Celebration of Life - Mrs. Stella T. Adewunmi

The Virtuous Woman Who can find a virtuous woman?

For her worth is far above rubies.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he will have no lack of gain.

She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she will rejoice in time to come.

She also rises while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the teaching of kindness.

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

She clothes herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.

She perceives that her merchandise is good; her candle does not go out by night.

She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.�

She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Order of Service Processional First Reading Wisdom 4: 7-14 Omolola Adewunmi Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23 Second Reading 2 Corinthians 5: 1; 6-10 Benedicta Adewunmi Gospel John 14: 1-6 Homily Father Kofi NtsifulAmissah

Prayer of the Faithful April Oki Presentation of the Gifts SUSU Women’s Club Offeratory Hymn The Lord’s Prayer Sign of Peace Communion Eulogy Adeyemi Adewunmi Final Commendation Recessional Song

Please join us after the liturgy for interment at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, followed by repass/fellowship at Our Savior Lutheran School.

Obituary Mrs. Stella Titilola Adewunmi (nee Ukut) was born on December 26, 1962 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria to Major Alexander Ukut of Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and Chief-Mrs. Julianah Kehinde Johnson of Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.

A lover of education and children, she graduated from Baptist Teachers College, Ikire, Oyo State, Nigeria. She taught math, religious education and physical education classes to primary and secondary school students. Stella (adoringly called S.T.) married her life partner Ola on January 10, 1987, and joined him in the United States, where they began their family in Schenectady, NY. After emigrating to the United States, Stella became active in the Capital District community, contributing to the growth of the Association of Nigerians in the Capital District (ANCD), the SUSU Women’s Club, and the Black Catholic Apostolate.

She was active in church ministries, organizational leadership, and many community programs.

Stella was not only incredibly caring and active in the community, she was ambitious. She grew a passion for technology and continued pursuing her education, studying Information Technology at the University at Albany, and advancing her career as an IT Specialist for the New York State Information Technology Services, serving the Department of Health (DOH). Prior to transitioning to her NYS government career, she taught at Omega Academy in Albany, NY; worked at Albany Medical Center; and worked as a tech specialist at KeyBank.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Ola Adewunmi, their three daughters Adeyemi, Abimbola, and Omolola, her brothers (Dr. Otuekong Ukut, Ademola Osunmo, Anthony Ukut, Unwanna Ukut, Samuel Ukut, Courage Ukut), sisters (Akaneno Udofia, Julieta Aina, Queeneth Adams, Glory Afia), many loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and thirteen godchildren.

In Memoriam A letter from the CEO to the MD Adieu my friend, confidant and life long partner. Your sun rose on 12/26/62 and shined with me for 35 excellent years before it set on 1/21/18. Four years of courtship and 31 years of marriage. I couldn’t have asked for a better half than you.

As we always said to each other, you were the “MD - Managing Director” of the family and I am “just the CEO, but what do I know.” Thank you for running the tight ship - great work, excellent result.

Sweetheart, as you quietly call me, and as I always call you. Honey pie. I have another favor to ask of you as the MD, especially now that you have departed us to finish the journey and call of the Lord. The favor is this: please keep watching over your investment, your three girls, as you did excellently while you were here with us. Please watch over them, guide them, protect them, and keep them healthy and safe at all times. This is all I am asking of your beautiful, gentle, kind soul. Sleep peacefully in the bosom of our Father and Lord Jesus Christ until we meet again. Sun re o, my darling one and only S.T.

Your hubby, “Olascobobo” Ola Adewunmi

My Queen, I vow to live as gracious, inspiring, faithful, and jubilant a life as you have lived. Well done, mom. Thank you for being perfect. I love you so much.

Forever yours,

Adeyemi Oba

Mum, When I see the sun rising, I know you are shining in heaven, as brightly as you did on earth. Every morning, I look forward to seeing the sun rise, and feeling it on my skin. It comforts me, and let’s me know that you are near.

Thank you for being my mother and my best friend.

Love you Stelly-girl, forever and always.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.

You make me happy, when skies are gray.

You never know dear, how much I love you.

Please don’t take my sunshine away.

Abim aka Bima

Sweet Mother, Our time together on earth was too short but I am comforted by countless memories and the beautiful example of life you set for me: I promise to dance, laugh, and celebrate life, as you did. I promise to welcome the stranger and cherish those close to me, as you did. I promise to worship God and live a life worthy of His grace, as you did.

Your impact is everlasting and your spirit lives on. Thank you for everything - I love you and am forever blessed to call you my mom.

