I am still wondering if this really happened. The emptiness is glaring, the void is deep, your sweet smile is sorely missed and the pain is searing.
The memories are comforting and soothing and I wish I could rewrite the end of our story.
We had barely reached th halfway point of our story.
Indeed...the Lord giveth and taketh. I am blessed to have met you and I will forever cherish the time we spent...the memories we built..the triumphs we celebrated..the pains we endured...all rolled together strengthened our bond.
Rest in peace my blue!

You are truly missed. You are a light in all the darkness. I still have old texts from you and was reading them today not realizing today was 3 years to your transitioned! I still see your smile and hear your voice. I can only imagine...one of my favorite songs

My darling sister, it's been 3 years since you started singing with the angels. It's just like yesterday. You're greatly missed. Your signature smile is now being enjoyed by the hosts of heaven.
Love to your twin brother and our parents. I still look back in my mind on our growing up years and thank God for the Osemwegie family in which I was raised. We are the best bunch. ❤️

My Ode to Tee Orobator

Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Osem- w-e-g-i-e!!!!!!!!!!!!
Teee my God!!!!!! I never imagined it would be like this. That is why it took me this long to write about you. Today would have been your 60th birthday on earth. One thing am confident about is that you fulfilled in course in Christ.

Way back in Moremi Hall at the University of Ife in 1981 when we met, we brought our families together, planned that our children will call the other "Mum" and it happened just as we planned it.
Your early movement to NYC did not make much difference. You could not attend my wedding but you sent me the most beautiful wedding album. Then the advent of WhatsApp ignited the fire again. You only became a thought away.

You were indeed a sister from another parent. Even my Grandma, your "Amama T" could attest to that.

We went the extra mile for one another. I must declare you did the more. You came looking for me in Uwherun, my native village at the edge of Delta State, not knowing where you were going. I set out for Bida, from Unife, to visit you when you were on National Youth Service. Most of all, Efe was born in your home, with you and Osagie, caring for us.
We talked about anything, laughing and crying at the same time. Then you would laugh till tears came out of your eyes. How we would sit and jist the whole night, anytime we needed to catch up.

Then you took ill. Dan n I prayed and prayed. You were the nicest sweetest harmless soul l knew, THEREFORE, nothing could happen to you. Tee you did pull through. I still read my last but one message to you, as l wrote this. It was about celebrating your healing- the testimony .

I could go on and on about Teeeeeeeee.I will end with the parting gift you gave me. We saw one another last during our family visit in 2016. I was in New Jersey sometime after but you said it was too much hassle coming to NYC since it was a short visit. While you were ill, l never did a video call with you. I called the day before you were to to be admitted for the last surgery. I mistakenly made a video call. I cut it off immediately. Then l saw video calls coming in, and l thought it was still my mistake. That was when you spoke up and said " the video call is okay". It was indeed a pleasant surprise. We spoke for very long. I had my fill of your signature SMILES. Lastly l asked if you were coming home the same day or the day after. You hesitated, gave a very very wide signature SMILE, and said very clearly " LET'S SEE HOW IT GOES". Ore mi, we are both lawyers, l want to put it to you, did you know?

I gave what l thought was enough time for you come out surgery, and started checking for you to come online on WhatsApp. Until that call. The line of conversation made me suspicious and I declined to continue. I was at a salon. I cried all the way as l drove home. I wanted the world to remain at status quo. I maintained it for days. I would not let anyone talk about it or spread the news. Not about my Teeeeeee. Ito's call did the magic. I realized l had to do better if Ito could call me. I have done quite well since then, to my amazement. I have to think through who to share my favorite songs or good news with, since you are/were always my first option. Like David's graduation pictures.

To Osagie(Taiye thought the world of you and often said she will marry you again if there was another world),Omo, Ito and Deedee, you had the most wonderful and amazing wife and Mum anyone could have.

To Sisters Bose( my Mama), Tope, Idowu and Big brother, your sister is the bomb. Thank God because those who live in Christ live forever.

IT IS WELL.

