Lady Florence Echendu goes home amid tributes

REMAINS of Lady Florence Echendu has been laid to rest in her compound at Umuzu Ngo, Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

  The burial Mass, which took place at St Peter’s Claver Catholic Church, Otolo Nnewi, saw the religious, social groups as well as friends and sympathisers who came to commiserate with the family on the transition of their matriarch.

  Commenting on the life and times of the deceased, Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Bishop Hillary Odili Okeke, described her as a committed Christian who lived for others.

  Represented by Rev Fr Nnaemeka Onuchukwu, he extended his condolences to the family, urging them to remain faithful as all was not lost.

  Earlier, in a homily during the burial mass, the Parish Priest, St Peter’s Claver Catholic Church, Rev Fr Ephraim Chukwuma underscored the importance of forgiveness, humility and spirit of what he described as “Let go” on the lives of christians.

  While  enjoining christians to be wary of their lifestyle so that their past would not torment them, he asked the family of the deceased not to mourn like those without hope.

  He described death as inevitable as one needs to answer the call and enter into a new life that will remain forever.

  While commiserating with the Echendu family, he said the deceased was a mother to all who came her way, advising those she left behind to continue with their mother’s legacies.

  In their separate speeches, Vice Grand President, Nnewi Grand Commandery, Knights of St John International, Colonel Okoli said the deceased lived a much fulfilled life as she touched lives on earth.

  He asked the bereaved to bear the loss with fortitude and prayed God for the repose of her soul.

  Lady Patricia Maduabum, who spoke on behalf of Soroptimist International, an NGO that focuses on the women and girl child welfare, described Lady Echendu as a person who lived a charity filled life and love for the less privileged.

  According to her, the deceased was an active member of the group in United Kingdom and President, Anambra Women in United Kingdom, a position she held until her health started to fail her.

  she said the deceased used her wealth to touch lives as she initiated some programmes, such as COVID -19 palliatives and materials that assisted lots of people last year.

  In her tribute, Dr. Ogechukwu Echendu, the only child of the deceased, described her mother as a motivator and mentor who helped not only her but countless people.

“I never had to ask for help, you were always there to guide me. You were my pillar of support and you never disappointed me. You have been my rock throughout my life. You know the best way to uplift my spirit”

  A representative of Knights of St John International, United Kingdom, Lady Eunice  Iwudibia described her demise as a devastating loss and prayed God to give those she left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.