TRIBUTE TO MRS KATE ETHEL IKEKWEM 

Death is a necessary end and every mortal shall die. Kate, it is really disheartening that finally the cold hands of death could not allow you continue your life of love and courage.

That last Sunday night while we were with you, you were so courageous that though you were wreathing in pains but you gave us hope that the end will be victorious. Being ill notwithstanding, your voice remained strong as we prayed and sang.

Though we all love you but the Lord Jesus Christ loves you more. Adieu Kate. Rest in the Bosom of the Lord.

Arc & Mrs. CORNEL OGUGUO.

Condolence Message

I and on behalf of the entire Ogueri Age of Umuderim Ihitte/Uboma LGA mourns the sudden death of one of us, a lovely sister Mrs. Catherine Ijeoma Enyeribe (Nee Iwuagwu) and condoles with her entire family of Iwuagwu on this regrettable loss.

Kate as she is fondly called is a very caring and peace loving woman who will always recognize and show love to any Ogueri age grade member or Umuderim person she meets anywhere. The concern and show of love she showed to me as a brother and mate while I sojourn in Lagos can never be forgotten in a Hurry. I will remain grateful to her even in death.

May God in his infinity mercy grant Kate a place in his kingdom and to all she left behind especially the children may God a mother to them in Jesus Name. Amen.

Engr. Uzoma Okafor (Ahiaoma)
Aba, Abia State

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

On behalf of my mom and siblings, I wish to express our sincere condolences to the Iwuagwu and Enyeribe families on the untimely passing of beloved Kate Enyeribe (Nee Iwuagwu). We want you to know that we're deeply saddened by this event, and share your pain at a very personal level. We pray God to welcome Kate to our eternal home.

Dr. Mike Egwuatu Opara
Edmonton, Canada

OH!!! Words Cannot Express how I Feel!

'Beloved', death is inevitable and occurrence that must happen certainly to every mortals on earth, but yours came as a big blow to me, not because you where too young but because you where yet to bring up your children... OH!!! What a world. When I saw you December 2016, you never told me you would leave the face of the earth too soon. Beloved, words cannot express how I feel about your departure, every minute, the memory of your departure comes, I feel pains in my heart all through. It was just like a dream, yet true, it was just like a joke, yet very serious, just like a vision, yet it's real (Eccl 3:1) declared it but yours is untimely my sister. I miss you, who will call me 'Da'ada'.. God knows best, peace be with your soul.

Goodnight and farewell. Adieu, Kate. ___

Mrs. Oluchi Ndukwu (Nee Iwuagwu) Cousin.
Calabar

My Condolences!

On behalf of all the staff and management of CUBEE PROPERTY AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, we extend our deepest sympathy on the demise of your loving sister, Kate. We are indeed saddened by this irreplaceable loss and commiserate with you and your entire family.

We pray that her soul may find rest in the bosom of our Lord. Amen.

Chief Barr. Edomobi U B
CEO Cubee property & Dev. Co Ltd.
PH, Rivers

A TRIBUTE TO A WARRIOR

Dear Kate whenever we talked, you always start your sentence by saying Chidex. …..I would then laugh, call u Madame Kate then we will continue our conversation. You were beautiful and very sociable. ....laughing most times....u had a good sense of humor, you were a strong, focused and hard working woman.

It wasn't any different the last Time we spoke, roughly 7 days before the Lord took you away from this battle field. I remember us praying over the phone asking and believing God for a miracle. Your voice was clear and calm...someone would not tell from your voice that something was wrong. In my mind I tried to figure out how you felt physically....I couldn't quite place it... I knew u were in pains but fought relentlessly each day.

I call you a warrior because in my judgment, you boldly fought...your Faith never failed and you never surrendered. Yes you left us too soon and that is because the Lord decided to take you away from the battle field of life to a beautiful place free of aches, pains and sorrow. I am so sad, I will not see you again on this side but I am comforted...that as long as I live for Jesus until my end, I will get to see you again on the other side.
Sleep on great warrior...adieu Madame Kate...May your gentle soul rest in peace till we meet to part no more.