Dearest Mrs Osa,
May you continue to rest peacefully. You are missed! Love and light♥️

My dear Taye, it's been a year you joined the heavenly community of saints I know you are having a great time, but I
miss you on this side, but we know God loves you more. I look forward to meet you there some day. You introduced me to Jesus when I was a teenager like you. ♥️❤️

May your sweet soul continue to Rest In Peace my dear friend and sister, Taiye.

Its been a little over a year since you transitioned to spirit. i still hear your words of hope and love! I miss talking with you and seeing your beautiful smile! ❤❤❤

Keep resting in peace, Aunty. 

It's been a year since you left madam! And i find it very difficult to wrap my head around the fact that you are no longer here with us,but I take solace in the fact that you are in a better place ma.You will forever remain in our hearts....rest on.

22nd June would have been your 59th birthday, we all looked forward to your 60th but it pleased God to call you at the right time.
Happy birthday, my dearest sister, I can imagine your bubbly sunny self organizing for everyone’s enjoyment. Full of life, missed and forever remembered. It must have been a great reunion with your twin, Kehinde.
I remember when you were both in different boarding houses, even when it wasn’t holiday, if Kehinde should come in through the back door, surely expect Taiye through the front. They were such soulmates, how Kehinde must have patiently waited for you, what great rejoicing there is now! The love of your husband and children must have been strong. Rest on in the bosom of the lord, Taiye my aburo owon, till we meet again❤️

Ms. Osa will continue to be remembered due to the caring spirit she always had displayed in all situations. May God continue bless and comfort her family and friends. Peace and Blessings.

T Baby! I still find it strange that I must refer to you in the past tense; really strange! I still do not understand this whole business! Farewaell. God knows best.

The message on the transition of Taiye to glory is indeed a rude shock to me and all our friends . Her smile in this obituary picture is not only typical, it invokes the memory we have of Taiye as an ever lively, loving, kind and cherished friend. Her company since our days at the University of Ife was always a great delight and ever inspiring. Her fervent faith and love for Christ, ever so infectious. Taiye is just a good person all round. We will miss her on this side of eternity. Our comfort nevertheless is anchored on the hope of reunion on resurrection morn. Good night, Taiye! Good night!

Taiye was to me , a very dear friend and sister for over forty seven years. She was a Christian indeed. In fact my testimony as a Christian, particularly in my early days , is incomplete without the role Taiye played in my life. Taiye loved and served the Lord. She was very proud of her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She was loving, kind, calm but firm, a woman of great faith, courage and strength. She never ceased to encourage, counsel, assist and pray for people, especially those in need. By her Christian testimony , Taiye turned many people unto righteousness. She therefore shines in brightness as a star, forever.
Adieu my dear friend and sister Taiye, until by the grace of God we meet again, on the resurrection morning.

May the beautiful gentle soul of our beloved sister Taiye rest in the Lord. Sleep on ever smiling sister! We love you and will be greatly missed.
May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Taiye, you were faithful, you were coherent and you lived out your divine filiation which shone through your illness.  God is your father and you lived that out intensively as you were always so cheerful, encouraging each one of us. You were selfless.

In November on the way to the hospital you called to wish me a happy birthday. That was memorable. Thank you.

When you finally got home for the first time in this year you sent a text "I am back at home" It was a cry of gratitude to your father whom you loved so ardently.

Remember our conversation? How we talked about the saints? There were loving coincidences in your life which showed God's paternal love for you, his beloved daughter. You got married in St Matthew's Cathedral, you came back home from hospital on the eve of his feast. 

Now you go home triumphant on 19th March, feast of St Joseph, patron of a good death, and father of the Redeemer.

Taiye you have fought the good fight, you have won the most important battle. Now  you join the glorious company of saints.

You did not die, but rather now live forever with God in the land of the living with the Blessed in Heaven.

Taiye do help us from Heaven!!!

How can one ever forget “Madam Osa,” as I fondly called Ms. Osayame Taiye Osemwegie-Orobator when we worked side-by-side at the Administration for Children’s Services’ Children’s Center in NYC in the early 2000s! She was a remarkably compassionate, cerebral, competent, confident, gentle, humble, and deeply religious lady, who was loved and respected by all. What a great loss!

May the soul of this rare gem rest in perfect peace. May the Almighty grant her family and friends the fortitude to bear their loss.

Dearest Ms Osa. I can’t believe you are no longer here! From our days at Addabbo Day Treatment to our days At BCC, it was always love and laughter. Sweet,kind, smart funny and loving you are. You will be missed. Thanks for the warm laughs and encouragement. Thank you for being you! 

Aunty Taiye had an endearing personality which I admired. She was an embodiment of Grace, soft spoken and kind. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort and strengthen her husband and children as well as the entire family. Rest well Aunty Taiye....

My dear T for Taye, finally it has come to pass that God has taken you home ahead of us. When you posted your family photo on Facebook on 4th March I greeted you with excitement thinking the worst was over only for you to depart the following day 5th March. Indeed it was your way of saying good bye to us.

Tee for Tayeeer my own bossom friend and my first prayer partner. We shared a lot amongst ourselves.
Our friendship extended to family members leading to my visiting Benin for family occasions..

Yes I cannot forget that long call we had about your health challenge. You opened up so much that I had a take away from it. Your experience showed me the value of a loving, caring and united family. You were blessed with an amazing family who sacrificed all for you. I know you were a rare gift to them. I thank God for chats we had during the period. You fought hard and maintained the faith and you have come forth a victor, free from pains and discomfort and free to enjoy heavenly bliss. You have left a void but you have left us with good memories of you

Tayeeee I don't know what to say. You were a gift to me and to the body of Christ. You were a gist partner. I can't forget that landmark visit to your family in New York. Taye, you cared and you loved. Your laughter and smiles brightened everywhere. I thank God and thank you for your friendship.

May God comfort your family - wonderful husband and children.
Your amazing sisters - Sis Bose, Tope and Idowu plus your twin brother.
May we all meet at the resurrection morning.

Mrs Osayame Taiye Osemwegie Orobator (1962 -2021) My loving Sister Taiye nee Osemwegie... I woke startled upon reading messages from three of your close ECU sisters who like several others have been pleading with the heavens to reserve you for more time to be with us! But again, God has had His way - His wiser ways. But then, we would be unfair if we don’t acknowledge that you were sustained despite the long and hard fight. Sis Taiye! We loved having you for longer, but perhaps in God’s wisdom it’s time to rest from the battle and rest in His bosom in that beautiful abode for saints that’s devoid of pain and stress. Be comforted Dr Mrs Bose nee Osemwegie... I trust that you could have combed every medical book just to keep our Taiye and your aburo Pharm Idowu nee Osemwegie would have stayed on in labs inventing whatever drug ... Be comforted Pointer family, we will miss another of those gallant, brilliant and gentle souls. A very worthy representative of His kingdom while she breathe! May your tribe of believers thrive.
May God stand with your loving husband and children. God will keep them and grant them and the larger family every comfort as they cope with this momentary departure. By His grace, we shall not fail, so we make that great reunion of saints in Jesus name.
Adieu! Adieu!!Adieu!!!

I have known sister Taiye as a teenager from the early 80's courtesy of elder sister Constance (as they both visted the house from school time after time).
My Parents and Siblings all fell in love with sister Taiye, and long adopted her into the Family no sooner than Later.

Sister Taiye I saw you and the children in 2015 when you came visiting the Country after a vey long while.You cannot imagine the Joy and Laughter you brought after not seeing you for over 20 years. You still looked like a teenager and your infectious smiles brought back so much memories and was a joy being in your presence to soak up all the past years we had'nt seen each other.

Your passing has been very difficult for us all in the in late Justice J.A.P Oki family including my aged Mum @ 89 to fully come to terms with it; not to talk about your dear freind and sister, Constance who was heart broken by the news. 

All the same i bless God for your life . You have been an inspiring elder sister full of so much love and compassion that words are not to express based on your influence over the past 30 years.