Lola

Stella, my niece, a very special one, how special? I have over 40 nieces and nephews but I saw and spent more time with her than with any other. I know more of her friends than any other. It has been an honour and a privilege to have been so close and involved with her immediate family. She was inclusive, a great niece and a superb mother to her daughters, who are a great legacy to her life. RIP my lovely. I will miss you.

Ms. Victoria Seth-Kosoko, aunt

My Sister Titi, I still can’t believe you have gone to be with the Lord so soon. I cherished all the times we had together. You always provided support and advised me when I mad bad decisions. One of the greatest gifts our mother gave me was you. You kept the family together and always located and connected us to our cousins and extended family. Your demise has created a big vacuum in my heart and life.

I will forever love you.

Till we meet again.

Your Brother,

Ademola A. Osunmo

Tribute to a loving & caring Aunty!

Gone yet not forgotten. Although we are apart, your spirit lives within us forever in our hearts, until we meet again. May God hold you in the palm of HIS hands in the mighty name of Jesus.

Tribute to my amazing and wonderful aunty (sister-in-law like a blood sister) When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure... I will forever cherish the memories we shared aunty Stella, especially the connection you had with my baby right from when she was in my womb - I remember how excited you were when we both were watching her cracking a smile during the 6 month ultrasound scan. She became your special and miracle baby ever since then. I look forward to the day I would be sharing many good memories of you with her.

Although it’s hard to accept that you left us so soon, I know it’s the life in your years that counts, not the years in your life. I thank God for allowing you to live a good and beautiful life.

Rest peacefully in the Lord until we meet again and part no more.

Seyi Adewunmi-Ogunjobi, sister-in-love

Tribute to a lovable, selfless and full of life daughter of the most high!

Aunty, so we called you. Hmmmm, still like a dream but in God’s care you rest above and in our hearts you rest with love.

We will forever cherish our memories of you, even though our words are few; our love runs deep. Sleep well beloved sister in-law. ADIEU! SUN RE OOOO.

Jumoke Adewunmi-Matuluko, sister-in-love

Moses Anuoluwapo Matuluko, nephew-in-love

Continue sharing the memories by contributing to Stella’s memorial website: www.stella-adewunmi.last-memories.com

In Memoriam Death takes the body, God takes the soul, our mind holds the memories, our heart keeps the love and our faith lets us know we will meet again -Nishan Panwar We struggle with what to write about you, Aunty Stella; our hearts are laden with sorrow and sadness. We know that you’re resting easy now and every breath you take in heaven is without labour. Knowing this helps to put our sorrow at ease and we know the Lord has finally given you peace. But we are still selfish in wishing that we had more time with you here on earth even though we know you’re in the best place ever now. Our sweet Aunty Stella, you have touched so many lives, we know your memory will live on in all our hearts forever. Good people go too soon but they always leave their footprints in the sand of time. We will remember you always. We wish we had time to say goodbye, we love you Aunty but God loves you more. Even though you are gone, we are truly blessed knowing we only have to look at the girls to see you.

Rest in peace, sweet Aunty.

Ronke Adewunmi (your Mrs. Adewunmi the 2nd) & Jide Adewunmi (your oko kekere)

Death on its own is very shocking. We never believe you could leave everybody at this moment. You were a precious gift from God, so much beauty, grace, love, and patience you possessed. We miss you and love you so much but God loves you more, rest in peace.

Iyabo Bankole’s Children, nieces and nephews

Tribute to adorable sister in law.

Your life was full of loving deeds, with you always thoughtful of us. Today and forevermore, for our whole lives, we will always love and cherish you. We love you but God loves you more.

Sun re o, ololufe owon!

Ayotunde Adewunmi

A Tribute to My Beloved Sister Words cannot express my pains and sorrows when the shocking news of your demise hit my ears like a bomb. My night was shattered and I could hardly pull myself together. Sleep eluded me as l kept recounting our conversations few days before the sad news. How could you have gone without giving me a hint that day? You were very hopeful that you will pull through and asked me to put you in prayers always. Nobody can explain what really happened, only God knows. My heart is full of grief. It is painful to lose you, a younger sister.

What however consoles me is the preacher’s words in Ecc.3:1-2. As a farmer goes home after a day’s work, so is life and death. After fighting all odds, after struggling to survive, man goes home to rest and the journey to this resting place is called death.

Adieu my beloved sister, Adieu the lady with a heart of gold. Sleep on Stella till we meet to part no more. I will miss you greatly. May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of our Lord. Amen.

Akaneno (Sumbo), sister

Continue sharing the memories by contributing to Stella’s memorial website: www.stella-adewunmi.last-memories.com

In Memoriam Dear Aunty Stella, Your passion for life and love for your family will always be remembered. You had the ability to instantly light up any room that you entered and always went out of your way to make sure that those around you were cared for. Your courage and grace in times of adversity are greatly admired. Even just a few days before your transition to glory, in our text message exchange, you never complained, always keeping an attitude of faith until the end.