Dr. Chidinma Dinneya
Enugu, Nigeria

TRIBUTE

I know you are gone and gone to God. "My sweet love" as I fondly call you. I miss you so much. The news of your demise came to me as a shock. You were kind and perseverance mother when you were alive.

You were so good to your family. We love you so much and wanted you to live longer. But I believe we will meet at that resurrection morning. Adieu my sweet love.

Your sister in-law     
Clara Onyinye Duru

TRIBUTE TO A SISTER AND FRIEND

"Ketto“ as I happily call you! Where are you? Could not understand when the news of your demise came to me i find it sad and torchy. “DEATH” is that what it means? CHEEI, when last i visited u on your sick bed, your voice was so strong and you gave me hope.

Your loss has created a large vacuum in the home your aged mum and Dad. This is indeed very painful exit we will miss you so much
May u rest in the bosom of our Lord and may his infinite mercy grant u external rest Amen.

Your bosom friend and sister
ROSELIMA OKOROJI IHENACHO
Lagos, Nigeria

Kate's Triumphs over Death!

Our beloved Kate, You glided through our ephemeral earth into eternity
But it wasn't without a fight, which you fought like a lioness.
Kate, you raged and raged at the dying of the light.
As your beloved Family and friends remained besotted and in agony
And our tearfulness shooting through the heavens to God
Appealing to God to postpone the duel between you and death until you turned 90 or more.

When our gentle Kate finally bid us good night,
Erroneously we conceded victory to death.
Ironically, we were wrong to concede victory to a familiar enemy
Unaware to us that "What is called a reason for living is also an excellent reason for dying."
Unbeknown to us that the good die young because God needs them.

Now we know that dark is right when God beckons good people.
Hence on the very night of Kate's departure, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustling of her wings
Flown to heaven far far away from mortal pains
Into God's beautiful kingdom

Indeed, our beloved Kate, longer imagined a loser to death, instead Kate prevails over death.

Good night our beloved, black beauty!

Lt. STEPHEN EMEKA OGUGUOM
(JP NSW AUSTRALIA)

TRIBUTE TO KATE

Death! What shall I liken thee to? Shall I compare thee to a lone wolf? You brandish your ugly self into homes and families looking for who to devour. You take away ones joy without care. You make families grief and suffer devastation. Death!! You are so cruel, nasty and wicked! You came at your will, steal unperturbed, thereafter, leaving friends, families and relatives in great tremor, resentment and disarray.

Kate, the news of your sudden death came to me as a shock. It is hard for me to accept that you are gone, even when I know that you have gone to a better place. Your demise was a pearl of thunder, it struck down the happiness imbued in the family. You are such an epitome of humility with a vigorous heart, always wearing a pleasant smile in your face, willing to compromise even when you are right, just for the sake of peace and unity.

Kate you are more than a sister - a closest friend. Whenever I see you, I see a smile. The smile that could brighten the darkest days. Your compassion and generosity know no bounds. You cared a lot for your friends and family and would do anything to help anyone. Back on our time together, I always look forward to your exciting conversation. Kate, your memories will live on in my heart forever.

It is with great sadness and devastation for us to accept your untimely demise. You fought a good fight and won the race, it is hard to say goodbye. The vacuum your exit had created can never be repaired nor replaced. We remain solace knowing that you are now in heaven. Your memories will remain ever green in our heart. Adieu Kate and May your gentle Soul continue to Rest In the Lord… Amen!

Emeka Iwuagwu and Family
Alberta, Canada.

Eulogy For a Beautiful Soul

It sounds unreal that our amiable Catherine had departed this wonderful world. As much as death is inevitable, we must not forget in a hurry how Cathy has basically translated her wow attitude and inner accommodating instincts. Her unexpected demise has undoubtedly, left a huge hole in the life of some of us who knew her.

Well-meaning people will tell us that it is all part of God’s plan, or that this was just Kathy’s time to go and that she is in a better place. But we cry out ‘why’. While God certainly knows his plan, we do not. Kathy may indeed be in a better place now, but we want her to be here with us.
But as family, friends, and community, we express our sadness, acknowledge our loss, the importance of Kathy’s life and the loss to us all that her passing brings.

