer without her light.
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
Kenya, you were a kind and supportive colleague, beyond smart and always coming up with creative ideas. An accomplished, dedicated person who also doesn't take themselves too seriously is a rare thing in this world, and you were that rare.

To Kenya's family and loved ones, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing someone so special with the world.
January 9, 2022
January 9, 2022
Like so many others in the Yale community I've found the news about Kenya simply devastating. I was fortunate enough to work with her as part of my senior thesis, for which her insights and assistance were indispensable. I was tremendously grateful for not only her deep knowledge but also her patience and generosity throughout the process, often meeting with me on short notice and at times when my own ideas were not very fully developed. Beyond that, however, I remember Kenya for her tremendous warmth and friendliness, which meant so much to me as I struggled with the stress of impending deadlines and the socially isolated experience of thesis writing that senior spring. She was taken from us far too soon, and will be truly and deeply missed.
January 8, 2022
January 8, 2022
Kenya was one of the most descent human beings I have ever met. I worked with her during her time at Lafayette and those were memorable years. Kenya was an eager teammate on any project or task; however, a steadfast and sincere warmth, a passion for her convictions, a true joy for life, and sunny disposition were her hallmarks that I will most remember. I will forever be impressed by her Kenya-style humanity. May her lessons to us never be dismissed.
January 8, 2022
January 8, 2022
I met Kenya over Zoom in 2020, but even in that virtual environment she had such a welcoming character that it was easy to tell how kind and empathetic a person she was. I looked forward to a future moment when we could meet in person, and thoroughly enjoyed our conversations ranging over a variety of topics, from the current state of the world to favorite walks and recent moments of joy.

Kenya uplifted me and encouraged me to do my best in the world, and I can never thank her enough for her part in inspiring me to reach new heights and achieve the goals I thought were improbable. She was irreplaceable, and will be sorely missed.
January 7, 2022
January 7, 2022
I met Kenya in 2020 over zoom and she was one of those people who just lit up the room. Even over zoom, I knew that she had an amazing heart and would fill up a room with joy. She was spending time explaining everything in detail and making sure I was okay with the next step. We had engaging conversations about politics and women's roles in government. She would crack some jokes and I just knew that she did what she did with so much passion. I truly cannot believe she is not with us and it was heartbreaking news because she was a valuable asset at Yale. May she be at peace and know that she will be cherished, and remembered by those who had the chance to meet her.
January 7, 2022
January 7, 2022
The loss of such a bright light in the world cannot be measured. Kenya was such a gift shared with us for too short a time. My deepest condolences to Kenya’s family and all who had the honor of being touched by her smile. We will miss your devotion to those who have the least representation and hope to continue this work in your honor.
January 7, 2022
January 7, 2022
Kenya was the best colleague I could have hoped for. Every time I saw her, she made my day brighter, and I know that was a shared experience for so many of us at the library. She was one of the kindest, funniest, clearest-eyed, most dedicated people I've had the pleasure of working with. We were fortunate to have her in this world, and I miss her already. Thank you to Kenya's family for sharing her with us -- my thoughts are with you.
January 6, 2022
January 6, 2022
I met Kenya when she came to Yale Library. She was such an amazing colleague--brilliant, warm, funny, and always willing to collaborate on exciting ideas. She enjoyed working with students and was deeply invested in their intellectual growth. Kenya was just a wonderful human being, one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. I am shocked and saddened to hear of her death. She had so much more to give to this world. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
January 6, 2022
January 6, 2022
I knew Kenya as the librarian serving Sociology at University of Tennessee. True to her name, Kenya was a flash of brilliance. She helped me prepare useful, interactive, informative sessions for my classes. She was always thinking of how to improve things. More than that, her radiant personality was a joy that all the students and I felt when she visited. I was happy for her when she left UT for Yale, and now I'm shocked that she has left this world so soon. From reading the memories here, she touched many people in her short time and is already sorely missed.
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
I knew Kenya from Yale and interacted with her through my teaching and research. I was always bowled over by her powerful enthusiasm, energy, and contagious smile. Kenya was a force of a beautiful nature. Thank you!!
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
I had the joy of meeting Kenya when she was a librarian at the University of Tennessee. She took her role as the liaison to the Department of Sociology wholeheartedly, and she personally gave me a tour of all the secret places in the UT Library. She was so vibrant, energetic, and fun, and everyone in my Department was sad to see her leave for Yale but so excited about the possibilities for her. She and I had many great conversations, and I will miss her dearly. 
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
I met Kenya when we were both taking online classes at Drexel. When I applied to King's, I was glad to meet her in person. She made my first year at the college better in so many ways, introduced me to so many people, and became a friend. Though we had drifted apart in recent years, we recently reconnected, talking for hours on Zoom. I will miss her vibrant spirit and joy.
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
Kenya, you were kindness personified, and a force for good in this world. I feel so privileged to have known and worked with you.
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
The world is a darker place without you, Kenya.  You are, and will be missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have experienced your truly awesome positive energy. 

Rest In Peace. 
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
Kenya, I am incredibly saddened and shocked to learn of your passing. My deepest condolences to your family, friends, and colleagues. You were an amazing and humble person; a dedicated, resourceful, and innovative librarian; a thoughtful and generous friend. I will miss collaborating with you to help our students in the Ethnicity, Race, and Migration program find resources for their senior thesis research. I will miss your hearty chuckles, brilliant ideas, and unflinching commitment to making the library a more inclusive place on all counts. It was a privilege to know and work with you. I have learned so much from you. Rest in peace, dear Kenya!
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
Kenya will be greatly missed. I am saddened, not only because I will miss Kenya and opportunities to work with her professionally, but because the world lost such an amazing and genuine person. I will cherish the memories. Peace be with family and friends over such an immense loss.
January 5, 2022
January 5, 2022
Kenya was an inspiring person, formidable educator, generous colleague, and supporting advisor of many students majoring in Political Science at Yale. She brought to the Library workshops she organized for my students an enormous smile that passed on positiveness and motivation. She complemented my work as an instructor in such an important way... I loved our conversations over lunch from which I learnt so much, and I am so deeply upset we missed the last one we had scheduled. The testimony of her work will remain in many of the library resources she prepared for my classes. I will miss you a lot Kenya.
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Recent Tributes
December 26, 2023
December 26, 2023
I thought of you a lot today, dear Kenya! Miss you, your light, and your wisdom so much my friend! 
December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023
Kenya,

Two years later it’s still hard to find the right words to put in all that you mean to me. You love me more than I loved myself. You cultivated spaces for me and many others to be nurtured in. You are still so dearly missed and loved. Your impact grows. You mean the world to me and many others.
July 14, 2023
July 14, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday.
Marvin and I think and talk about you all so often. The little items that you gave us to brighten up our room brings us back to your incredible smile and laugh. You might not be here physically but are always in our hearts.
Her Life

Final Gift

February 10, 2022
Kenya's final gift was to be an organ donor.  The family was informed that this act has blessed the lives of three individuals.  It is hoped that each of these people will be healthier and happier for receiving these organs.  
Recent stories

Continuing On

December 25, 2023
It has been two years since Kenya passed. The influences that she had on my life still surprise me as I notice them more everyday. She was there for me through the bad and the good so much so that I continue to try calling or texting whenever a big event happens. I am trying to remember all the things she showed me (though some of the movies I'd rather forget), and everything she taught me. She continues to be a guiding light in my life. I miss her.

Continuing to Celebrate Her Life

July 14, 2022
This is the first birthday that Kenya has not been here to celebrate with us. I am asking anyone that is celebrating for her, to share how you are doing so.

Concert Going

January 14, 2022
Kenya loved spending time with those she cared about, even if that time was spent doing something that she didn't necessarily love. She surprised me with tickets to see Black Sabbath when they came through Philadelphia on tour a few years ago. She put up with me being extremely excited about seeing them as I was sure it would never happen.
We went to the show and both had a really good time. On the ride back, we put our heads together and picked it apart. The best parts. The worst. The fact that they didn't get a band to open for Black Sabbath and instead got a DJ that just played their music made us both scratch our heads. She ended up having a great time because I had a great time. We talked about that show over the years for different reasons. Did she end up being a huge fan? No. She was just happy that I was happy. That is the kind of person she was.
I miss her every day.

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