By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Manager of St. Michael’s Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Reverend Father Denis Nwabueze, on Friday, 27th February, 2026, buried his mother, Mrs Felicia Uzoamaka Nwabueze, at Enu-Ifite Village, Ifite Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The funeral ceremony, preceded by a Concelebrated Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, had over 50 priests and religious in attendance.
Delivering a homily at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Awka, the sympathetic Bishop condoled with the family of Nwabueze over the death of their matriarch, stating that the death of a loved one was always painful, especially that of parents; even as he prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear what he described as an irreparable loss, and also for the quick repose of her soul.
Bishop Ezeokafor, while condoling the Nwabuezes, reminded Christians of the ephemerality of life and why they should run up to God Almighty and seek His face at every given opportunity, noting that death remained a leveller and must come it would come, adding that everyone should prepared and ready at all times.
Fides reports that the late matriarch was born on the 14th of May, 1965 into the family of the late Mr Godwin Anakwuba and the late Mrs Esther Anakwuba of Umudioka Village, Awka.
In an interview, the deceased’s son, Reverend Father Denis Nwabueze, said his late mother was the second child of the family, who, from a young age, displayed a deep sense of responsibility, care and commitment, actively supporting her parents and playing a significant role in raising her younger siblings.
According to him, she assisted her mother in her food business where her diligence and warm personality shone through, during which time that she met her beloved husband.
‘She was happily married on 7th July, 1984 to her beloved husband, Chief Dennis Nwabueze, of Enu-Ifite Village, Ifite Awka. Their marriage was blessed with four surviving children: Rev. Fr. Denis Nwabueze, Anthony Chukwuma Nwabueze, Sylvia Chinonye Nwabueze and Cajetan Ugochukwu Nwabueze, whom she nurtured with love, discipline, prayer, and unwavering support.
‘She completed her primary education at Ezinato Primary School, Awka and secondary education at Ubaka Commercial School, Awka, where she acquired valuable typing and shorthand skills, which prepared her well for administrative and corporate work. She later studied Education Management and Policy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
‘Her professional career began as a clerical staff at the College of Education, Nsugbe. She later transferred her dedicated service to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 1993 as a junior staff member. Through commitment, hard work, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, she was upgraded to senior staff and steadily rose through the ranks to attain the prestigious position of Chief Executive Officer (Secretarial).
‘She served in several key units of the University, including the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Law, and the Directorate of Research and Innovation, among others. In every office she worked, she left a lasting impression of professionalism and efficiency and was widely respected for her diligence, integrity, and strong work ethic. Her dedication to duty, loyalty to the institution, and respectful disposition earned her the admiration of colleagues and superiors alike.
‘A woman of deep faith and committed service, she devoted much of her life to the Church. She served selflessly as the Parish Typist from 1997 to 2005 without payment, offering her skills freely for the growth of the Church. She was also a vibrant member of the Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO) and served as St Anthony’s Parish CWO President from 2009 to 2015.
‘In addition, she was a committed member of the Purgatorian Society, serving as the Parish President until her demise. She was also an active member of the Lay Readers Association, Apostle of Divine Mercy and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN), serving faithfully in various committees at both parish and zonal levels.
‘Furthermore, she served diligently as the Financial Secretary of St Stephen’s Zone for nearly twelve years, a role she carried out with honesty, accountability and commitment.
‘Beyond her parish commitments, she served her community selflessly. Until her demise, she was the President of Umụ Okpu Umuchukwu, a respected association of married women from Umudioka Village by birth. She was deeply passionate about family life and supported young prospective couples preparing for marriage, actively participating in marriage courses and offering guidance, counsel and encouragement. She was ever ready to listen, advise and promote peace within families.
‘Fondly known as “Mama Fada,” she was an outspoken, fearless, humble, charismatic and peace-loving leader. She was jovial, warm and possessed a contagious smile that lit up any room she entered. Her presence brought comfort, laughter and reassurance to many.
‘Mama Fada was a giver at heart, known for her generosity and open-door hospitality. She welcomed everyone into her home and was always visiting and comforting the sick, even when her own health was fragile. Because of this selfless nature, her children affectionately nicknamed her “dokinta amasiamasi”.
‘Mrs Felicia Uzoamaka Nwabueze will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, community leader, faithful servant of God and a woman whose life was defined by love, service, courage and compassion. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the families she supported and the faith she lived daily,’ Fr. Nwabueze concluded
Commendation prayer was said by the Vicar General of Ekwuluobia Diocese, Rev Fr Prof. Anthony Chiegboka.
Interment at her husband’s compound, Enu Ifite Village, Ifite Awka, eulogies by sympathizers, reception of dignitaries, condolence visits by well-wishers, friends, relatives and in-laws, and paying of their last respects to the departed colleague by the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO) formed the highpoints of the funeral ceremony.