Indeed, this sore loss simply cannot be comprehended but as practicing Christians, we should all take solace with the hope that our Cathy is resting with our Lord in Heaven.
May her gentle soul rest in peace in Jesus name, Amen.

Sam. Chuks Okoroafor (Mbakwe).
London, UK.

Tribute To A Lovely Sister

Austinooo-oh, as Kate would fondly call me.
A Lady with a milk of human kindness and passion.
A lady with a caring and loving heart.
I could remember so many years ago as an adolescent when Kate would come to my house, and my people were complaining bitterly about the stress and headache one of my very old sick uncle was giving to his wife. Kate retorted that she would love to stay with such people. I asked why. She said at that very old age, they behave like little kids and would, therefore, desire immense attentions, love, and caring of which she had joy in doing. What a passionate heart, indeed! It is a pity that the wicked pangs of death could not allow you to attain this very old age and be cared for as you would have loved to do to others with such divine privilege.

We mortals, though, may see your exit from this wicked world as so soon, the Immortal God Almighty, sees it as having called you to join at the appropriate time with His faithful in heaven; though we may grieve bitterly for your untimely death but we derive solace from the fact that your leaving us now pleased God, therefore, it definitely had to please us as well to accept the situation.

I pray to God Almighty to give those you left behind the fortitude to put this ugly incident behind them quickly.
Adieu a lovely sister
Adieu the woman with a meek heart
We love you but God loves you most.

Arc. Austin Mbadugha. 
Imo State

Tribute To A Lovely Sister

Austinooo-oh, as Kate would fondly call me.
A Lady with a milk of human kindness and passion.
A lady with a caring and loving heart.
I could remember so many years ago as an adolescent when Kate would come to my house, and my people were complaining bitterly about the stress and headache one of my very old sick uncle was giving to his wife. Kate retorted that she would love to stay with such people. I asked why. She said at that very old age, they behave like little kids and would, therefore, desire immense attentions, love, and caring of which she had joy in doing. What a passionate heart, indeed! It is a pity that the wicked pangs of death could not allow you to attain this very old age and be cared for as you would have loved to do to others with such divine privilege.

We mortals, though, may see your exit from this wicked world as so soon, the Immortal God Almighty, sees it as having called you to join at the appropriate time with His faithful in heaven; though we may grieve bitterly for your untimely death but we derive solace from the fact that your leaving us now pleased God, therefore, it definitely had to please us as well to accept the situation.

I pray to God Almighty to give those you left behind the fortitude to put this ugly incident behind them quickly.
Adieu a lovely sister
Adieu the woman with a meek heart
We love you but God loves you most.

Arc. Austin Mbadugha. 
Imo State

Tribute to My Sister In-Law

Ogoom Kate, it is true that you have gone so soon. It is very painful, but for me I have confidence where you are going, because of what you told me concerning death on 28th of January 2017. What you saw in vision showed that the time is near. Today it has come to pass. I will miss you Godly advice, you always put smile on someone face. You are a good woman. I knew that you are heavenly citizen. Stay well till we meet again.

Hillary Anyanwu (Brother-in-law).
Lagos, Nigeria

Good Bye My Beloved Cousin.

Death in deed is no respecter of persons. Kate my sister, I don't know what to say. I was happy when destiny brought us closer through marriage. I had envisaged growing old together with my cousin living close to me and how we would talk about our childhood memories.

Katie, you were so caring, so considerate and full of laughter.
Kate would always call me, she would often visit me. She would also update me with information that I needed to have.

My ever-industrious cousin. Death has cheated us. I am so pained about your exit. You left so early and it hurts us so deeply. 

Rest in peace my dear sister till we meet again.

Chinwe Louis-Nwoko JP (Nee Ayozie)
PH, Rivers

Tribute to a Dear Sister and Friend.

It's unbelievable that such a friend like you will depart this earth now that you are needed most.

