By Amarachukwu Okpunobi
The remains of the late Mrs Elizabeth Ngozi Ilo, fondly known as Shiner, were on the fourth day of Easter Octave, Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025, laid to rest in her residence, Ntoko, Ezinato, Awka South LGA of Anambra State, after a concelebrated Holy Mass at St. James Chaplaincy, Ezinato. Until her death, the late Mrs Ilo was a retired teacher, successful farmer and a devout Catholic who lived her life in reverence to God.
This was so evident in her life that while she spent her days on earth, she ensured that she received all the Christian Sacraments according to the Catholic Faith, which prepare one for the eternal journey to heaven. She is survived by her husband, four children and other relatives.
At the Burial Mass which was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, His Excellency, Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, the prelate extolled the life of the late Mrs Ilo, describing her as being great and impactful, drawing his facts from the faithfulness of the deceased in the upbringing of her children and service to God, in the church and beyond.
The Bishop further urged the bereaved family not to lose faith, but to rather stand steadfastly on God and be encouraged as their mother, whom, he said, in mortal eyes, had slept in glory and joined the saints in the resurrection of life.
Bishop Okoye said there was a destination for all human beings and as such, everyone must live as one looking up to inherit a better destination.
Appreciating the guests and all present at the Mass in a special way, Hon. Charles Ebele Ilo, son of the deceased, thanked the Catholic Bishop for finding it worthy of his time to grace the burial Mass and soothe their hearts with his presence. He also thanked the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Peter Andrew Ibeazor, and the entire Parish Council, for their distinct roles in preparation for the burial of their mother.
He thereafter described his mother as a lover of God who not only lived a pious and disciplined life, but also dedicated her lifetime being friends with priests and religious, leading to her being nicknamed ”Mama Ndi Father” (Mother of priests), while she lived on earth.
In his words, Pharm Henry Chekwube Iloh, another son of the deceased, and the Chairman, Association of community pharmacists of Nigeria (Anambra Chapter) described his late mother as a warrior, a woman of light and fierce, unshakable faith and endless compassion for humanity.
Additionally, Mrs Chinenye Christiana Ugoeze and Mrs Chukwuemeka Chinwendu, daughters of the deceased, described their mother as hardworking, epitome of beauty and a woman worthy of emulation.
‘The late Mrs. Elizabeth Iloh was my teacher in primary school,’ said the Deputy Director of Fides Media, Rev. Fr. Constantine Okoli. ‘She was not just an Aunty in the class but also an Aunty in the community, always teaching and leading by her exemplary life.’
