‘Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death,so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 

 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.’ 1st Thessalonians 4:13-14

I’ve thought on and off of how I want to write this since I heard of your passing on the 25th of January, 2025. I stepped out of the library to take the call that afternoon and looked up and the first feeling was gratitude before the natural grief.

Gratitude that I got to know you and be around you. Gratitude that I saw you, albeit only for the time I had. Gratitude that you are such an immense part of my own story, as a guardian and administrator but more importantly as my own family. 

You leave me with so many memories that I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life and share with my own children. The stories I have to tell!

I’m so grateful for who you were to me Nene. 
Your legacy lives on. The seed you have sown will bloom and grow. 
I’m so very proud of you. I’m proud to be your grand daughter. 

I know that promised morning is coming so I boldly say, see you soon my darling grandma, I love you.

Onyi Chudi-Iwueze

(Granddaughter, Ireland)

Good evening Ma (as all our conversations would typically begin).

Thank you for everything but most importantly for giving. For giving to everyone around you. The one thing I saw you do all my life was give. I saw you give and expect nothing in return.

Thank you for being kind to me, for my education and every sacrifice you made to this end. 

I miss you Ma and today like everyday before and after I love you.

Chukwudi Chudi-Iwueze

 (Grandson, Nigeria)