Kate, you are a sister and friend to me. How can I forget about you, always putting smiles on my face with your funny words whenever you are around me. You are an easygoing person, funny and gentle. A good adviser and always ready to ask for an advice when necessary. I miss you my friend, I miss you my dear sister. Rest in peace Kate.

Mrs. Chinwe Ogbonna.
Aba, Abia State

We Love You, Kate!

My sister in-law Kate, When I paid you a visit at Chizoba’s place my legs were glued to the ground for about 45 minutes. You tried persuading me to have a seat yet I could not. I wish I could change the hands of time. I wish I could rewind to that fateful day when I told you I’m happy to be part of your family and you said I’m most welcome. I wish I could say no to certain things and yes to some things. But all of that is late.

When this crisis began I had to tell my wife, your sister, Chioma to stay with you if possible permanently in the hospital to see that you were saved but somehow you departed. You have left a gaping hole here on earth. I type these words with a heavy heart. However, we take solace in the reality that you have vacated a wicked world to a place of eternal bliss. Kate, we love you, rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Moses Ihenacho & Family
Lagos, Nigeria

Kate, a Treasure Gone Too Soon!

I still can't believe that I will never see you again. I am still stunned that you left us unexpectedly.
Memories of the last time we spent together when I visited home last year still runs through my mind. I never knew that that night that you encouraged and prayed for me will be my last ever moment with you.

Your departure has however created a big vacuum in my life. I will forever treasure the love and care we shared growing up as siblings.
God almighty know why you left us at this time and we can't question him. Kate, continue to rest in the Lord until we meet to part no more.

Rest in perfect peace.

Chimaobi Iwuagwu
(Brother, London)

Kate, a Treasure Gone Too Soon!

I still can't believe that I will never see you again. I am still stunned that you left us unexpectedly.
Memories of the last time we spent together when I visited home last year still runs through my mind. I never knew that that night that you encouraged and prayed for me will be my last ever moment with you.

Your departure has however created a big vacuum in my life. I will forever treasure the love and care we shared growing up as siblings.
God almighty know why you left us at this time and we can't question him. Kate, continue to rest in the Lord until we meet to part no more.

Rest in perfect peace.

Chimaobi Iwuagwu
(Brother, London)

Bye For Now!

Death is inevitable. It can come in the morning, afternoon or nightlife time of a person. Surely, one thing must kill a man (F/M). My sister KATE lived a good Christian life. She believed and stood on the truth always. She hated cheating, was caring and rendered help to anyone in need. Our unquestionable GOD gave and HE has taken. Adieu my sister,

Onwuegbuchulem's family loves you but God loves you most. May your soul rest in peace. AMEN.

Modestus Onwuegbuchulam
China

My Tribute to My ‘Big’ Sis Kate! .............

What a great lost! You have gone too soon my beloveth sister Kate; your demise was a shock to me and to the whole family. The vacuum that your demise has created will be difficult to fill. If money and prayers could revived you I believe you would still be with us now enjoying your life to it's fullest, but I can understand why God would want such a beautiful angel on his side from now until eternity. Sister Kate you were such a wonderful sister any family will desire to have. You were hard working and prayerful up till your last moment on earth.

As your ‘little’ brother, I will miss your words of encouragement. I will surely miss our long telephone conversations. I pray that the almighty God will give me strength to bear this lost, sister I will miss you, our family will miss you, and my friends will miss you too. May your gentle soul rest in the blossom of Lord, Amen.

Udochukwu Iwuagwu (Brother).
Lagos, Nigeria

Adieu Sister Kate!

‘Sister Kate’ as I fondly called you, your death was like a dream to me, watching you dying in the hospital was like "is it how life is". You are indeed a virtuous woman that anybody that near you or comes across you must say something good about you. Sister I will really miss your advice. Well God knows the best, we love you but God loves you most. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the lord Amen. Adieu sister Kate.

Paul Nwigwudu
Lagos, Nigeria

A Tribute to Catherine

As a young girl growing up, Cathy was not only a sister but a good friend, she was very loving, caring and down to earth, she love life and always love to laugh and smile. Whenever I needed a friend to share stories with or talk to, Cathy was always there for me until I migrated to the United States.

