May 19, 2021
by Linda Nduo
Dada was born into the family of Ma Francisca Nduo, on February 13th, 1933 in Bojongo. She was the fifth child in a family of seven and was named Mary Phelomena Enjem.
Mena as she was fondly called by her siblings did her primary education in Bojongo. The quest for more knowledge took her to kumba where she completed her training at STS kumba as a domestic science teacher, a role she carried out with gusto both in and out of her class room for the rest o her life.
Mena was a beautiful and elegant young woman who won beauty pageants in her locality. She also loved sports, participating in and winning many competitions. It was in one of such events in a marathon race ,that Mena fractured her right knee, an injury she carried for the rest of her life.
While pursing a teaching career, Mena met and married Mr Anthony Wabua Wango. She ultimately left her career to dedicate herself to raising and caring for her growing family.
Mena was a beautiful and elegant young woman who won beauty pageants in her locality. She also loved sports, participating in and winning many competitions. It was in one of such events in a marathon race ,that Mena fractured her right knee, an injury she carried for the rest of her life.
While pursing a teaching career, Mena met and married Mr Anthony Wabua Wango. She ultimately left her career to dedicate herself to raising and caring for her growing family.
Dada was very active in church and within her community. A fervent catholic and a member of the Catholic Women's Association (CWA). In 2009, the CWA awarded two medals to mama as recognition for her fifty years of dedication to the church. In her village circle, Mama was called 'Natum' (Queen mother). She was loved by all hence her nicknames were many: 'Dada', 'The Girl', 'Reme', 'Mary', 'you go chop', 'mammi up down'. She was the strongest critic of her children and family members, in her quest for excellence, but she was equally the surest island for all to seek solace , protection, encouragement, comfort and above all, love.
Dada underwent heart surgery in March 2020 and while her health improved, she continued to be plagued by minor ailments until she passed away on April 22, 2021 in Douala Cameroon. Her passing marks the end of a generation as she joins her mom and siblings who went before her.
She leaves behind a village of family and friends to mourn her especially the Wango's, Epo's, Ndimbes, Sih Buh's family, and her mate and friend Ma Justina Wango. She was blessed to meet her great grand kids.
She leaves behind a village of family and friends to mourn her especially the Wango's, Epo's, Ndimbes, Sih Buh's family, and her mate and friend Ma Justina Wango. She was blessed to meet her great grand kids.