Your warm smile and embrace will be missed the next time we gather together as a family. There’s a void now, which only you were able to fill, but I hope that we can all find peace and comfort in knowing that we have all gained an angel in you and that you are dancing among your fellow angels in heaven...and that there is no more pain or struggle. I wish that your time here on earth had been longer but while you were here, you lived life to the fullest, loved your friends and family to the utmost and served God in the highest and for that we love and thank you eternally.

Love always,

Cheryl, niece

To My Dear Sister Stella May you rest in peace. I am going to miss u and all of our daily conversations.

We may not be related by blood and we may not have known each other from the beginning, but you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Love Always,

Sister June, family friend

Aunty Stella was special. I remembered the first day I met her in 2012 January, she welcomed me with open arms. Her selflessness is immeasurable even when she had to do what she normally would not do by herself, like drove herself to Goshen for my wife during pregnancy.

The birth of Inioluwa assured me more of her angelic nature. She was always there when you needed her most and stayed until everything was successful. My solace is in how God showed her with mercy even in her last day. She travelled the journey to heaven in a clean body when she was given Holy Communion. I am sure she will be remembered and even Inioluwa will hear her stories and relive her legacy.

Sincerely love you aunty and miss you,

Taiwo Ogunjobi, brother-in-love

What can I add that has not already been said about Stella? I have known Stella for 20 years. A wonderful woman, fiercely protective of her family, a wonderful mother to 3 beautiful, intelligent women, a loving wife to Dr. Ola, and a great friend to countless!

Stella had a great presence, she lit up rooms with her smile and brought the best out of people. The life and soul of any party, Stella had a real zest for life.

Taken far too soon, Stella will be sadly missed by everyone who was lucky to have met her. Look up for the brightest star - her light shines bright where she will continue to watch over those dear to her.

Seyi Ehis, family friend

For the Godchildren We all have lost a special person we all know and love. She was the most special, kind, loving godmother and all the godchildren will miss her, most especially the good times we had together - our birthdays and Christmas which she showered us with gifts and good advice.

Mommy, it is most sad that we will never see you again. You are now a memory, but one that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We will love you and miss you so much.

Ikono Akpanikat, goddaughter

Stella, our hearts are broken forever.

People say in time the pieces will eventually come together, if this is true, though hard to believe now, there will always be a place in our hearts with your name. We have been shedding tears whenever we think of your beautiful face.

It all seems so wrong. You had so much to look forward to and so much left to do, but God needed somebody in heaven who is as special as you. Nothing is the same now and we doubt it ever will be without you.

You have been released from pain and suffering, you have been set free. We miss your voice and your infectious laugh.

Fashion you loved and now you have new accessories, a pair of Angel wings. We have lost a wonderful sister, a true and amazing friend.

Stella, you will always be around engulfing around your loved ones with your amicable love. Giving us strength, keeping us close and watching over us from above. You are our sister, friend, cousin, neighbor, and co-worker. You will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. May your soul rest in eternal peace.

Your Susu Sisters

Stella was one of the beautiful souls I have ever met. Since the first time I met her, she treated me like a son and gave me endless love. She opened up her home to me and showed me how great Nigerian food can be. Her beauty, grace, dignity, poise, strength, and power lives on in each of her daughters. Her energy will always be around us. The life she led was a beautiful one and she truly touched my soul. I will miss her, but I am grateful to have known her at all.

Roberto Hannibal, family friend

Safely Home I am home in heaven, dear ones; Oh, so Happy and so bright!

There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light.

And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth’s shadows Pray to trust our Father’s Will.

All the pain and grief are over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.

There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth You shall rest in Jesus’ land.

Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade?

Oh! but Jesus’ love illumined Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread;

When the work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!

Appreciation On behalf of the entire family, we express our sincere appreciation to the members of Black Catholic Apostolate, SUSU Women’s Club, ANCD, extended family and dear friends, near and far, for the many expressions of love, support, and kindness during this difficult time.

Thank you to the New York Oncology Hematology Centers, St. Peter’s Hospital, and to Stella’s doctors, Dr. Joseph Dudek, Dr. Barbara Brazis, Dr. Dennis Rassias, Dr. Louis Gold and to our friends who are nurses and medical professionals who were involved in her treatments. We truly appreciate you.

Thank you again for celebrating Stella’s life with us.

May God Bless and Keep You.

The Adewunmi Family

Continue sharing the memories by contributing to Stella’s memorial website: www.stella-adewunmi.last-memories.com