Marietta, (this is how you were called in Aba), I can not believe that you are now with the Lord. We share a long history. Our well educated husbands were recruited by Ukpabi Askika, then Administrator of East Central State, to come back home to help reconstruct after the Civil war.

All of us packed our lugagges, kids, and left our parents, very sad, behind. Some of us came to Nigeria by ship ! Some settled in Enugu and had to move again with our husbands, children, and lots of luggage when Imo State was created. The roads were very bad because of the bombing during the war. Enugu-Owerri was a day's journey !

We settled in Aba, then a very industrial town, full of life and activities. Remember Ariaria International Market ? We have seen Aba come back to life after the war and we have seen Aba collapse again due to bad government. We were all part and parcel of Aba.

This is when I met you and the other expat wives (the onyeochas). We were quite many at the time, from all parts of Europe, USA, Jamaica, India, Philippines. Then we started our "missionary work" ie to send our husbands young relatives back to school, to make a comfortable home for our families, organize games and swimming competitions at the Club (with the help of Clifford, the faithful guard of the Club).

What about our Igbo lessons ? We were keen to learn our husband's native language. How did the project collapse ? We had decided that we would learn Central Igbo. We started our lessons then, as we were married to men of various "towns" (Owerri, Nkwerre, Ohafia, Ngwa...), we started arguing : "this is not the way it is said in my husband's village"... Then we stopped. Fortunately, our children did not fall into this trap and learnt Igbo the right way.

Do you remember how Owerri Road Primary School was created under the leadership of Mrs Emeruem ? All our children were going to Santa Maria, then it became overcrowded and it was decided that Owerri Road P.S. would be ideal for the kids living on the other side of the city. We had excellent teachers (one of the best, Mrs Chikwendu, Primary 6). Our children had a very good primary education and preparation for further studies (Fed. Sec. School, University).

Do you remember that as members of the PTA, we designed the new school and ceremonial uniforms ?

And so many other things ! If I were to continue, I could write a book.... So I will stop by wishing you a peaceful rest. You will always be in my memory.

              Au revoir.

                                Lorette

A beautiful garden now stands alone,
missing the one who nurtured it
But now she is gone,
Her flowers still bloom, and the sun it still shines,
But the rain is like tear drops, for the ones left behind,
The weeds lay waiting to take the gardens beauty away,
But the beautiful memories of its keeper are in our hearts to stay,
she loved every flower even some that were weeds,
So much love she would plant with each little seed,
But just like her flowers she was part of Gods plan,
So when it was her time he reached down his hand,
He look through the Garden searching for the best,
That's when he found aunty  it was her time to rest,
It was hard for us who loved her, to just let her go,
But God had a spot in his garden, that needed a gentle soul,
So when I start missing aunty, I remember if I just wait,
When God has a spot in his garden, She'll meet me at the gate.

Miss you so much, wish we spent more time together........... i will cherish all the good times we spent together...............the lovely memories of you...... i will keep very close to my heart....... till i meet you at " THE GATE".... RIP AUNTY.

Dear Aunty M,

Much of my childhood in Aba was spent between your house and ours. Fond memories of just cruising into your home heading straight into the kitchen to see what you have prepared or ravishing through the novels on your bookshelf. Fond memories of the social gatherings in your house and the atmosphere of fun. Fond memories of your laughter and your love for ‘Star’.   

Was just talking about you with Mumsie & Chidi on Friday about the good ole days and then got the shocking news. Sad to hear this but am rest assured that you are now at rest. 

Send my love to my Dad and his pally – uncle Chimezie. At least, heaven will enjoy a piece of the Aba/Umuka Road fun that we were privilege to have experienced here on earth with you all. 

Ijeoma aunty M. 

Ndy Ofonagoro-Okafor and family