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Madeleine Oduenyi Urum-Eke

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Victor Urum
I can't believe I'm writing in memory of my mom. I'd never imagined my life without my mom being more than a phone call away. I don't know how anyone who has lost someone so dear ever copes with this kind of thing. Life truly begins when one realizes that there are wounds that just never heal. And love is truest when you suffer a gash like this and have no desire for it to heal. Ever.

I see now in a way that I couldn't before, how one person's mere existence in your life can color it in ways you can't realize until she no longer is. Until I got that news that paralyzed me on that worst day of my life in December, I never realized how much my outlook on life, which drove my boisterous, happy-go-lucky, consequence-free existence, was crafted and then anchored by my mother. But that realization hit me hard that day. It devastated me, and my view has not been the same since.

Every time I look at her picture, even as I write this, I default to the feeling that I need to give her a call today and catch up. It still doesn't feel real, because even as I just glanced at her picture, I want to ask her what she's smiling about this time! And then all the memories come rushing back. My mom has been such a constant in my life, such a given, so guaranteed, such an integral part of how the world works for me, that it's now akin to starting a new life, and learning a new world.

My mom was indeed the rock for me and my sisters, but in this moment I'm actually prouder of the great many things she did for others; things about which I'm now finding out. She was the best to me, and great to many. There will never be another... not like my mother.

I Love You So Much, Mom!
Michael Okorie
Tribute to my sister and best friend.

My beloved sister, my best friend.
It is with excruciating pain in my heart and tears in my eyes that I pay this tribute to you.
You were many things to me; a mother, Sister, advocate, adviser, protector, a dependable pillar of support. You were my best friend Ndeyi, the only person who I could comfortably pour out my heart to in this whole wide world, you alone understand my pain, with you my case is always different as you don't rest till it's solved. Saying I am heartbroken is an understatement.

You were the best sister anybody could ever ask for". From our childhood days till your last day on earth, you've held my hand so tight to beautiful destinations, assuring me that you will always be there for me, never letting go even in the darkest partway, you've after me and my children and made sure we are all OK .

I am feeling so lonely and really scared of life without you my sister and best friend as you have gone to be with our parents , but I am not going to let you down sister, I promise to be strong, push on and make you proud.
You were the best and always will be.

I loved you then , love you now and will always do.
I am going to miss you forever till we meet again to part no more.

Your sister says rest in peace till the resurrection morning.

Mrs. Mary Okorie Omeagu (sister).
Edna Lekwas
A SISTER GOES HOME
How do you capture “NDENYI” in few words, its indeed a difficult one!
I have the privilege, pride, joy and - some frustration – of being Ndenyi’s sister by birth and friend by choice.
As children we were practically inseparateable but we grew up and grew apart, as most siblings do.
We had our own set of friends and our own set of goals for our lives, but that still didn't change the fact that we were sisters.

I find it so very hard to believe that you have gone and I must grieve;
I call out your name -- you answer not,
Everything seems so strange and surreal,
I ask everyday is it a dream or real?
I never imagined you dying....
You were such a great fighter, no challenge was beyond you.
You fought every day and every night even while you laid there unable to really see any light

You had a class of your own....
You worked hard as any woman possibly can or even more.
You were so independent and worked hard to support your family.
Family values were great principles you never allowed slip through your fingers.
As much as you can, you carried everyone along.
Can I ever forget my first trip to the USA and how you made things easy for me?
When the need for my second trip came, you stood by me to make it a reality.
An exceptional big sister that is who you are...

Silence is golden, yet not anymore
silence brings thoughts I just can't ignore.
Sometimes memories bring comfort and make me smile,
But there are times when grief takes over for a while;
I look at your smiling face in all my photos;
Memories flood my mind as I touch the mementos
From the good and bad times you and I have had,
I miss being able to call you any time and spend hours talking about everything under the sun –
- From my imaginery fears to care and worry about my children, and to all that crosses my mind...
The patience with which you listened eludes me...
I miss all the little ways you showed you cared.

