celebrating the life of madam loveth nweke

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Biographical Note, Family, Tributes and Funeral Plans for Madam Loveth Nweke 1932 - 2014

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Page 1: Celebrating the Life of Madam Loveth Nweke

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madamLOVETH NWEKEA FULFILLED LIFE... A PEACEFUL EXITAn unusually sunny morning it was on Friday 5 September 2014, Nnee, as she was known and called by all, had woken up, had her bath, enjoyed her breakfast and decided she wanted just a quiet rest before coming out to the balcony to attend to her daily retirement routine of receiving visitors to the family to mentor, counsel or simply giving a comforting word or two. But she would not emerge from that ‘rest’, instead she took her final rest, a peaceful exit from earth on a journey destination eternity.

Very quickly, in a matter of minutes, words went round Igbuzo (Ibusa if you prefer), all corners of Nigeria as well as abroad to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A pillar of the Nweke household is gone, unannounced but gracefully! This was how

Obi (Eze) Adigwe Blacky NWEKE Husband of Late Madam Loveth NWEKE

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Madam Loveth Nweke, (Love to her friends and Nnee to the majority) bowed out after some 82 years here on earth.

Born as the first daughter or Ada to the Family of Mr Aninyim Ofili & Mrs Ifesiokwu Ofili of Umuezebo Quarters, Ogbeowele Village, Ibusa, Delta State, Madam Love Nweke has always been an embodiment of devotion, hard-work, integrity, humility and strength.

Perhaps a clear portrait of her life could be painted through these attributes. In doing so, it should be permissible to refer to her not in past tense, as it is traditionally expected for a departed soul. Her picture is best painted in present tense, not because her survivors

are in denial of her passing to eternity but because her presence remains ever strong and visible to the point that deploying the past tense will do insufficient justice to her memory.

A devoted but independent-minded wife, A hardworking mother & The Woman Next DoorWomen of Nnee’s generation led their life under the shadows of their husbands. It is a daunting task to be a loyal, devoted wife yet

sufficiently independent-minded to inculcate in the children the virtue of obedience, bluntness while humble and steadfastness. These are what Nnee embodies as the wife of Obi (Eze) Adigwe Nweke under whose strong shadows she has had to successfullyraise a large, warm and diverse family.

LOVETH NWEKE

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funeralARRANGEMENTSWake-KeepingThursday 20 November 2014The Nweke Family Residence | Isieke Umuekea Quarters | Ibusa, Delta StateNigeria

Lying in State & Traditional Burial RightsFriday 21 November 2014The Nweke Family Residence | Isieke Umuekea Quarters | Ibusa, Delta StateNigeriaInternment at the Family Cemetery will follow immediately

Mkpami Traditional RightsSaturday 22 November 2014Aninyim Ofili Family Compound | Umuezebo Quarters Ogbeowele Village | Ibusa, Delta State

Nigeria

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ARRANGEMENTS

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off-springs of madam LOVETH NWEKE

Name Relationship Location

Mrs. Augustina Onyekem Nnaka - Daughter - Omoku

Ø Mr Stephen Okonicha Nnaka Ø Mr Stephen Onyinye Nnaka Jr Ø Ms Mariana Orbegozo Ø Miss Onyinyechukwu Annasofia Nnaka Ø Miss Onyedikachukwu Alessia Nnaka Ø Mr Paul Dumebi Nnaka Ø Mrs Grace Chichi Nnaka Ø Miss Wealth C Nnaka Ø Mrs Ngozi C J Nwanze Ø Mr Chinedu J Nwanze Ø Miss Mirabel Isioma Nwanze Ø Mrs Ifeanyi Okonwanji Ø Mr Chinedu Okonwanji Ø Miss Ezinne Victoria Okonwanji Ø Miss Awele Esther Okonwanji Ø Mr Alexander Nnaka Ø Dr Muanya Nnaka Ø Miss Ifenyinwa Nnaka

- Son-in-law - Grandson - Grand-daughter-in-law - Great-granddaughter - Great-granddaughter - Grandson - Great-daughter-in-law - Great-granddaughter - Granddaughter - Grand-son-in-law - Great-granddaughter - Granddaughter - Grand-son-in-law - Great-granddaughter - Great-granddaughter - Grandson - Granddaughter - Granddaughter

