Lady Susan Kaenebe Ilozumba’s son had bid her farewell at the airport in Abuja on her journey to the UK on Sunday November 20, 2022 not knowing it would be his last farewell to his mother. Her children in UK had also laid out a plan to make her stay a memorable one, but these were not to be. She landed safely in the UK on Monday and was called to glory the next day. On that very Tuesday, she had gone to bed gracefully after enjoying a long call with her children who were not in the UK. Whatever happened to Lady Susan that Tuesday night can only be explained by her and her creator. What a journey?
Lady Susan was born to the family of Ozo and Lolo Eugene Umeibekwe of Umugama village, Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State in the year 1951. She attended St Mathew’s Primary School, Umuchu before proceeding to St John of God Secondary School, Awka in 1970. In 1975, She obtained her West African Senior School Certificate followed by her Teacher Training Certificate. She also obtained the National Certificate in Education (N.C.E.) in Science Education and a Bachelors in Education in Geography from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Lady Susan met the love of her life, Sir Peter Ebubenna Ilozumba of Umudibunam village, Obeledu, Anaocha Local Government Area in the late seventies. They wedded in March, 1980. God blessed them with five lovely children – three boys and two girls. Lady Susan and her husband, Sir Peter also adopted a son, Peter Igwe, a seminarian.
She began her teaching career on August 5, 1977 at Ifite Primary School, Nimo. She would later teach in different communities including Awka, Nanka, Adazi Nnukwu, Aguluzigbo, and Neni. Lady Susan was an inspirational teacher, an admirable disciplinarian, and a dedicated and seasoned administrator. She was a
woman of foresight, insight, and hindsight. She loved her career as a teacher, and people knew her for her energetic, respectful, and transparent personality. Her students and the entire family would always attest to her moral probity.
She was appointed a head teacher in 2005 where she proved her organizational and managerial skills in four different schools before her retirement in January 2012.
As a woman who always wanted the best for her children, she juggled between U.S.A and U.K. after her retirement to assist her children and their families. As God would have it, she died while in active service to her children as a caring mother.
Lady Susan was a devoted Catholic who enjoyed going to daily mass. She was a member of Knight of St Mulumba, a Marian Devotee and a Legionary. Her devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is laudable. She received several awards for her outstanding faith and commitment to the church from different towns where she worked. She chaired many church organizations, and until her call to glory, was an executive member of C.W.O., Vice President of Curia Adazi Deanery Legion, and President of Akwaeze Legionary Curia. She was also the Financial Secretary of Umuada Umugama.
She was involved in many charities. She sponsored many church weddings for those who could not afford it, thereby making it possible for them to receive the holy communion. No wonder, God granted her the opportunity to receive the last sacrament before she passed on.
Late Lady Susan is survived by her husband, Sir Peter Ebubenna Ilozumba, her daughters, Rev Sister Dr Faustina Ilozumba and Dr Victoria Nnadi, her sons, Dr Leo, Surveyor Victor and Engr Arinze Ilozumba, her son in-law, Engr Dr Clarence Nnadi and her daughters in-law, Uche, Ifunanya and Uju Ilozumba and numerous grand children.
According to the arrangement released by her family, her funeral ceremony begins today with a vigil mass at her husband’s compound, Umudibunam village, Obeledu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State by 5pm. Tomorrow, Friday, January 27, 2023 , she will lie in state at her husband’s compound by 8am till 10am when a requiem mass will be held in her honour at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Obeledu. She will be interred immediately after the mass at her family compound. Condolence visits start immediately after her interment. It will continue on Saturday January 28, 2023 by 12noon.
On Sunday January 29, 2023, her loved ones will hold a Thanksgiving mass in her honour at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Obeledu.
Lady Susan Kaenebe Ilozumba, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Written by SIR PETER ILOZUMBA
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