Now I look down at your name on a cold hard stone
It tells nothing of the great woman you were,
It only serves to remind me of the painful loss I endure;
But I know your kind soul wants no tears or pain,
Instead you'd want warm memories and love to remain.

Although I cry and stand grief-stricken ......
I promise not to forget the loving memories you gave;
And your caring words
The memories of you and I will always be locked in the corridors of my mind and they will be visited from time to time.

Please don’t forget to tell Dad and Mum of how strong their little girls have all become
Tell them of their wonderful grand children and great grand children
Dad left quite early, please fill him with our stories......

You left this world with dignity and grace;
forever in my heart you will have a huge place;
I miss you big sister; Your suffering is done...
Go play, go walk and most important go run......
Rest my dear sister in peace you so deserve..


From: Mrs. Uzoaru Lekwuwa
Edna Lekwas
A SISTER GOES HOME
How do you capture “NDENYI” in few words, its indeed a difficult one!
I have the privilege, pride, joy and - some frustration – of being Ndenyi’s sister by birth and friend by choice.
As children we were practically inseparateable but we grew up and grew apart, as most siblings do.
We had our own set of friends and our own set of goals for our lives, but that still didn't change the fact that we were sisters.

I find it so very hard to believe that you have gone and I must grieve;
I call out your name -- you answer not,
Everything seems so strange and surreal,
I ask everyday is it a dream or real?
I never imagined you dying....
You were such a great fighter, no challenge was beyond you.
You fought every day and every night even while you laid there unable to really see any light

You had a class of your own....
You worked hard as any woman possibly can or even more.
You were so independent and worked hard to support your family.
Family values were great principles you never allowed slip through your fingers
As much as you can, you carried everyone along.
Can I ever forget my first trip to the USA and how you made things easy for me?
When the need for my second trip came, you stood by me to make it a reality.
An exceptional big sister that is who you are...

Silence is golden, yet not anymore
silence brings thoughts I just can't ignore.
Sometimes memories bring comfort and make me smile,
But there are times when grief takes over for a while;
I look at your smiling face in all my photos;
Memories flood my mind as I touch the mementos
From the good and bad times you and I have had,
I miss being able to call you any time and spend hours talking about everything under the sun –
- From my imaginery fears to care and worry about my children, and to all that crosses my heart...
The patience with which you listen eludes me...
I miss all the little ways you showed you cared.

Now I look down at your name on a cold hard stone
It tells nothing of the great woman you were,
It only serves to remind me of the painful loss I endure;
But I know your kind soul wants no tears or pain,
Instead you'd want warm memories and love to remain.

Although I cry and stand grief-stricken .....,
I promise not to forget the loving memories you gave;
And your caring words
The memories of you and I will always be locked in the corridors of my mind and they will be visited from time to time.

Please don’t forget to tell Dad and Mum of how strong their little girls have all become
Tell them of their wonderful grand children and great grand children
Dad left quite early, please fill him with our stories......

You left this world with dignity and grace;
forever in my heart you will have a huge place;
I miss you big sister; Your suffering is done...
Go play, go walk and most important go run......
Rest my dear sister in peace you so deserve..


From: Mrs. Uzoaru Lekwuwa
Edna Lekwas
A SHORT SLEEP......
Death be not proud that you have won another battle
she has already awaken from the short sleep
and now live eternally free from all pain......
For death is but a horizon...the limit of human sight.


Because she could not stop for death,
he waited patiently to strike at an ungodly hour.
For four days she was in a coma, you could not get her at your first strike...
She left at her own time....
She fought and won the battle but at the mere sight of the beauty beyond the skies
She leaped to eternity and looked back only once to laugh at death....
and to rejoice in her new found victory!
For death is but a short sleep that awakes to eternal rest!!


As her love ones cry and mourn, death rejoiced...
But with a soft voice she cautioned them saying......
....do not stand on my grave and weep, I am not there,
...I did not die but have only passed to eternity!
I am now immortal and free from all pains....
... do not cry for death did not win the battle, I conquered death.
Grieve no more, for I am now free....
I’m following the path God laid for me...
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned and left it all.....