When I came home in ‘2000 for my wedding, Cathy played a very strong role through her participation, encouragement and Love hence she was in my bridal train. Cathy thank you for the time we spent together, thank you for the Love and friendship, I will miss you forever and will never forget all the fun times and amazing stories that we share. Adieu!!

CLARA OKORO (Nee Ayozie).
USA

Tribute to My Beloved Cousin.

The sad news of your demise came to us as a shock. We know that we shall one day join our creator but we still find it difficult to believe that you are no more. Kate, it is true that you have gone the way of all mortals, we pray the almighty God to receive your soul and grant you eternal rest. Fare well and rest in peace. Amen.

Nnamdi Iwuagwu and family (a.k.a. Igwebarban).
China

Tribute to My Beloved Cousin.

The sad news of your demise came to us as a shock. We know that we shall one day join our creator but we still find it difficult to believe that you are no more. Kate, it is true that you have gone the way of all mortals, we pray the almighty God to receive your soul and grant you eternal rest. Fare well and rest in peace. Amen.

Nnamdi Iwuagwu and family (a.k.a. Igwebarban).
China

A TRIBUTE TO MY COURAGEOUS SISTER-IN-LAW

On Monday February 20th 2017, Kate passed away due to breast cancer leaving both sides of the families devastated. Although she was fighting against all odds, we all prayed and hoped that she would hang in for much longer given her positive attitude and strong will power…after all, she had so much reasons to live for; a 7 years old daughter, a husband, her both parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, both parents-in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and well-wishers.

Throughout her ill health, Kate stayed optimistic and held on to God all the way. Rather than embark on self-pity, Kate battled the cancer with courage, and through her courage became a source of encouragement to all of us. I truly admired her with all my heart and soul because I know for sure that I couldn’t be that brave! Even in the face of her fast deteriorating health, Kate was always more worried about others than her self. Whenever I called her, she still found reasons to laugh and you could never tell what she was going through. Although we saw it coming we all prayed and hoped for a miracle, but our prayers weren’t answered because I believe it was all part of God’s plan. We are truly saddened by Kate’s death but I know that she is resting peacefully in heaven without pain and that every breath she is taking now is without labor.

Kate dear, too soon it seemed, but I know it was God that took you away because he didn’t want you to suffer any longer. May your death serve as a sacrifice and a ransom on behalf of both families.
Adieu Kate! May God who allowed your death to occur grant all that you have left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and the grace to move forward. As for your 7 years old daughter - Chioma, .....be rest assured that she will be well taken care of.
Good night Kate, you will surely be missed. Rest in peace until we meet again to part no more…SHALOM!

Your sister-in-law,
Chinyere Iwuagwu (Nee Dinneya).
California USA

Tribute To A Woman of Peace & Love.

Your sudden and untimely death shook me to our very foundation, and brought deep sorrow to my heart. Till date it still sounds like a bad dream; a nightmare.
Kate (my gentle and loving sister) I love you and will surely miss you.
My wife will surely miss you. She will miss her amiable sister-in-law, who had through her actions and words shown that she was a woman of peace and love.

Ada nnem, you were indeed a committed, devoted & caring sister.
Thank you ‘Adanne’ as you was fondly called by our siblings & others for your advice, humility, love & caring.
Goodbye my sister. We love you but, God loves you most, May the Almighty God grant you eternal rest Amen.

Mr. & Mrs. Chizoba & Chimuanya Iwuagwu
(Brother & Sister-in-law)
Lagos, Nigeria

TRIBUTE TO A WORTHY COUSIN

The news of your transition to the world beyond came as a shock to me and to my entire family. You were one of a kind, a brilliant and charming woman. You were and will always be an inspiration to myself, and to our families. Your words of advice were priceless, and I will forever remember your impact on my life and the lives of those who came close to you. Your death have left a void that will never be filled.

While we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that you are now at peace, and no longer in pain. Today, I join many who have been touched by your life to say Catherine, THANK YOU, WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL TRULY MISS YOU.