I am sure without a shadow of doubt you have joined the Clouds of Witnesses and the heavenly host resting in the bossom of the Father of Lights in the heavenlies; free from the perils and evils of this sinful and wicked world of us.
You have fought rhe Good Fight, Finished the Race and kept the Faith. For this we take solace and pray that when He too calls us home , we shall be reunited at His feet to depart no more.

Rest in Perfect Peace, my dear sister!

Taiye, You were a lovely, funny and caring friend to me at Idia College. I wish we had met again. So sorry to lose you. Rest in Perfect Peace, my friend.

Ms. Osa was a wonderful, strong and caring woman who loved life and loved her family dearly and always will. I had the privilege of working with her. She cared for her clients and worked well with all members of the team. She was always smiling. She will be greatly missed. My condolence to the family.
Rest in Peace my dear sister and friend.
Ngozi Nnadi

Mummy Taiye, There's a lot to write about you.... I remember the first time I meet you when I had just moved to NYC for my job. I was desperate for housing, you and your family offered me a place I called home for 3 months, I also remember your charity and the love and care you showed me during that period of my life. Your faith inspired me and your hospitality was warming and welcoming... I will miss you but I know that you a resting at the bossom of the father. Till we meet again in heaven..

One role of a therapist is to provide a warm and caring environment for their patients. Ms. Osa definitely fulfilled that role. I am a teacher in the school where Ms. Osa worked. I saw first hand how much Ms. Osa really cared about her students/patients. She worked very hard to promote their best interests and well being. On behalf of my students and myself, I say thank you Ms. Osa.

Taiye was a Christian who exhibited the joy of the Lord. She had a friendly disposition and a sunny personality. Her death came as a shock because she told my wife and me some months ago that she was “getting better by the day”.
Our condolences go to Osagie and their children, praying that God will comfort them in this period of deep sorrow.
Good night, Taiye. We WILL see you in the morning, the resurrection morning.

Blessed is the memory of the righteous.

Thank you auntie T for being a beacon of hope, faith, unity and support to me.
You were a light, you were love, you were inclusive and a joy to be around. Now, you are a guardian angel. A witness in the cloud.

I still cannot quite believe that you are no longer here, earth side. However, one thing is for sure, you fought a good fight!

Till we meet again. x

Good night mommy, it’s hard to believe that you have gone. Waiting for the news that you awake again. Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel. A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved. Good night mommy Oronbator.

My dearest Osa, it’s hard to believe that you are no longer in this world. Osa your heart was gold, your smile warm and full of life. I will miss your energy and your words of wisdom, but more than anything I will miss the positive way of how you saw life. May your soul be at peace.

Still in shock and coming to terms with the news that your gentle soul has departed this world. We surrender to the sovereign God who knows and understand more than we do.

Your infectious and hearty laugh will be most missed. I pray the Lord will watch over your children and loved ones.

Met you in Nigeria / Ibadan for the first time in 2018; having had so much about you for last 20 years and we hit it off from the airport. What a wonderful time it was the four days we spent together during Anjie's wedding.

I am trying not to view the so many pictures we took together as it is too painful to know you are no longer here.

You fought hard and persevered throughout these last 2 years and just when we relax and think the worst is passed you entered your rest.

We give thanks to God for your time here and pray your beautiful children will keep your legacy on.

Rest in peace till the Resurrection morning.
Adieu Taiyelolu Ejire.

The news of your passing came as a shock. You had a genuine interest in helping other people find their footing in life's situations. I pray that God will console the family you have left behind. May your gentle soul rest in God's peace!

I am deeply saddened by the news of your passing. It came as a big shock! Tt seemed like yesterday since the last time we saw each other at my cousins anniversary party. Taiye, words cannot describe my pain hearing that you have gone to be with the lord.

We go far back as primary school. We had so much in common - we ended up as lawyers, met and reunited in New York, and worked in the same office for many years. Each time we met, we would often go down memory lane, talking about common people we knew and crack jokes about the strict teacher "Mr. Jegede" from Primary school in Benin. You were a true friend, gentle, understanding and very reserved, a friend who commanded self respect. Your commitment to friends was immeasurable. Your children were your life. I recall your decision to quit working in the same place of our work just so you could have more time with your young growing kids who needed you. Your love for your family was invaluable. What a vacuum your exit has now created. God knows best and we cannot question him. The beautiful family you left behind can only now seek solace in the fact that you are in a better place, and no longer in pain. On these they can depend, and never worry.

