Dr. Mary Nwanneka Oje

My delusion is slowly becoming reality! My heart is so heavy, I can't control my tears. Oh God why Mary? Why now? I thought I would be strong but here I am now confused and a mess. Mary you were kind, supportive, Christ like. You were just too optimistic to be real. Just when we should be celebrating, and then you disappear. I know you are in heaven because you got it right. As you dance with the angels may you always remember to pray for us till we meet again. Amen

Farewell, Dear Dr. Mary Your life story touched my heart, and I'm honored to call you family. Your love for others and impactful work will never be forgotten. With deepest condolences, Edwin Emmanuel (Brother-in-law)

Dear nwanneka, writing this tribute is so difficult for me. The pain, palpitations that I feel going through my mom's death and now your demise !! We looked forward to finally meeting soon in person and then this shocking news !! Life indeed is not guaranteed. You were kind, resourceful and very sociable. You wanted everyone you came in contact with , to succeed . When I got to this city ,you gave me valuable information that helped me to settle in and anytime we talked , it lasted a minimum of 3 – 4 hours .It felt like I had known you for ages !! I didn’t know that 23rd August was the last time I would ever hear from you. Thank you for the short time of connecting with you. May your kind and gentle soul rest with God. And I pray God comforts your loved ones that you left behind .

Eulogy For Dr. Nwanneka It is with deep sorrow that I write this eulogy. I still find it hard to believe you are gone so soon. I vividly remember our school days, your laughter, and your passion for Christ. Your beautiful smile and voice are etched in my memory. You were so full of life! Even after school, we kept our bond strong. I remember my visit to Abuja, where we talked all night. You had dreams of specializing in paediatrics, and we even did primaries together before your journey took you to the UK, USA, and finally Canada. You always kept in touch, guiding me through my own journey. When I couldn’t reach you earlier this year, I was worried. Then, on August 1st, 2024, I was overjoyed to receive a message from you, only to be devastated by the news of your passing on September 4th. The denial, anger, bargain, depression and finally acceptance have been overwhelming, but today, as I watch you being laid to rest, I find solace in knowing you fought a good fight and finished your race. May God rest your soul. Ga ke oma, oyim.

Nwanneka, indeed you fought a good fight, you finished your course, you kept the faith. Henceforth, there's laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord shall give you. Rest in the bosom of your God, the Lover of your soul.

A Tribute to My Beloved Sister What is life if not lived to the fullest? As I reflect on your extraordinary journey, this question has lingered in my heart. Though I still understand in part, I am comforted by the words of 1 Corinthians 13:12b, “Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” At home, some said we looked alike. But beyond appearances, your heart and deep understanding of our family connected us all. You shared with me your special love for neonates. During your residency in the paediatrics unit, you found your calling and aspired to specialize in this field. The children in our family, and many others, were fortunate enough to experience your compassionate care. Despite the physical distance and time zone differences, you took on the responsibility of managing Mum’s care. You tirelessly monitored her wellbeing, guiding and training her carers with such dedication. Your selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment are traits I will forever admire. You showed this same dedication to me. Despite your busy schedule, you travelled twice—once from Abuja and once from the United Kingdom—to be with me in the theatre during critical moments in my life. You were there, not only for moral support but to provide aftercare. I am profoundly grateful for those moments. They are a testament to your love and commitment. I thank God for the time we shared, particularly in 2022, 2023, and even into 2024. These memories, though sometimes challenging, were beautifully filled with your resourcefulness, encouragement for my studies, and unwavering support, the treasures I will hold close to forever. I also had the privilege of meeting some of your friends and colleagues. It was clear that they cherished your openness and unwavering loyalty. You always stood by their side through the highs and lows. Your legacy of love, care, and devotion will never be forgotten. Though you have left this world, your memory lives on in our hearts, and your spirit will forever be with us. Rest in peace, my dear sister. You will be deeply missed, but your love and the impact you made will remain with us forever. With all my love, Your truly devoted sister, Deborah.