Engr. Chika Ayozie (JP)
Australia

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED COUSIN – KATE

I was shocked when I heard the news of your death in the early hours of Tuesday 21st of February 2017. Prior to this, I had visited you in company of Nnamdi and Oluchi his wife on Sunday 19th February 2017. Though you were in pains, there was no sign of your departing soon.

Cathy as you are fondly called, your passage has left the family with the memories of love, care and respect, which you were known for. Your humble disposition was second to none; in fact you were one of our best Iwuagwu's family.

As it pleases God to take you home at your prime, who are we to question him? We only pray for your soul to have eternal rest.

Your cousin,

Geoffrey Iwuagwu (Supol)
Lagos, Nigeria

TRIBUTE

ADANNE,

If alone love could have saved you, you never would have died.

The fact that you are no longer here with us will always cause us pain but you are forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Mr. & Mrs. Chimezie Enyeribe
Brother in-law

TRIBUTE!

Oh death, you are so wicked and cruel; you took away my brother’s wife (my sister-in-law) Mrs. Kate Enyeribe from us when we are supposed to enjoy her compassionate love, togetherness and loving kindness as a family; leaving us with loneliness and broken, hearth.

Kate it is true that you are dead but your sweet memories will never die especially the way you call everybody by the person’s “PET" name
Kate!!!!, we do not wish to say good-bye but do not be afraid, do not be sad "our beloved wife" for you are in a place where you are surrounded with the angels of the Lord, in a place where you shall have no more Pains, no more sickness, and your sorrows shall turn to joy as you rest in the boss-om of the Lord.
We shall meet again our beloved wife where we shall part no more.
A duo!!! My dear.

We love you but God loves you most. Goodbye my sister-in-law, my brother-in-law's wife, and good Auntie Kate.
AMAEFULE NKECHI  (NEE ENYERIBE)
AMAEFULE PASCHAL
AMAEFULE PASCHAL JUNIOR
AMAEFULE VINNA
AMAEFULE DAVIS
AMAEFULE MARVIN

TORONTO ONTARIO
CANADA

Gone Too Soon!

God looked around his garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
With the help of his angels they flew you to your heavenly place
God’s garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best
He knew you were suffering, he knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never get well on Earth again
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb
He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Rest in peace Sister

Okezie Dinneya (CA, USA)

SLEEP WELL, MY SISTER & MY FRIEND!

Sister, this is too much for me to understand or bear!
As we sat through Monday, 20th February, I did not know that it was your last day on earth with you. As I fed you and we talked, played and even prayed together, you led a chorus- “covenant keeping God, there is no one like you. Alpha & omega there is no one like you…” I had no clue that those were the last moments on this earth with you; I would have just held your hands and told you how much I love you, how dear you were and will always be to me, I would have told you how much you meant to us all.

Same day at exactly 11:25 pm I could no longer hear your voice, I became distressed but could not understand what has happened, I was naïve of such until the doctor hurriedly came in and examined you and said “sorry we lost her”. I shouted, never! no no no!, I landed on the floor devastated. I felt and still feel I’m having a bad dream and so wish I can wake up and pray against the spirit of death. At that material time I could not comprehend the whole scenario. But quickly I realized it’s real and so I called my husband for some comforting words from him, which he did calm me down.

Sister, life will never, never be same without you, without your encouraging words. My only comfort is that by God’s grace we will meet again. The void your demise has created will be a huge one to attempt to fill. You will always be in our thoughts. I thank the Almighty God, the all-knowing and the one that was not taken unawares like we all were for making us who we are and giving us the opportunity to share, though short, the wonderful life and times that we had as siblings.

My promise is that I will continually check on your beautiful daughter, my name sake, Chioma Enyiribe.

My sister and friend sleep well, away from the evil of this world till we meet again, where our dancing will not be interrupted. We love you dearly.

Chioma Ihenacho (Nee Iwuagwu)
Lagos, Nigeria

KATE, A WOMAN FOR ALL PEOPLE

Life is a circle and I know that everything that have a beginning, must surely have an end, but this end came so sudden and so soon hitting a very very big blow on all of us. Your death was a very rude shock to me, yes death is inevitable for every human being but the question is usually when, where and how will it come but whichever way it may have come I still give God all the glory for you short but very good life. Sis Kate when I was with you on 19th of Feb., you gave me hope that you are getting better not knowing that it will be our last meeting; you enjoy the food I brought for you, not knowing that you are eating my last food. You advised me on so many things.

On 20th of Feb, you called me on phone to do night vigil for you not knowing that it will me you last talk with me. Sis Kate, you are such a good sister, a peacemaker, adviser, counselor very impartial in your judgments and a woman of all people. Kate, you really demonstrated love, care, concern for people around you. Your care, love, generosity and charity knew no bounds. I would have wished that you live longer with us. 

I miss you my dearest sister may you gentle soul rest in peace, till we meet to part no more.

Chinyere Anyanwu (nee Iwuagwu).
Lagos, Nigeria

A SHORT TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED SISTER CATHERINE

My dear sister Kate, I am not only still having difficulty in apprehending the fact that my bidding you farewell in the early hours of January, 4th 2017 when you were entering the car to Lagos was the last I could see you alive in this world, I am also greatly lacking words to articulate my sentiments of grief in coming to terms with the fact that you are no more physically with us. Being next to me we often disagreed to agree because you don’t hide your feelings. You were frank, open minded, outspoken, independent-minded and caring.

During the years of your ill health you constantly challenged me to pray for your recovery. Your voice keeps ringing in my ears “I hope you are still praying for me?” I always truthfully replied you, “what else is my work?”

I watched you struggle from childhood to become an accomplished woman even amidst difficulties, but I didn’t know you will be going home too soon! Even when pressure of work makes it difficult for me to check on family members you regularly checked on me by your calls, briefing me regularly of events and the well-being family members and friends. Being the nearest home we relied on you to be visiting our aged parents, which you never failed though you never disclosed to them what you were passing through in order not to upset them. Now you are gone who will take this responsibility? I find it difficult to continue writing on your enviable qualities and what you stand for in our family for fear of canonizing you as if you do not need prayers for God’s Mercy. You battled breast cancer for years, you did not lose the battle No! You won! For God has given you victory over it by calling you to have your well-deserved peaceful rest after your troubles. I will only say to you, though we may not have told you this while you were with us, that we love you, we cherished the time you shared with us as a sister, and we will always miss you. Since God needs you more, I pray that he gives you eternal rest. Adieu my sister! Till we meet to part no more.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Kelechi Iwuagwu
(Your brother) Calabar

A TRIBUTE TO CATHY: THE WATER THAT HAS NO ENEMY.

As I mourn your transition, I remember the wonderful relationship we shared as siblings. I remember the last assignment you did for me- taking my son from Port Harcourt to Calabar before embarking on your journey to Lagos for your radiation treatment in July 2016.

I remember the countless occasions when you had called just to check on my family and me. I remember your battle with cancer and the courage and optimism you displayed even when the odds seemed against you. Cathy, I remember how you had remained supportive of our parents. How you had always volunteered to travel home to take Papa to hospital anytime he got sick. I remember the pet names you gave to all my children and the friendship that had developed between you and my wife. I remember my baby sister who ‘ate’ nothing else but tea. I remember how you quietly became the ‘glue’ that held our family together. Sometimes by doing very simple but unappreciated tasks like speaking out or apologizing for some one.

Cathy for days after your death, I could not stop myself from crying. I could not summon the courage to speak to Papa or Mama. I was in shock. I knew it was coming but it came rather too soon. For days, memories of the bond that held us together as siblings and friends flooded and overwhelmed me. I had thought that I was strong, but I was mistaken. I was also mistaken to think that men don’t cry. But as I cried Cathy, I could imagine you talking to me as always:

Dede’, ‘Ozuola’, ‘Dede it is enough! Enough with the crying!
I could hear you asking me to be strong. I could imagine you telling me “ Adim nma”, I am all right. I could hear you telling me “You all are going to be alright.”

