Helen N. Onyezere

HELEN NKECHINYERE UGWEJE Nee ONYEZERE

Helen Nkechinyere Ugweje Nee Onyezere was born to the family of Late Mazi Christian Onyezere and Madam Sarah Onyezere both of Okuku Village in Imo State, Nigeria on the seventh day of June 1966.  The third child in the family of seven children – 5 females and 2 males.  Attended Elementary School in Okuku, Secondary school education in Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria. She graduated with a B.Sc. honors in Nursing at the Chamberlain College of Nursing and was a few courses shy from graduating with a Masters of Science degree in Psychiatric Nursing before death came calling.

Married on June 7, 1996 to her heart throb – Innocent Chimezie Ugweje whose marriage was blessed with 4 children – Emeka, Tochi, Junior and Chidinma. Throughout her married life, Helen exhibited the qualities of a good mother.  She loved and cared for her children. Ensured that good education is the best legacy to bequeath one’s offspring, just like she knew she would not be around for too long. The life of Helen could be adjudged an embodiment of peace and friendliness. Was too good to a fault that she on several occasions had to forego her right that peace may reign.

She started her working career with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan, Oyo State, American Embassy in Nigeria before relocating to the United States of America.  Immediately before her demise, she was a staff of MHN in Jessup, Maryland, USA.  Helen was a devoted staff, a rare asset to her employer. Knew the value of work ethics which included team-spirit, integrity and trust.  Always self-motivated which was her major push to achieving set goals. Respected and observed organizational rules and policies. Had respect for constituted authorities and enjoyed the respect of all colleagues and subordinates.

Helen was fun to be with, the sunshine of the home front.  Used to describe her children as the center of her world. Gone too soon, long before she could even enjoy the fruits of her labor.  It is painful today to recall the remark of the children which goes thus – Mummy suffered for us but not around to reap the fruits of her labor. Possessed a unique friendly disposition which was quite comforting to people around her at all times both within and outside the home front.  Always willing to share to the last drop to the people around her.  Wore a very contagious smiling face that on various occasions summed up as “smiles that lit up the room”.  Helen had adorable and friendly names for everyone around her.

A devoted Christian, who worked to inculcate Christian virtues in the children and encourage the family’s prayerful life and believe in God. There is no doubt that Helen will be greatly missed by both family and those around her. Our trust is that God almighty in His infinite mercy will help all broken hearts to heal and console all in grief. 

Helen is survived by her husband, (Innocent), children. (Emeka, Tochi, Junior and Chidinma). Mother, 4 sisters, a brother, nieces and nephews. We pray to God to grant her gentle soul peaceful repose.  Amen.