Suddenly nothing matters any more
but the memory of the past that lingers
Remember me with smiles and not tears.....
For the many good years that we all shared together....
I have only slipped away to the next room, face to face with eternity!
For death is just but a short sleep that awakes to eternal rest!!


Today, I join multitude of others to remember you
not with tears but with joy....
For my mum, I thank you for all you did for her
For my siblings and I, thanks for holding us in your every thought
For standing tall for the entire family, I say another big thank you
You are a great woman....keep shinning even beyond the skies.

Lots of love,

Edna Mercy Lekwuwa
Edna Lekwas
A SHORT SLEEP......
Death be not proud that you have won another battle
she has already awaken from the short sleep
and now live eternally free from all pain......
For death is but a horizon...the limit of human sight.


Because she could not stop for death,
he waited patiently to strike at an ungodly hour.
For four days she was in a coma, you could not get her at your first strike...
She left at her own time....
She fought and won the battle but at the mere sight of the beauty beyond the skies
She leaped to eternity and looked back only once to laugh at death....
and to rejoice in her new found victory!
For death is but a short sleep that awakes to eternal rest!!


As her love ones cry and mourn, death rejoiced...
But with a soft voice she cautioned them saying......
....do not stand on my grave and weep, I am not there,
...I did not die but have only passed to eternity!
I am now immortal and free from all pains....
... do not cry for death did not win the battle, I conquered death.
Grieve no more, for I am now free....
I’m following the path God laid for me...
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned and left it all.....

Suddenly nothing matters any more
but the memory of the past that lingers
Remember me with smiles and not tears.....
For the many good years that we all shared together....
I have only slipped away to the next room, face to face with eternity!
For death is just but a short sleep that awakes to eternal rest!!


Today, I join multitude of others to remember you
not with tears but with joy....
For my mum, I thank you for all you did for her
For my siblings and I, thanks for holding us in your every thought
For standing tall for the entire family, I say another big thank you
You are a great woman....keep shinning even beyond the skies.

Lots of love,

Edna Mercy Lekwuwa
Michael Okorie
Today I write with tears as I did not just loose a mother I also lost a mentor who’s heart is that of gold and compassion for his family and friends, when I look back I see a mum who stood firm for her family and friends making sure she does not just give you fish but takes you to the ocean with a net handy and I will not be exaggerating when I say you are the best thing that has happened to me and my family, I remember when you heard that I have graduated from school you were so happy you called and encouraged me and told me that the future is gonna be bright, did I forget to mention you even gave me three digits in hard currency for a proxy hug(smiles) amongst other things as at 2013.

Mummy Oduenyi Urum Eke just like you said then, am certain now that the future is as bright as you said and this did not just happen because you only said it you also orchestrated it to happen, even when I don’t call you for your wonderful advice you will always call me to know how am doing and move to amend things without even me asking for it.

I have never seen my mum cry over anything even at the worst case scenario until the news of your demise got to her and this proves your worth on earth when you were with us and since we cant ask God why I thanked God that I had you as a big mummy and hope everyone reading this piece will emulate your legacies.
Chai I wish I can get one more minute with you as I never got the chance to say goodbye to you but am certain my ogbo( namesake) angel Michael will reciprocate your good deeds on earth..
Adieu Big Mummy I love you so much ...

Written by Michael Okorie
Ebere
"Make sure the visitor's room is dust-free and make sure the sheets are clean" my parents would instruct. Why? Because our Aunty Madeleine was visiting from the US. This revelation will inevitably make our day; my sisters and I. This is because we always looked forward to her visits.

Our Aunty Madeleine..... beautiful, kind, intelligent, always had a smile and always had presents for us. School mornings weren't my younger sister's favourite time of day but everytime Aunty was around, she looked forward to school mornings because Aunty would always have chocolates and cookies For our lunch boxes.

It's no surprise that you and Uncle Eke were the first ones I called when I arrived the US for my internship in 2011. You invited me to NewYork and two weekends later, it was you who made sure the visitor's bedroom was dust free.

I miss you, we all miss you and you will forever remain in our hearts. Goodnight Aunty and May you continue to rest in the Almighty's bosom.

Ebere