Madam Monica Ikeanyionwu Will Be Remembered For Peace, Love And Harmony!

Death remains itself an inevitable phenomenon. And when it strikes to take out the breathing life of a dearly loved one, the living either choose to mourn in an extremely grievous manner or jubilate up in a comfortably joyous style. But for Madam Monica Ikeanyionwu, Ikeh whose the news of death came as an unexpected shock, the former expression of emotions applied.

Her aging health notwithstanding, we mourn the first wife to Nze Matthew Obiọma Ikeanyionwu [Ozuo-Omee Nnewi] of blessed memory, and the only surviving parent to all his children has passed on to the great beyond. Popularly known as and very fondly called Mama Iyke, she was thoroughly an epitome of peace. She wasn't at any time quarreling with people. Yes, she hardly gave room for a quarrel; instead, she always makes and ensures that there is absolute peace and harmony.

Madam Monica welcomed everyone to her home or in the market with big open arms. She showed affection to everyone who came across her with an olive heart of love. Yes, Nwunye Ozuo-Omee was always very friendly to a fault. Born in Ndịakwụ Otolo, she was married off to the Ikeanyionwu dynasty of Mbanagụ Otolo Nnewi. Madam Monica was a purely industrious woman until her death. She was equally very much successful in her trading business.

Selling akamu or pap at the ever-busy Ehi Road market in Aba was her passion, an unwavering passion that was. Remembering vividly, she used to wake up very early in the morning, exactly at 5 am, for work. And she would return home once it was 7 pm, satisfied with making good sales in the day's business. On some days, she would come back home in the afternoon to prepare lunch for the family. She was a good cook too. If anything, I have missed her special ofe akwụ with rice that she used to prepare every Thursday at noon.

A devout catholic, Mama Iyke was. She always worshipped at Christ the King Cathedral, CKC Aba. And while in the village, she worshipped at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Okofia-Otolo, Nnewi. If anyone ever jokes with prayers or praying, not Mama. She loves praying to the Maker, revering to the Creator of the Universe. An admirable compassionate woman she was too. She cared for everyone, often and always asking after a loved one. "Chukwudị, Mama ụnụ kwanụ?" she would first ask me anytime I visited her at the market. And the way she would call my name before asking always brings a sensational melody to my ears. I will miss her dearly for it.

As we mourn her demise, we are also consoled by the fact that she lived a completely peaceful life - a life devoid of rancor, greed, and jealousy. The earth has lost for heaven to gain. Madam Monica lived an exemplary life worth emulation by all people of goodwill.

"Fading away like the stars of the morning,

Losing their light in the glorious sun--

Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling,

Only remembered by what we have done.

Only remembered, only remembered,

Only remembered by what we have done;

Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling,

Only remembered by what we have done...."

She will for certain be greatly remembered for peace, love, joy, and harmony.

Fare thee well, Nwunye Countryman.

Ije ọma, ezigbo nwunye Ozuo-Omee

Sleep well, Mama Iyke!