Stella N Nwude

Stella Ngozi Nwude was born on August 21, 1948, in Enugu State, Nigeria. A woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and enduring kindness, she lived a life anchored in grace and purpose. From a young age, Stella stood out for her intelligence, warmth, and resilience—qualities that would shape both her personal and professional journey. She began her education at Queen of the Rosary College in Onitsha, earning her W.A.S.C./GCE O’ Levels in 1965. Her love for learning took her to London, where she obtained an Advanced Diploma in Business Education from Pitman’s Central Business Education College in 1975. Years later, she crowned her academic pursuits with a Bachelor of Education in Marketing from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1991—an achievement that reflected her lifelong commitment to growth, discipline, and excellence.

Her professional path was marked by distinction and dedication. For over two decades, she served in various administrative roles at Ahmadu Bello University, where she helped shape academic life with a quiet efficiency and deep sense of responsibility. She held key roles, including Administrative Officer in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty Officer in the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Senior Assistant Registrar in the Vice Chancellor’s Office. After retiring from the university, she continued to serve others through the development sector, working with the Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC), Enugu to champion community-centered initiatives. Her career later took her to the United Kingdom, where she worked as a Support Worker at Koinonia Care Home in Worthing, West Sussex—bringing compassion and dignity to the lives of the elderly in her care. In 2012, she moved to the United States, where she lived until she was called home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2025.

On August 21, 1976, Stella married her beloved husband, Nwankwo Josiah Nwude—an academic and kindred spirit with whom she shared a profound bond. Their marriage was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and shared purpose. Together, they raised four children in a home full of warmth, wisdom, and mutual respect. When Nwankwo passed away in March 2000, Stella took on the mantle of both parents with strength, grace, and unwavering focus. She guided her children through the defining seasons of life—university, careers, marriage, and parenthood—with a steady hand and a heart full of love. She was our anchor, our teacher, our greatest cheerleader—and we are who we are because of her.

Of all the precious memories we hold dear, what comforts us most in this season of loss is her steadfast love for Jesus Christ. She was saved—and she lived with the quiet confidence of someone who had settled the question of eternity long before illness ever touched her body. Her faith was not loud or showy, but it was deep, consistent, and real. As Scripture reminds us: “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14). It is in this unshakable hope that we find peace, knowing that her soul now rests in the eternal presence of the One she loved most.

Stella Ngozi Nwude is survived by her four children—Chukwuma, Ifeanyi, Chinelo, and Ejike—and five grandchildren - Josiah, Abigail, Chizitel, Melodie, and Micaela. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith that will continue to shape generations to come.

Adieu, Mom—rest well until we meet to part no more.