A TRIBUTE TO MY SISTER-IN-LAW I can't believe I am finally coming to terms with the fact that you are no longer with us. My dear "Doc," as I fondly called you, you were one of the most amazing personalities I ever met – beautiful inside and out, very cheerful. Anyways, only God knows why you had to leave us so suddenly. May God be with you until we meet again. Rest well, my dear "Doc"! Rest well, Nwanne Honourable!! Rest well, Dr. Mary Nwanneka Oje!!!

A Tribute to My Beloved Sister, Dr. Mary Nwanneka Oje Dr. Mary Nwanneka Oje was very special to our family. She was always there for us during both happy and challenging times, offering valuable advice and caution when needed. I remember clearly how she assisted my family during the birth of our children. Over the years, she also played a significant role in managing our mother's health. The news of your death is a great shock to me. I pray that almighty God grants our family the strength to cope with the impact of your death, as it has shattered the bonds that hold us together. Farewell, my beloved sister. Go in peace.

Tribute to my Dearest Dr. Mary Nwanneka Oje: Oh, death, why did you choose my dearest? What a black Wednesday! When I received the devastating news that she was gone, I felt like my world had been turned upside down. I was tempted to question God, but who are we to question Him? He knows everything and what's best for us. I remember how she used to call me "our last born" and made me realize how beautiful I am. She would always call me "omalicha Nwa" (beautiful girl) whenever she checked on us. She made me feel so special. I still find it difficult to believe that I will never see her again as I always looked forward to the day I would meet her in person. Although we had never met before, she accepted me wholeheartedly and treated me like a family member. She was always ready to take care of my needs. I really miss her sweet laughter; she always had a way of cheering up anyone around her. I will never forget the things she taught me, and I promise to take very good care of Mama. My deepest solace is that she died in Christ, and I believe she is at the right hand side of God. I miss her so much, and she will forever remain in my heart. Rest in peace, Nwanne Mmadu. Till we meet at that resurrection morning.

Tribute to a sister from another mother. Everything happened like a speed of light. I have being finding it so difficult to write this tribute because I’m still in denial. I’m finding it hard to wake up from sleep and face the reality that my sister and colleague is gone. Where do I start writing from ; Is it about Mary’s love for humanity. Is it about her unlimited passion and love for her parents and unity of her siblings. Is it about her sincerity to friendship Is it about her passion for academics Is it about her love to Africans Is it about her integrity and truthfulness I can’t count her embedded gift from God which she alway exercised within her domain of human relationships I can only stop lamenting because she have moved to join her maker in a quiet and peaceful environment smiling in her usual manners. We love you but God loves you most. Rest well Dr. Mary Nwanneka Oje until we meet to part no more! Dr. Gabriel UDE

It is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to Dr. Mary, whose passing on September 4, 2024, has left an irreplaceable void in my heart and the hearts of all who knew her. I had the privilege of speaking with her just days before, on August 23, unaware that our nine-minute phone call would be our last. That conversation, like many we shared, was filled with her warmth, wisdom, and the easy laughter that she effortlessly brought to every interaction. We had made plans to meet over the long weekend, and though life pulled me away and I couldn’t make it, I never imagined that we would not have another chance. Dr. Mary had a way of making even the simplest plans feel special, and I was looking forward to our time together, as I always did. She was someone whose presence you never took for granted, and now, her absence feels unfathomable. Dr. Mary was more than a big sister and friend; she was a guiding light, a compassionate soul whose kindness touched everyone she met. Her dedication to her work, her selflessness, and her unwavering support for those around her remain an inspiration. I will always carry the lessons she taught me and the memories we created. Though her time was cut short, Dr. Mary's impact on the world will live on in the lives she touched. I will forever cherish the privilege of knowing her, and she will remain in my heart always. Rest in peace, Dr. Mary. You are deeply missed.