I could hear you asking me to tell Ethel and Chioma that it is okay. I could hear you asking me to console Papa and Mama. Asking me to tell them that you did not give up on life, but that God is sending you on a journey. I could hear you thanking Fr. Emma for always being there to support you spiritually and otherwise.

Cathy, I could sense you thanking all your siblings and their spouses-
Chinyere, Chimaobi, Chizoba, Udochukwu, Chioma, for their love and support in good and bad times. I could hear you thanking your sister in-laws- (Chinyere & Chimuanya) for their tender loving care (TLC) at the most trying period of your ill health.

I could also hear you expressing your gratitude to Umuderim and Oru-Ahiara people for making your short but eventful stay on earth such a memorable one.

Cathy you lived a simple and straightforward life. Cathy I could imagine you saying that you would want the tributes and eulogies for you to be short and truthful. I will do just that!
I want to thank you for being a loving sister. I want to appreciate you for the courage you displayed in the face of lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and the excruciating pain of cancer. Cathy I want to appreciate you for your courageous faith in God even when the odds were against you. I want to appreciate you for teaching us how to love and how to be loved.

Cathy I want you to know that we are very proud of you as a sister.
Cathy, I want to appreciate you for being such a friendly, appreciative and courageous woman who never had malice against anybody. Cathy, you were like the water that had no enemy. You never let your anger against anybody last through the day. You were always the first to say—‘Ndoo,’ ‘I am sorry’, ‘lets move on’.

Cathy, I know it will be hard for us to move on in life without you. But we will all harken to you advice.
I will be strong! We all will be strong! Ethel and Chioma will be strong! Papa & Mama will cry, but they will cry like people that have faith in God. All your cousins, family members, friends and associates wish you a restful journey!

Adieu Cathy!
Go in peace Adanne!  Ije nwa nnem, je nke oma!
YA DI BA……

Theodore Iwuagwu (Brother)
California, USA

TRIBUTE TO MY MUMMY

I find it difficult to believe that you can go somewhere without telling me. I could not believe you were to die as I was very close to you watching and caring over you. I thought it was a rest from the drip you received from the doctor the previous day.

Death you are a thief and very deceptive. During your sick period when I was with you, there was never a time you doubted God despite the great pains of your sickness. You have gone to meet the Lord no doubts. I have accepted your death as a will of God, else lots of consultant doctors and drugs could have saved your life. I learnt from you to be truthful, honest, god fearing, patient and peace loving during your religious teachings.

May God continue to give you perfect rest in his kingdom till we meet on the resurrection day.

Adieu Sweet mother
Enyeribe Chioma Vivian
(Daughter)

TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE

Kate, I find it difficult to believe that you are no more. You came into my life when the world in my sight seemed turned upside down.

You came, appeared like light in the dark which dispelled my cloudy life. You whole heartedly and painstakingly but joyfully took it as a responsibility to build up the entire family to an appreciable status.

Your love for me, our entire family and home maintenance made me appreciate you the more. You cared, nurtured, groomed our child in a Christian way of life and taught her to be resourceful, responsible and reasonable more than some mothers could do for their children.

At home front and your business, you proved to be unrivalled and had to make people perplexed at your strength, integrity and success.

To miss you at this time when life is still beginning and you should have sat down to enjoy your fruit of labour is unbearably painful but who are we to change the will of God Almighty. You wished to live but God has the final say. I know you died the death of the saints. Your sickness defiled all the efforts we made, warded off doctors and drugs of all brands.

I am consoled that the Almighty God knows your sufferings, Struggles and achievements will never be unrewarded and abundantly than we could have done.

Kate, numerous doctors and consultants could not resuscitate your life nor the drugs from within and outside Nigeria. This dawned on me that it is God’s own time. I know you have gone to receive the reward that eluded you on earth from our Father in heaven and that is my consolation.

You will forever remain evergreen in my heart. May the Angels of God lead you home to the glorious abode prepared for you in heaven Amen. I hope we will meet one day to part no more in God’s Kingdom reserved for the righteous. Good night my dear.

Ikekwem Ethelbert Ngozi.
(Husband)