May the almighty lord grant you eternal rest and peace, and comfort those you left behind during this very difficult time. He will grant your beloved children and husband the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. You will be missed, and will forever live in my memory, my dearest friend, Osa.
Adieu!

I am sending my prayers and love to Osa’s beloved family during this sad time. I worked with Osa at the IDT program in Brooklyn and loved her so much. She was the best co-worker I could have ever imagined. And she was a truly gifted social worker- her loving spirit, dedication, compassion, and wisdom made such a difference in the lives of the children and teens and families she worked with. I am so grateful to have known and worked beside such a beautiful person! 

Saddened by this news.

Ms. “Osa” Osayame Osemwegie-Orobator was a very special and talented person with a powerful testimony on her journey to helping the children in our community.

For those who may not have known her, in March 2019 she was featured in our Journey to Social Work series. Here, she shared how she worked for years as a NYC DOE teacher and realized she wanted to help children beyond the walls of the classroom. She started an opportunity with ACS and after learning more of the challenges, pursued a second Master’s Degree in Social Work. She later joined the Office of Mental Health. And as she put it, Day Treatment was the perfect marriage of both of her inspired professions, educator and healer.

There were many factors, including the pandemic which made it difficult to send proper well wishes when she went on leave and eventually retired.

My prayers are with her family and those who worked closely with her through the years. Her smile and warming presence will be so greatly missed.

Kanika Jefferies,
Executive Director
New York City Children’s Center- New York State Office of Mental Health

It was so shocking to hear that Sister Taye has gone to meet the Lord.
We were thanking God for your healing and for giving you another chance when this suddenly happened.
I saw you last in Nigeria and there was no indication that you will soon leave us.
We thank God that you lived a fulfilled life and affected all around you with your positive disposition.
You were a beautiful sister with a beautiful soul.
It’s hard to come into terms with the fact that we will never see your smiling face or hear those words of wisdom and encouragement from you.
your kindness and genuineness are uplifting .
I will greatly missed that “Gbem gbem” prayers laced with biblical quotations.
You fought gallantly as a good soilder of Christ and won
You left a legacy that will forever be unforgettable in the lives you’ve touched.
You left a mark in our hearts, and nothing will ever erase it.
Our heart goes to your sisters, husband and your lovely children.
We know that God has gained a fervent servant at our loss here on earth.
Rest in peace our beloved Sister.

Though we haven't met closely, but when I saw your smiling face in the picture, I can easily guess the type of life you lived. Full of energy, love, care and radiance just like your sisters. Being from the same stock I knis you couldn't have been different.
May you find rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ where your smile qill count eternally.
Mrs Aimufua

Dear Taiye, I was happy to see your smiling face in the family picture posted on your Facebook page recently and made a note to send you a message. It was joy turned to shock on later learning of your passing.
Years after our secondary school days in Idia College, Benin City where we were classmates, it was a great pleasure seeing you again and living in the same neighbourhood with you in Yaba, Lagos. You were a good friend and neighbor and my husband regularly gave you rides to work on his way to work. I missed you when you relocated to the U.S after your marriage but saw you again when I visited the U.S few years later. You were a great help and support and gladly hosted me in your house for a few days. Thanks to technology we were able to connect again after a long time.
You were good person Taiye. A woman of God. Sweet, gentle, peace loving, kind, pleasant, caring. A loving, caring and dutiful wife and mother. A friend indeed.
I will never forget you my dear Taiye. You affected my life more than you knew. Thank you so much.
I pray that God whom you loved and served so faithfully will give your dear husband, your lovely children and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Osaro Guobadia.

Ms. Osa taught me so much as a colleague. She was more than a coworker, she was a friend and a mentor. I am so blessed to have been able to work with her and to get to know her. She loved her family and always talked about her children. She will be missed!

Ni akoko ti a ni ibukun nipasẹ ifọwọkan awọn angẹli ti nrin lãrin wa. Wọn fi ọwọ kan awọn aye wa ki wọn tan imọlẹ nibẹ ni awọn ọjọ okunkun wa. Wọn fun wa ni awọn ọrọ ti aanu laisi mọ ipa nla wọn. Osa ni angẹli mi nigbati mo kọkọ bẹrẹ lati ṣiṣẹ pẹlu OMH. Mo farapa ni fifisilẹ rẹ ṣugbọn mọ pe Ọlọrun nilo ki o pada lati joko pẹlu awọn angẹli miiran. Nireti lati ri ọ lẹẹkansii ni adun nipasẹ ati nipasẹ .....
Wiwa awọn iranti ti o gbona yoo fun ẹbi rẹ ni itunu.
Dorothy

To the family,
My deepest condolences and sympathies to you all. Osa will be missed. She was a light in the darkness. She was always smiling even when she did not have the energy and then her spirit smiled! 
She no longer has to imagine what is ahead! She is standing in His presence! 

My deepest heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Ms. Osa. She had always displayed a sincere concern for our students and was always there to assist the staff. Ms. Osa had a beautiful smile that was always at the ready. May God’s comfort be felt.
Peace.
Bill Coleman

Ms Osa, it was shocking to hear about your passing as you were doing well when we talked on the phone recently. Though this was unexpected, I take comfort in the truth of God’s word that you are now present with the Lord. You fought the good fight and completed the race set out for you.
You will surely be missed by me and many others. I will not forget your kindness, cheerfulness, lovely smile and also your hard work and dedication to caring for the children entrusted to your care at work. I will miss the Godly advice you give to me each time I seek your opinion. I will also miss the produce you bring each year from your garden.
Praying for God’s comfort and strength for your family and friends. God will take care of them.
Adieu my sister and friend. Rest In Peace.

Dearest Taiye, earlier today, thoughts of you came to mind of your motherhood . You sure were, and will continue to be a wonderful, inspirational, joyous, encouraging, and just simply an amazing mother to your beautiful children.  Together as a team with your husband, your children are extra-ordinary gifts who will continue to carry the baton of all the beauty that is you. Now as a spiritual mother, in strong touch with the divine power of God, you now have far more reach, far more positive influence, so your transformational influence continues to make a positive difference. Thank you Taiye.

Hm!! Taiye, my wife’s true friend of over 40 years…sorely, sorely missed. The strife in over indeed and the battle is fully done with great victory won. We have lost a woman of faith, dogged fighter -determined to live on and continue to be a source of blessing to all. May the Lord comfort your husband, children, siblings and all who are mourning at this time. Peace perfect peace, the blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Dearest Taiye  You are so with us , today and always, as your beautiful legacy continues to ripple and continue to create great positive waves in your husband, in each of your children, your sibling and all of your bigger family,friends and all the many you have touched with your beauty, with your ever positive outlook and your great relationship - first with God and then going out to share this in some wonderful ways to all.  As you in the embrace of God continue to live, continue to look down and do much more in the amazing blessing that through you, through your life,God will continue to bring out marvel of graces, marvel of goodness, marvel of great things than we cannot even imagine now. As the human pain is followed by healing, divine wonders of the goodness of God will shine forth as the passion of Christ though sad, brought forth outpouring of marvel of the Pentecost that over 2000 years continues to yield marvels , so too it is with you on your husband, children and extended family - the holy spirit of God acting as in the Pentecost for them all.  Dearest Taiye the loving love of God who is love embracing you daily in his love in the eternal home of love everlasting. Amen

Dear Taiye,

You have gifted your family and friends with your boundless spirit of giving, joyfulness and constantly celebrating the communion we share as one people under God. We remain grateful to the Almighty for His ceaseless love, benevolence and care we received through your kindness and open heart. Your light and love will continue to shine through Osagie, Deedee, Ito, Omo and your network of friends and family. Rest in Peace.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of HIS own. RIP big sis as the Lord grants all you left behind the fortitude to bear this great loss. Idowu dear, please stay strong. Hugs

Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace sister.