Tribute to a Matriarch, Lolo Ezinne Cecilia Agoma Ifemeje (1934 – 2025)

By AVM (Chief) John Chris Ifemeje (rtd).

The late Lolo Ezinne Cecilia Ifemeje was a rare jewel, a virtuous woman whose life reflected grace, dignity, and enduring strength. Even in her advanced years, her beauty of spirit radiated in ways that surpassed physical charm, leaving a legacy of kindness and godly character.

She was a devoted and faithful wife, whose loyalty and love brought honour and comfort to her family. The heart of her husband safely trusted in her, for she did him good and not evil all the days of their union. Tirelessly, she cared for her household, rising early to provide for her family and extending generosity to those in need.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and matriarch, Lolo Ezinne Cecilia Ifemeje, was a shining light in our family and community. She lived a full and leaving behind a legacy of love and faith.

Born in 1934 to the family of Late Joseph and Matilda Anozie of Umuojogwo Village, Amanasaa Umuchu in Aguata LGA, Anambra State, Mama was the only daughter among four children, a status that made her the apple of her father’s eye. Her formative years were steeped in love, discipline, and strong values.

She began her education at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church Primary School, Umuchu, up to Standard Four, before moving to Holy Rosary Primary School, Uga, in line with the Catholic Missionary directives against co-education. She later advanced to the Convent School in Uruala, Ideato, Imo State, where she successfully obtained her First School Leaving Certificate.

The convent exposure broadened her worldview, ignited her ambitions, and gave her dreams of a great future. Yet, life’s divine design led her to marriage at a young age, and she embraced it wholeheartedly with dignity and grace.

In December 1953, the radiant young Cecilia married the late Chief Christopher Chukwunenye Ifemeje (Okaa Obunuzo I of Uga), an accomplished educationist who served in prestigious institutions such as Government Secondary School Afikpo, Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri, and the State College of Education Awka respectively.

Together, they understood the weight of heritage and embraced parenthood with joy. Blessed with eight children, Mama dedicated her life to raising them in faith, discipline, and love. She was a homemaker in the truest sense, always present, always sacrificing, always nurturing.

Though the early years of their marriage had challenges, Mama’s submission, patience, and commitment helped build a strong and enduring family. She truly embodied the biblical woman whose “children rise up and call her blessed.”

Faith was the anchor of Mama’s life. Inspired by her mother, who was the pioneer Chairlady of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) at St. Matthew’s Parish Umuchu, Mama grew into a woman deeply rooted in the Catholic faith.

She was a devoted member of the Legion of Mary and an active contributor to CWO wherever life’s journey took her family, from Umuchu to Owerri, Awka, and finally back to Uga. Her service to God’s vineyard was recognized when the CWO of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Uga, honored her with the title “Ezinne” in January 2001. This was a crown to a lifetime of devotion to God and humanity.

Mama was industrious and versatile. Soon after marriage, she trained as a seamstress while managing the home and caring for her children. Later on, her entrepreneurial spirit saw her venture into farming, cultivating bananas, pineapples, oranges, and poultry. During the civil war, when scarcity threatened many homes, Mama courageously farmed rice and ensured her family never went hungry.

After the war, she diversified into contract and supply of foodstuffs, and later into beauty care as a trained beautician. She also became a cosmetics wholesale dealer with a branch of Biba Brothers. Her resilience and business acumen were evidences to her strength and resourcefulness as a woman who never allowed circumstances to defeat her.

When Papa retired, both settled in their beloved country home in Uga, Anambra state. Though her health later became challenged with age related ailments like arthritis, Mama’s spirit remained unbroken. She endured her pains with grace and leaned on her faith in God.

Between 2008 and 2012, she and her husband stayed in the United States with family, and in her final years, she was lovingly cared for by her children and grandchildren after Papa’s passing in 2020.

On March 16, 2025, she developed a fever and was rushed to the hospital. By the next day, March 17, 2025, God in His infinite wisdom called her home peacefully, at the blessed age of 91.

Mama’s life was a testimony of faith, sacrifice, and resilience. She was a woman of strength, wisdom, and unshakable devotion to her family and God. Her legacy is seen not only in her children but also in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, and the countless lives she touched with kindness.

She is survived by her beloved children including; Dtn (Mrs) Mary-Jane Umeh, Engr. Peter-Roy Ifemeje, Engr. Paul N. Ifemeje, AVM (Chief) John–Chris Ifemeje (Rtd), Mrs. Chigo Okalaibekwe, Mr. Innocent Ifemeje, Mr. Chukwudi C. Ifemeje, along with daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, cousins, nephews, nieces, and other extended family members.

Clothed in strength and honour, her words were seasoned with wisdom, and her tongue overflowed with kindness. On March 17, 2025, at the blessed age of 91, she peacefully answered the divine call to rest, having completed her earthly assignment with grace. Indeed.

Mama lived well, loved deeply, and served faithfully. As we bid farewell, we find comfort in the Scripture: “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

Rest well, dearest Mama, in the bosom of the Lord until we meet again.