- Omoku - UK - UK - UK - UK - Asaba - Asaba - Asaba - Asaba - Asaba - Asaba - Abuja - Abuja - Abuja - Abuja - Port Harcourt - Abuja - Auchi

Mr Obi Patrick NWEKE - Son - Lagos

Ø Mrs Vero Chiedu Nweke Ø Mr Ikechukwu Nweke Ø Miss Nneamaka Nweke Ø Mr Ugochukwu Nweke Ø Miss Adaeze Nweke

- Daughter-in-law - Grandson - Granddaughter - Grandson - Granddaughter

- Lagos - Canada - Lagos - Lagos - Lagos

Mrs Kanayo Ugo - Daughter - Asaba

Ø Mr Anthony Nwabueze Ugo (RIP) Ø Miss Ifeyinnwa Juliet Ejoh Ø Miss Ijeoma Ejoh Ø Mr Chukwuka Ugo Ø Mr Nonso Ugo Ø Miss Nora Ugo

- Son-in-law - Granddaughter - Granddaughter - Grandson - Grandson - Granddaughter

- Asaba - Asaba - Asaba - Asaba - Asaba - Asaba

Mrs Ngozi Nwokike - Daughter - Aba

Ø Mr Felix Nwokike Ø Mr Ebube Knokike

- Son-in-law - Grandson

- Aba - Aba

Dr (Hon) Collins Nweke - Son - Belgium

Ø Mrs Tonia Nweke Ø Mr Tonna Nweke Ø Mr Chidi Nweke

- Daughter-in-law - Grandson - Grandson

- Belgium - Belgium - Belgium

Mr Emmanuel Nweke - Son - Asaba Ø Mrs Chinyere Nweke

Ø Mr Gideon Nweke - Daughter-in-law - Grandson

- Asaba - Asaba

Mr Awele Nweke - Son - Lagos

Ø Mrs Nkem Nweke Ø Mr Chidera Nweke

- Daughter-in-law - Grandson

- Lagos - Lagos

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LOVETH NWEKE Mr Emmanuel Nweke Ø Son Ø Asaba

- Mrs Chinyere Nweke - Mr Gideon Nweke

Ø Daughter-in-law Ø Grandson

Ø Asaba Ø Asaba

Mr Awele Nweke Ø Son Ø Lagos

Ø Mrs Nkem Nweke Ø Mr Chidera Nweke Ø Mr Chukwunonso Nweke Ø Miss Chidinma Nweke

Ø Daughter-in-law Ø Grandson Ø Grandson Ø Granddaughter

Ø Lagos Ø Lagos Ø Lagos Ø Lagos

Mr Esogbue Stanley Nweke Ø Son Ø Lagos

- Mrs Judith Nweke - Mr Jude Nweke - Miss Joan Nweke

Ø Daughter-in-law Ø Grandson Ø Granddaughter

Ø Lagos Ø Lagos Ø Lagos

Mr Ndubuisi Jackson Nweke Ø Son Ø Lagos

- Mrs Oby Silva Nweke - Mr Ifechukwude Jesse Nweke - Mr Onyeluka Nweke - Mr Kosisochukwu Joel Nweke

Ø Daughter-in-law Ø Grandson Ø Grandson Ø Grandson

Ø Lagos Ø Lagos Ø Lagos Ø Lagos

Step-Children of Madam Love NwekeMadam Love Nweke is also survived by 5 step-children and their spouses, many step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren including:

Mrs Mgboeze NwaezeigweMr Chukwudi Uka & Mrs Maria UkaMr Jude Nwaobi & Mrs Helen Okwunweoke Nwaobi Mr Sunday Nweke & Mrs Rose Onuwa NwekeMr Chukwudi Nweke

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“To my gentle Nnee: Gold has rusted, the hills have shifted, and the rivers have stopped

flowing. It’s so hard to accept that you are gone but I thank God almighty for a fulfilled life. I know that death is inevitable, a clarion call of nature that will be answered by all… indeed a price we all must pay someday. In what tune do I sing of a giant tree, fallen by the wind of age, the one who trades her satisfaction for us, amiable, hardworking, caring & flawless to arms-giving. Yes you have found peace in the land where the venom of death no longer has powers, and the sting of death is lost. But your presence and attention I will miss...Oooooo death has snatched you away, leaving only memories and vacuum no mortal can fill. In times of confusion you were the voice of reason. When troubled you were our calm voice.

tributes to madam LOVETH NWEKE

Nne-oma, my heart bleeds and heavy to say farewell, because your sudden demise is indeed shocking. I wish you left a word, but I will always take solace that you are resting in God’s bosom. I am grateful to God for your life that touched so many and I promise to adhere to the values you passed to us as a priceless legacy. I love you Nnee and will continue to have you in my mind. ADIEU Nnee, farewell, Kaomesiee, Noduofuma”.

