Elizabeth Mopelola Akinsowon Aiyere

January 1, 1956 – October 7, 2026

It is with heavy hearts, yet with deep gratitude to God for the gift of her life, that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Elizabeth Mopelola Aiyere, at the age of 70.

Elizabeth was a loving daughter, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, cherished sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and dear friend. Her life was rooted in faith, guided by love, and enriched by the many lives she touched.

Elizabeth was the beloved daughter of Samuel and Marian Akinsowon, the daughter-in-law of Julius and Suzanna Aiyere, and the devoted wife of Victor, the love of her life. She carried her love for her husband and parents throughout her life, and their memories remained a cherished part of her story.

Together, Elizabeth and Victor built a family that remained at the heart of everything she did.

Elizabeth was a loving mother to Emmanuel (Siobhan, whom she affectionately called “My Treasure”) and Lydia, and a doting grandmother to her two grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She was a source of love, wisdom, and guidance to her children, always offering advice, encouragement, and prayer when they needed it. With her grandchildren, she had a playful and joyful side. She loved dancing and singing with them, playing together, and making them laugh. She was always happy to be silly with them and never missed an opportunity to spoil them. She delighted in watching them grow and treasured the special moments they shared.

She was a cherished sister to Adunni, Tokunbo, and Abimbola, a sister-in-law to Kunle, Tunde, Dipo, Yinka, Yejide, Tolu, and Titi, and a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She held dear the memory of her sisters, Fola and Titilayo, who had passed before her.

Family meant everything to Elizabeth, but her care and generosity extended far beyond it. She was the person who checked in, asked how you were doing, made sure you had eaten, offered encouragement, prayed for you, and stood by you when you needed her. These were not grand gestures; they were simply the ways she loved. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome, remembered, and cared for. She was a thoughtful and loyal friend who cared deeply for those in her life.

Above all, Elizabeth loved the Lord Jesus Christ, her Saviour and Redeemer. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she was a true prayer warrior who trusted in God’s sovereignty, even when life did not make sense. Through every season, she remained steadfast in her walk with God, allowing her faith to guide how she lived, loved, and served others. Ordained as a Deaconess in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), she also served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, dedicating herself to building God’s Kingdom and caring for His people. Her prayers, encouragement, and commitment to serving others reflected the depth of her faith.

Elizabeth’s compassion was equally evident in her nursing career, which spanned more than 40 years. She qualified as a Registered Nurse and Midwife at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where she was awarded Best Nurse of the Year. She continued her career at the Central Bank of Nigeria, where she practiced family nursing. Upon relocating to Canada, she continued her career in geriatric nursing at Extendicare and later discovered a passion for geriatric psychiatry at Royal Ottawa Place, where she worked during the final phase of her career. Throughout her career, she was known for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to those in her care. Nursing was more than a profession; it was another expression of the compassion she showed so naturally throughout her life.

Beyond her family, faith, and career, Elizabeth loved to travel and experience different cultures. Her travels took her to England, France, Switzerland, Italy, the Vatican, Australia, and Spain. She enjoyed seeing God’s beauty in the landscapes she encountered and appreciating how people used the wisdom and talents God had given them to create works of art and architecture. These experiences allowed her to recognize both God’s creativity in nature and the gifts He had placed in humanity.

To us, Elizabeth was Mommy, Grandma, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, prayer warrior, and greatest supporter. She was our safe place and the person we could always turn to for love, guidance, encouragement, and prayer. We will miss her voice, her laughter, her prayers, and the love she gave so freely. Most of all, we will miss having her with us.

Our mom was deeply loved by all who had the honour of knowing her. Her kindness, generosity, faith, and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on the lives she touched. Though we grieve her passing, we give thanks to God for the gift of her life and for the many ways she enriched our own.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kurtz, Dr. Soo, Dr. Frank, Dr. Vickers, Dr. Dennis, Dr. Wilkinson, Dr. Xie, Dr. