TRIBUTE TO A LEGENDARY WOMAN: SR HELEN ONYIUKE
My dearest Aunty, Sr. Helen, you shot away from us like the shooting star across the sky. And we stood watching to catch a glimpse of you, but alas you were truly gone, gone to be with your Maker. It is well!
Sr. Helen had a charm about her that draws you to her. Her charisma was unparalleled. With her you felt loved. She drew the best out of you. She put herself out so completely that you may be happy. The last of her numerous siblings, she was there for them in their moments of need, in their final moments. All without exception. She gave of her time and even from the resource which she never really had.
She made it a habit of visiting her Big Sister, our Mum, Mrs Rebecca Ezekwe in Nibo as often as she could during the twelve years and more that she was confined to the wheel chair. And of course she never came empty handed. When her Sister passed on, to our greatest surprise she came with coolers of food for us, her nieces and nephews in mourning as we prepared to bury our Mum. Oh! What generosity.
She gave us an insight of a life truly dedicated to God. She lived a sincere Christian life. Her fellow Nuns congregated about her and she brought them to her family home in Nimo. She made us feel like one big happy family. She was our role model. You were a jewel.
We believe without question that you are resting with The Lord. Your memory shall remain evergreen with us. We love you dearly. We miss you sorely.
Rest in perfect peace.

Prof. ifeoma Eneanya (Nee Ezekwe)
Your Niece

Sr. Helen was a woman with beautiful heart, I was introduced to Sr. Helen by Sr. Franca Onyibor in Sept. 2018 at Abuja during our NVC mission and I only stay with her for few hours she became a wonderful friend to me, she supported me with advice with her gentle and caring nature. One of her beliefs in life was the importance of being authentic with people. Also, I always admired how she never judged or forced her opinions on anyone, but offered valuable and truthful advice that we will surely miss. I could remember when she asked me to teach her how to use google maps on her phone to my surprise she understand it and able to use it in a short period of time ....(tears) may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Rev. Sister Helen Onyiuke, Nnem Ukwu, my Mentor, a Saint, an Angel. you created a positive impact in my life and the lives of many people. I thank God for bringing you into our lives.

Jee nke oma.

Felicia Amaka Enwelu Nwazojie.

Rev. Sister Helen Onyiuke, Nnem Ukwu, my Mentor, a Saint, an Angel. you created a positive impact in my life and the lives of many people. I thank God for bringing you into our lives.

Jee nke oma.

Felicia Amaka Enwelu Nwazojie.

TRIBUTE TO A BELOVED MOTHER
I thought it's all a dream. Perhaps I have to accept the reality that my sweet mummy is gone. You waited for me to see you at the National Hospital in Abuja. Although I feel sad and broken, but I am consoled that I saw you and I was the last person you prayed for and spoke with before going into the theatre. Oh my mummy, who will call me "ReggyNwam" again? A name many people tease me with because of you. You loved me like a biological daughter. You guided and journeyed with me spiritually- a great companion on my spiritual journey. You were always concerned about my closeness to Jesus. You wanted the best for me and always encouraged me to develop sweet and intimate relationship with Jesus. I am already missing you a lot my mummy. I love you so much but God loves you more. I am consoled that you are with Jesus, smiling and praying for me. You have touched so many lives in the cause of life's journey. You lived a life that truly inspires. Your kind nature brought succour to many. Even the pains you felt when you were on your sick bed couldn't mask the aura of kindness and joy you radiate. Memories of the good time we shared will forever be cherished. Your life was a blessing to many, your memory a treasure. Surely I lack words and would prefer not to speak, for words cannot convey the deepest emotions at a time like this. Only tears pouring down like rain has and will continue to express what I feel deep within. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure my sweet mummy.
Receive the crown and reward from your spouse Jesus whom you loved and served so diligently. Rest on my mummy, rest on, rest on... May Heaven welcome you with a warm embrace.     SR. REGINA UTRE (OLF)

There is no greater blessing than knowing you mama Helen. Big mama, a woman with a large heart; knowledge, full of ideas, accommodating and smiles. No dull moment with you. You had good stories to share, always disposed to teach as one shows interest. I recall and treasure the golden happy moments shared together, equally feeling so sad that you are no more with us. For life is an appointment which destiny can never end until God decides it. I look to the skies as I wipe out tears, yes we have lost an angel, a called one, but the heaven has gained one. You are the mother to all, sister, aunt, relation and friend. A woman with so many attributes, always there to listen and advice to support and encourage. Mama Helen, as you have bowed out and took your final exist into the world beyond I no doubt take consolation in the undisputed fact that your stay here on earth was a mission accomplished and most importantly you are resting in the bossom of the Lord your creator.
Sr Helen philosophy of seeing GOD in others and treating them with charity and empathy has been crystallized and constructed into a beautiful song by Mary Mkee and the Genesis thus:
.i   If you see a brother standing by the road.. With a heavy load from city so, And if you see a sister failing by the way, Just stop and say you are going the wrong way
Chorus: You 've got to try a little kindness show a little kindness Shine your light for everyone to see And if you try a little kindness Then you'll over look the blindness of narrow minded people on a narrow minded street.
ii.  Don't walk around the down and out.. Lend a helping hand instead of doubt.. And the kindness that you show everyday... Will help someone along the way.
I am gladdened by your fruitful, sincere and exemplary life. Sr and mother you have played well your part in life and my prayer is that may your humble soul through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Mama Helen timber and caliber will forever miss you........
Adieu our SR. Mother and our mentor!

Due to the message I received about the operation she undergo last week,I was so worried and began to call number but it wasn't reachable, until I received a message on my WhatsApp about the passing on of my lovely Rev sr. Helen onyiuke.I was so devastated and shocked. Death is so humble but it is an inevitable end , Rev sr. Helen was an epitome of kindness, oneness, and so religious. She was my mentor in religious life,though we are not from the same congregation and age difference, yet she breeds the differences with vigor and humor . she served God with one heart ,with that she normally tell we sisters that "we should always be holy as our white is pure". She is quiet hospitable and ever ready to satisfy whoever comes to her,Her unique selflessness made her to be respected by everyone who knowns her. She is always ready to give listening ears to whoever comes to her for advise,to clarify their doubt. Rev sr.Helen, you were full of life and activities when we met on the 4th of January 2018, I never expected your death,I never knew our meeting was going to be the last one,but I know we shall meet again in the blossom of the lord. I miss you dearly mother and mentor, you left a big vacuum in my life,my hope lies in the resurrection of the righteous.
Adieu my mother and mentor.
Adieu Rev sr. Helen onyiuke.
Rev sr Mary Paul akpu

Tribute to Rev. Sister Helen Onyiuke who died on Thursday 22nd February 2018 in Abuja.

Sister Helen was the first Senior Prefect of Holy Rosary Secondary School, Ihioma. She was our senior Sister, Mother and role model, in short Sister Helen was everything to her fellow Pupils in School.

Even in her old age she never stopped being a caring person. We met at a school function and on seeing the health challenges I faced, she introduced a health outfit to me so they can give me treatment at home. She also used to call me regularly to find out how I am doing and would sometimes visit me at home. She was with me not too long ago, so I was surprised when I heard she was in hospital. Due to my not being able to climb stairs, I sent my daughter Ada to see her. Sister Helen sent a Message that I should not worry about her. It is now heart breaking to hear of her death.

May her gentle Soul Rest in Peace!

By Mrs Chinyere Angela Uzoka nee Nwosu, (1961~1965 Set, Holy Rosary Secondary School, Ihioma).

Dearest Rev. Sister, you were sent by God to help humanity which you did perfectly as any noble person can. Sister we are going to miss you because you always offer my entire family Adivice on medical care. Your chinchin that you gave us for Christmas has not finished. Adeiu Sister. May the Angel welcome you to Heaven. I pray in Jesus name. Amen. Justice Moses Bello. OFR

It is with great pain and sadness that our family mourn the passing of our dear and beloved Rev. Sr. Helen Onyiuke of The Holy Rosary Sisters. A loving, caring, compassionate and devoted Catholic evangelist and missionary for the greatest part of the 81 years she lived. 

She had and will forever have a special place in our family always praying for us and our children. Her evangelist work was carried out in many parts of Nigeria. Ireland, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. She came into our family life in South Africa in 1997. We had our first child, knew not how to handle a newborn. She took permission from her superior at the convent and came to live with us for two good weeks. She did an "ömugwö" for my wife - the caring a mother gives to her daughter who has given birth to a child. At our daughter's naming ceremony, we gave her the honor to give her the Christian name. She named her Maria-Goretti after an Italian nun and saint. She has been part and parcel of our family even until her last days. A few days before she passed, we spoke with her and she asked us to keep praying for her.

To say that our family is devastated by her transition is to understate our sense of loss.

We know she lived a thoroughly devote Catholic Christian life, touching many lives wherever she was. The good Lord has called her home at a golden age. Our dearest and mother Sister Helen, we all, Patrick, Laeticia, Kelechukwu Maria-Goretti, and Chukwuemeke shall forever miss you.

Goodbye sister till we meet again.

Tribute To Sr Helen Onyiuke.

The last time we visited Sr Helen in Abuja in 2015 after the death of her remaining sibling- Chief Gregory Onyiuke, I did not realise I was actually predicting a possibility, I told her , “ now that you have successfully prayed all your siblings into Heaven
considering the holy circumstances in which each of them died, do not feel that you should now also leave us, I am hoping for you also to wheel me into heaven with your prayers and inspirations.”
Sr Helen did not say a word in response to my deep seated concerns, but what she did was to rejuvenate us - my husband, my son and I by a heartfelt reception . She fed us , demonstrated to us some exercises we ought to do each day to keep our blood circulating properly. She gave us some herbal medicines and kept us laughing and cheerful all the time, the seriousness with which she counseled us on exercises, perseverance and zeal, we kept wondering how she would be more energetic and full of life than all of us.
From the word go, it was clear that God gave Sr Helen extraordinary gift of Wisdom and Faith that made her place riches and wealth where they belong to focus all her energy on the service of God in the ranks of the Holy Rosary Congregation. There she served God to her best ability as I know the sisters would recount. Sr Helen was an epitome of simplicity and love all the time. She was full of concern for the welfare of all, witness the enthusiasm with which she publicised and counselled and administered the herbal medicines, when it came out, she believed in natural means of cure and encouraged everybody to see that we have natural herbs etc that would keep us healthy without taking too much chemicals- she almost became a “ herbalist”.She wanted all to benefit as she benefitted. Sr. Helen’s kindness and generosity to the needy was infectious;one left her company a happy person, your problems addressed, and as we mourn that our sister is no longer on earth with us , I know the Holy Rosary Sisters even feel it more because of the love she gave.One consolation we should feel is that she is in heaven because God does not fail in His promises. Her concerns for us will not die now, she will be able to plead for us to our Lady of the Holy Rosary. We thank God for this gem He sent us and pray for more of her kind.

Col.Robert & Mrs. Marie-Therese Akonobi

26 Feb 2018

Tribute to a woman of faith
Sr,you really fought the good fight of faith by the kind of life you chose to live. You whole heartedly served your Creator by dedicating your self completely to Him.You were such a good and humble leader in your congregation.I still cherish the encouragement and word of advise you gave me at the time of my Dad's burial.
My prayer is that God whom you have so faithfully served reward you with eternal rest in His Kingdom
Adieu Sr Helen.We shall meet to part no more
Fidel Iroh-Mbata

Back in 1997 Sibasa Parish South Africa,I found a mother a special mother Sr Helen Onyiuke one could ever ask for. Mam Sr Helen you were an engel send by God to me.you are my inspiration my guidian engel, you helped me so much spiritually ,emotionally, financially until i completed my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the University of Venda.your were a loving caring mother. When you left south Africa to Nigeria you never left me alone bt in the hands of Sr Hilda Tucker and you asked her to take care of me. I felt so special and blessd to have you in my life. My mind still talk to you, my heart still look for you and my soul knows you are at peace. May you soul rest in peace mummy.

SIster Helen Onyiuke came to the Mother Earth and bestrode it like a Colosus. Shocked as i was when Njideka Onyiuke broke the news of your passing to me on that Faithful 22nd day of February 2018 as i had prayed believing God for your healing.My heart was very heavy and saddened as you meant so much to me in many ways.On January 2018 you heared armed robbers attacked me and came to my house with your legs while i was in the police station. When you called me i was so touched and encouraged you to go home that i will come to the your house on my way from the Station but you refused and waited for me so i had to rush back.ls it the Christmas Gifts of containers of Chinchin you have sent to me and my children for over 12 years now including December 2017.Sister Helen you were my Teacher from QRSS Nsukka where you taught me among other subjects Moral Instructions that actually differentiated me in my carrier and life style leading to great sucess.You were my Mother,great confidant ,Mentor ,friend and grand Mother to my children. On your golden Jubilee Celebrations in the Novitiate in Nsukka in 2015 you were very Radiant and introduced me to your community as your Dawghter and having passed through the Queen of the Rosary secondary school in 1977.I was happy to be associated with you in all your Missionary work building Structures,Secondary School in Abuja etc You were so industrious without an idle moment as you are finishing a projesct you are starting up another.Sister Helen you were very energetic, indefatigable, lovely,cheerful at all times,peace loving ,amiable yet very strict. I Celebrate you Sister Helen for your uniqueness. You are a Rare Gem.l will not mourn as those who have no hope and will not question the God Almighty as He knows best.He also gave you to Humanity as a great Gift.I know you are Resting in the Bossom of the lord. I remember how holly you are with the mind of a little child as you never held anything to heart.You always forgave and asked us to forgive but pray continualy. You always advised my children from there primary to there university days and took them to the convent to spend time with you.You showed special interest in there welfare and school work..They loved you so much ,listened to your words of wisdom and called you Grandma.Ebuka,Chinenyeze ,Chidinma and there Dad  mourn you Sister Helen as you are the only Gradma that visited them continuously showering your love on them and admonishing them in love.My Mentor Sister Helen,you always advised me on health issues and introduced Moringa etc to me.I can't finish talking about your numerous giftings SISTER but im consoled that you lived long and according to your works on earth @ achievements you were more than a100 years old.Continue to Rest peacefully in the lords Bossom my lovely one..Adieu my Teacher, Adieu my Mentor,Adieu my Friend,Adieu my Mother, Adieu my Mother @ Grandma of my children, Adieu GREAT ONE ,Adieu SISTER HELEN ONYIUKE.We love you and will greatly miss you but God loves you best.Goodnight Mum.

From

Princess Ngozi,,Okey,Chukwuebuka,Chinenyeze@Chidinma NNAEDOZIE.

Tribute to Sr. Helen

Sr, I know you would tell me that one day we will all go to meet our Almighty Father but forgive me for being a bit selfish – for wanting to hold on to you a little longer.

Your presence drew so many to our home and brought so much goodwill. Your love and kind gestures remain unequalled even to the point of telling you “Sr, O zugo”. Your time to others was also not given sparingly so much that when you asked anyone to accompany you for a brief visit it meant the whole day visiting quite a number of people and frankly we did avoid such ‘brief visits’. But that was your person, you hardly had time for yourself but was however eager to share it with others, an attitude we should all emulate.

I remember with nostalgia the times you spent with daddy (Late Dr. Johnny Onyiuke) doting on him and enjoying yourself thoroughly. On hindsight, I have come to realize that you often called in with one complainant or the other about your health when he was alive but upon his departure you became the family ‘doctor’. Young-sook surely found in you a companion especially after you moved into the “Mediatrix of All Graces”. The frequent exchange of gifts and food stuffs will be no more? and the insistence to take Moringa to keep healthy will cease? It will take some getting used to.

On the day I heard the news of your demise, I lay in bed that night thinking of how you saw all the children of Beke, your siblings Albert, Gabriel, James, Gregory, Margaret and John depart this world and held forth so strongly even though I know you missed them so much. I reminisced of how fond you were of them – called them ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ to your only sister. I thought with a smile on my lips you were at that very moment meeting your dear ones one after the other calling them the very same way. With you still in my thoughts, I recalled 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18… I shall indeed not mourn like those who do not have hope knowing that one day God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him and we shall be caught in the clouds to meet our Lord. I was consoled with this biblical verse and slowly drifted to sleep.

Sr, na do!

Vivienne Okey-Ngene (nee Onyiuke)
(Nne m as you fondly called me)

We have lost a gem in Sr Helen Onyuike. We are in shock numbed and saddened by this loss.The Good Lord has seen it fit to call Sr Helen to Himself. He has plucked the fruit when it is ripe.God knows best and still it does not lessen the pain. She will be forever missed. For 21 years, at close quarters and from afar, Sr Helen brought joy, love and sweetness as a mother, counsellor, confidante and close friend to my family:my wife Rita Mary, and children, Akunna, Ekenedilichukwu and Nkonadi. It was such a wonderful and gratuitous gift of God for our paths to have crossed with Sr Helen's in 1997/8 in South Africa. She was an indefatigable religious, full of good humour and love of God and people..Sr Helen was a beautiful human being, caring, and ever so disposed to giving a helping hand and always wanting to make life a little more pleasant for those around her. She simply wanted to pass unnoticed. As Christians and faithful of the Catholic Church, we can carry on not just the faith, hope and love Sr Helen had for her vocation in the service of our Mother the Church, but the spirit in which she lived it. May Our Lord Jesus grant her noble and gentle soul eternal rest in the bossom of Our Father in heaven. Adieu Sister

Dear Sr Helen (Kaka),
You were such a gentle and caring mother. Young at heart and very docile! You formed and guided many people. We believe that the choirs of angels have received you warmly. Pray for us till we meet again!

To my look alike, I am honored to say a few words about my Aunt, Sister Helen Onyuike, Please for forgive me if I am lost of words in which to describe this wonderful Lady. She was a cheerful, fun-loving lady who was full of life. Her smile could light up a room and it was infectious. She made everyone around her happy with her positive attitude, or her big smile, she was a delight to be around. I will miss your smile and positive attitude Sister Helen. She was an incredible sister and Aunt. She will be missed by a lot of people. I wish you peace and will always love you.
As always,
Meggy Last born

Sr Helen Onyuike is the best Sr I have seen and the best known to me. When Nimo Abuja branch was divided, she volunteered at my request to intervene. She gave her best in the intervention. She wouldn't want to see anybody in difficult situation and refuse to help. She was a model and a mentor for many. May the good Lord rest her beautiful soul.

Tribute to Sr Helen Onyuike.

We met while working on the Holy Rosary Secondary School, Gwagwalada project and instantly we became family and friend.

Ri-ri like you fondly called me. You were a mother, sister and a true friend. You were there with me through the happy times, my 50th Birthday, my daughter’s wedding and most of all , through the challenging times of my undiagnosed illness. You were so supportive, always praying for me, visiting, and exploring to find remedies for my medical challenge. Sad you will not be here to see me run again but I promise you that by God’s Grace I will definitely run again. You were an extraordinary woman. So loving, caring, kind, dedicated and most of all, a very humble person.

I am glad your illness was brief and you did not have to suffer long. We love you but God loves you most. We will miss you greatly and will forever remember your warmth and smile.

Eternal Rest grant Sr Helen, Lord and let your perpetual light shine on her. May her sweet soul Rest In Peace. Amen.

Arc Rita Afejuku Egbe.
Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wuse. Abuja.

I love you, Sister Helen. I will remember you always. You were (are) a beautiful soul indeed, a big sister to my mom and a mother to me. Unforgettable ... that's what you are. Your strength, courage, generousity, cheerful disposition, love for all and life of service is a testament to your love for God and your earthly mission. Rest in the Father's joy, peace and love.

My sister, my mother, my friend and my formator, what shall I say I miss you so much. It is because of your encouragement, my formation under you and your trust that made me what I am today. I lack the adequate words to express my sorrow for your passing to the next world. You loved God very much and this love you shared with so many people both young and old, rich and poor alike. You gave us your best during our novitiate years. May God reward you with fullness of life for your motherly care and your frirndship. Farewell woman of God , farewell noble lady, farewell mother and farewell princess. May we meet to part no more. Antho Nnaike

Tribute to Rev. Sr. Helen Onyuke
Dear Sr. Helen,

I did not know that the beautiful evening of 21st December, 2017, was to be my last close encounter with you.

“Ada”, you fondly called, as I approached to greet you in the Church premises that evening. “Come”, you said, holding my hand and leading me to your car where you handed me a bucket full of delicious chinchin for Christmas.

Sister, you were a mother to me and to my son, on whose life your prayers and spiritual influence has continued to work. You have shown me so much love since that night I came crying to the Convent as a result of some personal parenting challenges. Your encouragement and advice have been my inspiration since that night. Your love for me blossomed and grew stronger as you got to know my mother and siblings. 

Sr. Helen, your death has left me gasping for breath but I am consoled because I know that you are now resting in the arms of Our Blessed Mother whose life you imitated while here on earth. She will surely and confidently lead you to Her Son, Our Lord, whom you served with all your strength.

Sleep on beloved Sister. You deserve your rest for you have ran a good race, yours is the crown reserved for you in the Kingdom of your father.

Adieu Sr. Helen Onyuke!

Chinyere Nzeduru (Kemsi’s mom)
Holy Rosary Parish, Wuse - Abuja

TRIBUTE TO SR. HELEN ONYIUKE, MSHR



Divine Providence made it possible for me to know you, Sr. Helen Onyiuke because I had the privilege of working at Holy Rosary Parish Wuse Abuja where your community has a domicile.
On 2nd February, 2018, I got a response to my usual daily reflections I do send to people including you: " Sr. Helen is not too well". Definitely not sent by you but by one of your sisters. Immediately, I responded: 'What's wrong with her'? The response I got shocked me and I prayed for you. On 13th February, 2018, I sent a message to you: "God will heal you"; "Which hospital are you?" And a relieving response was received: "She is discharged. She is at home." And I replied immediately: " Which home please?" There was no response as to which home until I read from the Mission and Dialogue WhatsApp page on 22nd FEBRUARY, 2018 that God has called you to himself. Instantly, the message I received which read " She is at home" became very clear to me. I couldn't hold my emotion in the lecture hall that day when I heard of your demise. At this moment, I recalled all my encounter with you and I said to God be the glory. 
Yes Sr. Helen, you are at HOME now resting from your hard work here on earth. Sr. Helen, for your 52 years of religious profession and 81 years on earth, you affected people of all ages, you contributed in changing lives, you shared experiences and to me, you were an experience. Psalm 90: 10 says, "Our lives last seventy years or, eighty years for those who are strong. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away". You were such a strong woman, even at your age, you were committed in active pastoral works for the good of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary and the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Wuse, Abuja. It was a sign of fulfillment and contentment you found in your vocation. Sr. Helen, the promoter of 'moringa', “many people will speak of your greatness, but I will sing of your LOVE for God’s many children who encountered you - thankfully, I was a beneficiary of that LOVE.” Proverbs 10: 7 says "the memory of a good person is a blessing."
Fr. Christopher or Chris Nwam as you usually called me is just saying to you, THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PIECES OF ADVICE. THANK YOU FOR BEING A LOVING MOTHER AND SISTER TO ME IN NEED AND IN DEED. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!. Sleep on Sr. Helen, good night Sr.- adieu and find peace with God even as you sleep. See you at the dawn of that day when we shall meet to part no more.
From Fr. Chris Nwa gi (Rev. Fr. Christopher Nnubia).

Dear friend the news of your demise touched my heart so deeply as I remembered how humorous you always be many times I met you. God knows why you should come home at this moment. As humans, we cannot question God’s authority. You were a great woman of God! Rest In Peace dear sister amen. From Chinelo Cecilia Okafor (Canada).

Dr & Mrs Akut and the children from the UK

We received the news of your passing to glory with heavy hearts. You lived your life for everybody, you were particularly a rock for us while in South Africa. You were a mother, sister and a role model for the family. Even after we moved to the UK you kept in touch giving counsel to us and the children. I will not forget the last time I tried to speak to you on phone after your initial discharge from the hospital and you said doctor pray for me. The Lord knows better why He decided to take you at this time. We will miss you a lot as a family. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus name. Amen

My memories of Sister Helen, Onyiuke, MSHR

I heard much about Sister Helen before ever I met her. At the time I was trying to figure out which congregation to join. My home parish priest biased my mind positively towards the Holy Rosary congregation. Being a close friend to the brother of Holy Rosary Sister, he had been a frequent visitor to the novitiate in his student days at UNN (university of Nigeria, Nsukka). He spoke glowingly about Sister Helen and other Nigerian HRS who embodied and incarnated the values for which Holy Rosary Sisters became known at Nsukka – particularly, hospitality, naturalness and people-friendly disposition.

My personal and vocational history cannot be complete without mentioning the unique role Sister Helen played in my life. At the time I was about to enter the convent, I had family challenges. In those days, in the early 1980s, it was as yet unheard of that a young woman would enter the convent after graduating from the university. After hearing from the sisters she delegated to visit my family, she made a number of decisions and moves. She negotiated with her responsible authorities and granted me a concession that facilitated my becoming a sister, which otherwise, might have been stalled. First of all she explained to me that if I did not help my family before entering, it might affect me negatively later on. At the same time, she did not want to frustrate my zeal to enter by sending me to go and work first before coming to join. She interrupted her retreat at Awhum and accompanied to Enugu to speak to the commissioner for education at State School Board in Enugu as well as the zonal education office at Nsukka as well as the principal, who though an Anglican had great rapport with Sister Helen. She successfully harnessed all her social connections to get me a teaching job in nearby QRSS Nsukka.

At the same time she received me into the postulancy. She secured a teaching job at the Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Uturu, Okigwe, for my sister, Theresa who had just finished her school certificate. She became their first female academic staff, earning her their fond name for her, Brother Theresa. She went further and took another younger sister of mine, Stella and handed over to her brother Greg and his wife Angie Onyiuke who took care of her every need.
Meanwhile, I lived in the staff quarters while teaching in QRSS, and attended the lectures at the novitiate after my classes. It was remarkable that while Sister Helen was very law abiding, she had a tremendous level of interior freedom by which she acted often in service of love of neighbour. In other words, she greatly lived from the spirit and heart of the law.

In the midst of my unspoken grief and shock, denial and later tears, I asked myself what was the issue? Why would anybody in their sanity be crying and weeping at the death of an 81 year-old nun? I discovered upon closer examination, the assumption within me, and perhaps many others, at least within my family, that Sister cannot die. Sister should not die. Mba, Oru be nu! We wanted to have her around much longer. The likes of me were taken unawares. My disappointment, numbness and shock at the news only matched that of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. Yes, my own hope had been that Sister would recover - after all, it was not her first time to be sick - sometime soon, Sister would move into Mission House in Enugu where she would be closer to us and would be moving around in her grey hairs and with a walking stick; and we would be enjoying her presence and she enjoying our teasing her about her Jesus and moringa. Lo, that was not to be.

The fact about Sister Helen is that you did not have to meet her more than once to remember her. Sister had an aura about her that radiated peace and love, and wrapped you with warmth. The tributes are helping me to deal with my grief and guilt for not being with Sister Helen in her last agony. I have always known the stuff of which she was made. And now it has become even more evident seeing all the tributes that have been pouring in from around the world. I feel a sense of privilege for having known and been known by someone of her human and spiritual stature.

Among her many personal gifts left for us as a legacy to emulate, she gave us a living model for celibate loving and relating. I personally got from her that image of a network of friends whereby in a community, one person’s friend became everyone’s friend, and vice versa. In that way, you do not easily enter the danger zone. One of my sisters said: “Sister Helen bu Jesus Christ nwanyi” (Sister Helen is Jesus Christ in a female body). There is no better definition of what it means to be a Christian. To a similar effect, I heard one MSHR say, “Sister Helen bu Bishop Shanahan nke nwanyi.” And now, I can sense even more vividly the sentiments in John’s letter where he said: “Something we have seen with our own eyes, and touched with our own hands, this is our subject.” It is a privilege to have known and been known by Sister Helen. Sister, thank you for everything. Like someone I heard recently speaking about their beloved dead, I did not lose Sister Helen. To lose something or somebody is to know not where they are. I know exactly where my Sister is, and I am already praying to her in my difficult moments.

Sister Rose Uchem, MSHR.

My God loved you more than me, so she took you away. There will never be another Sr. Helen Onyiuke, My lovely cousin who brought me to Holy Rosary, brought me closer to God. Ah, who will call me nwanne again. I know you are happy with the Lord in heaven, but I missed you here on earth. May You continue to enjoy the peace of Christ who loved you. What shall I say. my heart is heavy. All my effort to talk to you during your last days proved abortive. But God knows why and He knows the best for you. Go well.

My Sweet Mummy, The legacy of your memory lives on. I am sure you are with God. Your beautiful presence Sr. Helen when on earth was refreshing. We are grateful and I am grateful. I ask God for the grace to keep alive the sample of living life you left for us. Dalu Sr. Helen. Miss you.

REMBERING REV. SR. HELEN ONYIUKE BY MRS. THERESA ANURIVAL. NNODUM

Rev. Sr. Helen Onyiuke, you have departed to heaven, a place you worked extremely hard while you spent your life on earth. Your earthly life had not been in vain. It is a great peaceful rest and happiness you earned. Praise, honor and glory be to God who called you back

Sr. Helen, you were so many things to me. It all began with my senior sister Rose Uchem's interest in joining the Holy Rosary Sisters Congregation. God blessed me and my siblings in Uchem's family with another older sister.  Your role in our lives went beyond that of an older sister or an aunt, but a mentor and a confidante. I bonded with you while you were the Novice Directress at Nsukka Novitiate,  during my sister, Rose's novice years and I visited the convent a thousand times.

Very significant was that within that period, I got engaged to my late husband,  Valentine Nnodum, who left shortly to the USA for further studies, while I waited back in Nigeria. You noticed quickly that I was having difficulty dealing with the reality of that distance between Val and I, as well as the length of time involved before Val would return for the wedding.

Sr. Helen, I recall our private counseling sessions in the convent. You calmed me down, reassuring me that everything would work out. On one particular occasion,  I brought along my love letters with Val  and shared with you. You noticed from the tone of my letters that there were elements of doubt and not trusting Val which was confirmed in one of Val's replies where he helplessly wrote , " Tessy, I love you, believe me, I do".

After you read this, you dropped everything, pulled me to face you, and you said to me, " Theresa, stop now. Val loves you dearly, you will drive him away if you keep doubting him". You encouraged me to write him immediately and reassure him of my trust in him.

Sr. Helen, because of you, I was welcomed in the community with open hands by all the professed sisters, aspirants, novices, young and old alike. I interacted and participated in your Lauds, Vespers and at Masses in the convent,  as if I were one of the aspirants. Because of the accommodations in place for me,  the Holy Rosary Sisters, kept me in their prayers  until  my wedding approached.

Sr. Helen, you made me not to feel the absence of my sister Rose,  after her Profession and mission assignment to  Sierra Leone.

I enjoyed another privilege while you remained the Novice Directress. I received superb marriage preparation from your sisters who are experts in marriage counseling, Rev. Sr. Otuonye, Sr Therese Nwosu, Sr Therese Odunukwe, and of course, Sr. Rose.

Sr. Helen, even though you and Sr. Rose
were on Mission at the time of our wedding, your sisters, the Holy Rosary Sisters, as well as your late brother Papa Greg and  wife Mama Angy Onyiuke, graced my wedding at Regina Pacis Church Ihioma Orlu.

Sr. Helen, you inquired about Val and I everywhere you were. When you visited New York, you ensured that you saw Val and I. We enjoyed your presence at Mrs Anekwe's house in Brooklyn.

Sr. Helen, you prayed seriously for  our family during Val's prolonged illness. Your joy was immense when it was evident that Val lived to celebrate our Wedding Silver Jubilee. Not only that you sent beautiful and heart-felt card to congratulate us, you also gave me a beautiful Ankara fabric through Sr. Rose who attended the ceremony in the US.

Sr. Helen, it broke your heart when you heard that Val died.  You consoled me in a lengthy long distance telephone call from Abuja. And of course, your Holy Rosary Sisters poured their hearts out for my family, on the tributes page to Val, prayers,  words of love and encouragement, and strength. Sr Conchita and Sr Florence came all the way from Philadelphia to New York to support us.
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To the Onyiuke's Family, especially, Mama Angy, and the Nimo people,  ndo nu. Thank you for nurturing and for sharing your Jewel, Sr. Helen, with the rest of humankind. You have assisted in the making of a Saint. Praise God.

 To your sisters, my sisters, the Holy Rosary Sisters, I will say, as Sr. Rose said to me,  "Kasie nu! Take heart." It is difficult, especially as Sr. Helen left you just weeks following Sr. Callista's passing away, but gather yourselves up. Take heart, my dear.

I glorify God for your making it courageously to the finished line, at age 81 years old. We count on your prayers now for the strength to carry on, so that one day we shall all be feasted by the love of Our Heavenly Father. our  Lord Jesus Christ.

Sister Helen, I missed the opportunity to see you again before you left us. Being so far away from homeland and my challenging realities and extenuating circumstances robbed me of the opportunities of hugging you and  thanking you for your role in my personal life and that of  my two families.
I guess  you will counsel me to express my gratitude to you and to God by trying to sacrifice and help others. I promise you that I will .
 Go well Rev. Sr. Helen Onyiuke.

Theresa AnuriVal Nnodum - Bridgeport Connecticut