Patrick Obi Nweke, Son

“Nnee, Ezigbo nnem ‘Love Nwaninye’ as you usually exclaim when something strange happens. Nnee dinma, who knew what I need at any given time. It was like a bad dream to me when I got the news that you were gone. Nnee who always called me ‘Ada’ whenever I call visiting. I will miss you so much. Your departure has left a vaccume in my heart. We love you but God loves

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LOVETH NWEKEyou more hence He called you to be with him. Adieu ‘Agu Nwanyi’ Rest in Peace”

Helen Okwunweoke Nwaobi & Family, Step-Daughter-In-Law

“Nnee, I always greeted you ‘Azuka’. You were an embodiment of love,dedication and hard work, commitments and accomplishments. You laboured and retired to reap the fruit of your labour but deathsnatched you from us too early. Well, God knows best.We will always remember your endless care and Iove for the home.My children, my wife and I miss you”Nnee, REST IN PEACE.

Mr Jude Nwaobi & Family

Where do I begin to write about you? Mama Azuka, as Chukwuebuka your grand-

son always called you. You were a woman of peace and great faith, courage, kindness, endurance and hard work. You were a cheerful giver and adviser. You led an exemplary life. These were also the same values you preached and impacted as legacy on us your children. Nne, you were such a good woman, your death is particularly painful to me considering how sudden it was, but I believe that was how God wanted it. My joy is that I had the unique opportunity to take care of you until your last moment here on earth. One thing I know for sure is that you are resting in the bosom of the Lord Almighty. May your soul rest in peace

Ngozi NwokikeDaughter

Nne, as we always called you, your death came to me as shock, I wished it was a rumour, but in your own case it wasn’t. Nne, who loved all and never discriminated, a peace-maker and a counsellor. We miss you dearly. Fare-well Nne, we love

 

 

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They say death is a mystery we don’t have control over but we didn’t know it would knock on our door so unexpectedly. Nnee you taught me how to always trust in God in every situation. So I also trust that you are in control and in the ever gracious sight of the Lord where you are now. Nnee you were a woman of peace, love and understanding. We your children also promise to follow your steps as our mother. Nnee, when I came into the family I saw you as a very strong mother who stood by her children in spite any challenges. We all will miss you greatly but I believe I have very good reasons to miss you more. You were my mother-in-law who loved me like her own child. This love made many people not to know that you were my mother-in-law. If I don’t tell people, they assume that you were my mother. Nnee, aka yi di ocha, thanks for your ever loving legacy. Others whom you trained can testify that you never discriminated on anybody. ‘Nwunye Emma’ as you always hailed me, I am proud of you. Bye-bye on your highland journey home to your creator. From your one and only daughter-in-law!

Chinyere Emmanuel-Nweke.Daughter-in-law

There is a time to be born and a time to die. Nnem, you did your best but when your time came, I felt it came too soon because I never expected it. Just like Shakespeare said death is inevitable, it comes when it will come.

It is also an acknowledged diction that children will bury their parents and not the other way around. Nnem, it is a very big loss to the entire community, but this has in no way reduced the pain, sorrow and challenges of adapting to life without your continuous care. I believe you are at a place where sickness or death itself and other troubles will not harm you anymore. Nne you led a life of sacrifice for people especially we your children to make sure we made it through life and you succeeded. You were a hero and you will remain our hero. Nne, I know that you are in a peaceful land chilling with our Lord. Good night for now till we meet again.

Emmanuel Iweanya NwekeSon

you but God loves you more. May your gently soul rest in peace.

Oby Jackson-Nweke Daughter-in-law

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Nnee, I didn’t know that you would die so suddenly because I saw you just days before you died and you didn’t tell me that you would die as you always told me many things. Nne you were a good mother, you taught me how to speak Igbuzo. You said to me one day that what doesn’t kill me will only make me stronger. Your death has made me understand that it was time for me to become stronger. Yours is the first death I have known. I remember everything you taught me and I will do everything you said I have to do, I promise. Nite-nite Nnee. I am not crying anymore because I love you so much.

