Ma Patience Ifionu Buried At Obosi Amidst Tributes

It was with joy for a life well lived as the remains of the Late Ma Patience Ifeoma Ifionu was committed to mother earth amidst fanfares and tributes at his husband's residence at Ugaamuma, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Although she was buried at her matrimonial home, the burial ceremony took place at one of his son's new compound besides Girls Secondary School,Obosi.

Late Ma Ifionu popularly called 'Asiliugo' by her admirers was born to the family of Late Mr and Mrs Mmakor. She died a peaceful death after a brief illness and after she was discharged from a Jos Specialist Hospital, Plateau State.

In a testimony about the deceased who died at age 72years, Mama's last son Mr Nnamdi Ifionu (Andymore) after painting a true mental picture of the deceased, went on to summarize it by saying she was a virtuous woman.

Describing his mother as a peacemaker, prayerful and religious woman who always prays for his children.

"Mama does not look for anyone's trouble and taught we her children to always abstain from trouble, any form of wrong doing or crime".

"After my elder brother finished building his house, mama came down to live here saying that she would like to celebrate the prestigious "Ito Ogbo Obosi' or Octogenary in his son's house. She also wished that her burial ceremony be conducted here and that is why the burial ceremony is taking place here and not at our father Pa Nwagbo Ifionu's family compound," he said.

According to Onyeka Ifionu, Mama's third Son, my mother was everything to me. Anytime I am in distress and call her, she would encourage me. Even after my apprenticeship and there was no capital to commence, my mother rallied round and raised money for me start my business venture.

"She is very prayerful and taught us the way of God. During our childhood days if you did not attend evening mass, no supper for you. Mama also taught us how to help people in need," said Ifionu.

However, Mama's children said that their only regret was that Mama did not live to celebrate 'ito ogbo Obosi' (longevity/Octogenary) but they still thanked God for the legacy their parents left for them to continue in.

In their separate speeches, the inlaws from Nanka community, Orumba North LGA where Mama's second daughter was married to, Mr Ikechukwu and Chinwuba Udeafor described the deceased as a devout Catholic who died while praying the rosary.

"Mama's last words after our prayers include : 'I want to rest'. I put a pillow under her head thinking that she wanted to sleep and she passed on," said Udeafor Chinwuba.

Highlight of the occasion was the colourful displays and dancing of 'Chibuife Age Grade' being those born in 1983/84 and 'Ifechukwu Age Grade' being those born in 1980/81 among other age grades and well wishers.

Also, President of Chibuife Age grade, Nze Afulukwe Amarachukwu Ekwuno after eulogizing the matriarch said that they were at the burial to commiserate with their age mate, Mr Nnamdi Ifionu describing him as a kind hearted gentleman who also socializes with others praying God to give the family of the bereaved the fortitude to bear their