Okwufulueze Gideon Nweke Grandson

On the 5th of September, one of the brightest stars in my life faded away into the darkness. My best friend died. There was no sign of illness. I spoke with her that same day.

Three hours later I received a call that my mother had passed away. Today, I am reflecting on my memories of her, and what she left behind. Here’s what I remember about my mother: she smelled elegant. She made the most delicious food. She was kind, beautiful and made me feel loved. For days after her death I heard her voice every day. I would hear her calling my name. I would hear her laughing. I would listen to her. I will do my best to keep her alive in my memory... I have never known another woman who understood me so much and who loved me so much. I miss you so much my mother! Sleep well. Rest in peace forever!

Ndubuisi Jackson NwekeSon

Nne, the news of your departure is still a shock to me. The last time I saw you in August, you were asking of your Grandchildren, and I promised to bring them back during xmas to see you. Little did I know that was the last I will set my eyes on you. You were the best Mother-In-Law any woman could ask for. You took me in like your daughter. You would guide me on what to do, who to see, what to say, just so I would

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Like a rock, news of the passing of my Grandma (whom we all called Nnee) at the ripe age of

82 years hit me on the 5th of September 2014. It breaks my heart to write this note in tribute to her perhaps because somehow, I still feel this is a bad dream out of which I’d wake up someday. Nnee, you were a fantastic woman, always willing to help others and you had a wonderful sense of humor. That humor and more made me crave been around you as a child and till date. I will always remember the wonderful meals you used to make. Till this day you remain the best cook I ever met. You always took very good care of me whenever I

not take a wrong step. You were very nice, kind-hearted, caring, organized. Each time there is an occasion in Igbuzo, before anyone comes back, you would have arranged otogwo and beads waiting for our arrival. Nne, I cherished you like my own mother, and I wish to be the kind of Mother-In-Law you were to me. If truly there is a next world, I would choose you as my Mother-In-law over and over againAdieu Nne Oma!!!!!!!!!!!

Nkem Awele-Nweke Daughter-In-LawNo doubt your departure is a great

loss. This is the most painful time of my life, knowing full well that I have not given you enough as I have always promised you. You were a good mother, a confident and a sure support, a big shoulder one can lean on. Thanks for all that

you taught me in life and thanks for being my mother. I love you, Nne. Your grandchildren would miss you so dearly. Adieu........, till we meet to part no more.

Awele NwekeSon

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Nnee, as I used to call you, is it true that you are gone? Is it really true that

the game is over and that the light of your life is gone out forever? How come you just left us like that without a word? My pain is that you never said a word to us before

was on holidays with you and that was nearly every school holiday. Nnee you made sure I had the cleanest clothes on. Way into my 25th birthday you’d insist on hand-washing my clothes. As your first grandchild we had a special bond. Mariana and I feel really sad that you never had the chance to meet Onyinyechukwu, my first child, your first great-grandchild and give her a cuddle but our consolation is that you are in heaven watching over us. Nnee you will be missed greatly. On behalf of myself Onyinye, Mariana, Onyinyechukwu and Onyedika, We say Rest in Peace!

Onyinye Stephen NnakaGrandson

your exit. Nne, your love for me cannot be quantified. You brought me from childhood in good morals and humility. You led a fulfilled and eventful life, full of good morals. You were generous to everyone; you loved to share! I cannot thank you enough for your dual role as a mother and grandmother to my children. You modeled your children to be contented with whatever we have. You despised greed! And I will always thank you for that. Nnee, as we celebrate your life on earth and your peaceful and glorious transition to heaven, I remain very thankful and proud that you were my mother and you will forever be cherished in my heart. May God grant you eternal rest in heaven! ADIEU MY DEAREST NNEE!

Augustina Onyekem NnakaDaughter

Words are inadequate to express the rude shock we received on the

afternoon of 5th September,

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2014 about the demise of our grandmother. It’s painful that you joined your ancestors at this time the family needed more of your motherly advice. God knows best! You were a great grandma, always happy to see us around you. You were a caring and loving person. Always wanting to know how we fared. Nne, you were one in a million, with so much love for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Now that you are gone, I shall find to other person to call me “LUCY” a name you are fond of calling me. We pray that God in His infinite mercy keep you in His bosom. Amen!

Ifeanyichukwu Nnaka–OkonwanjiGrand-daughter

I will miss your reputation for blunt speaking. Adieu NNE!

Paul Chukwudumebi NNAKAGrandson

TO THE BEST GRAND MOTHER EVER! The sun has eclipsed, Nnee your candle burnt out! The news of your death came as a shock tọ me. I rejected the news from my mum when she told me. I thought it was a bad dream I would wake-up from. But I realized that it was not a nightmare. Had it been that God seeks human advice before he does anything we would have advised him not to take you away now. I will miss your love, care and advice. The first and most remarkable thing was giving me the best mother anyone could ask for. You will be missed dearly by your children and grandchildren. Rest in peace, my Power House of moral values! Adieu Nnee

Ifeyinwa Juliet Ejoh Granddaughter

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Nne, grandmother, omaSince the day myself and my younger brother, Chidi, were young we’ve heard tales of a great, strong and loving woman. A woman that happened to be our grandmother. On a first trip to Nigeria these tales were confirmed. In you, Nne, we found love and care, although short, very strong and everlasting. Your life is an example to all. We are proud of you Nne and honoured to be your grandsons. May your loving soul rest in peace.

Tonna and Chidi NWEKEGrandchildren

I write this tribute to say thank you for being my mother-in-law. Thank you for being example of love to our children. Thank you Nnee as I recall how you always rushed out of the door each time we arrived for a visit. Nwa onye Igbo as you always called me. A visit to you is always

memorable in many ways. I can see you now waving to us until we’re out of one another’s views. I will miss you dearly. Adieu my mother-in-law. Sleep well Nnee!

Tonia NwekeDaughter-in-law

We were shocked when we heard of your demise. It never occurred to us that you will leave this soon. You were the best mother-in-law and the best among all the great grannies in the world. You showed love to all your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nne, we miss your love and advice. We love you.

Vero Chinedu NwekeDaughter-in-law

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My dear mother, I found it very difficult to write this tribute because the tears of your lost has not dried on my cheeks. I still find it hard to believe you left me and the rest of your children so suddenly. More so, it is very difficult for me to summarize all that you represent in my life in a single letter of tribute. Where am I going to start from? Is it my relationship with you back in the days when I was a little child or as an adult, life we lived and the qualities you exhibited as a strong enterprising mother with perseverance? Mam, you mean so much to me and that is why your memory will remain indelible to me for the rest of my life. You may look little in sight to the ordinary eyes but you are so special, God endowed you so mightily with strong spirit in the inside as a daughter of Christ. You are indeed a giant. You came, you saw and you conquered. MUM! Like I said when I started I can’t go on and will never stop recounting on

what you meant to us. We love you but Christ loves you more. We wish you a peaceful rest in the bosom of the Lord where you belong. Adieu mama!!!

Esogbuzie Nweke (son) & Family.

To A MOTHER WHO WAS VERY ACCOMODATING. Nne just like a dream you are gone, but memories of you have not

gone with you. You were such a caring, loving and accommodating mother. Nneonyekem we shall not stop following the good footstep you left behind. Wherever you may be now may your soul find peace and rest in the bosom of the Lord. We all miss you. Rest in peace

Kanayo UgohDaughter

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Nnee, you meant different things to different people. When I think of you and what you meant to

me, I realize how much your person did shape the man I have become today. Sharing for you doesn’t mean giving away only what you have in excess. True sharing means that you sometimes have to discomfort yourself to comfort others. You eschewed greed! In your own unique way, you were an advocate for social justice who would not cover her face with a basket to reprimand an oppressor. You not only prodded us to give of our best always, but you enabled us to do our best, to make a difference where we could. Like all the women of your generation, you lived under the shadows of Nna yet your influence in shaping our life as your children was huge. You had an objective view of the world, a realist, uncommonly forgiving and full of humility. Your expectations were never too high. This is perhaps the reason I never saw you disappointed with people. I recall how happy you were the first time you met my children, your grandchildren. Out of joy, you said to us that if you were

to go now, you’d be going a happy and fulfilled woman having stayed alive long enough to see all your grandchildren. Caring for the large family that ours was, was a daunting task but you did so with gusto, it all turned out well and you retired into a life of peace and joy. Distance away from you because of living abroad didn’t do me, Tonia and the Boys well towards you but we cherished the visits regardless that they were infrequent. We love you. We miss you. We will always cherish your sweet memories.

Collins ‘Gbolu NWEKESon

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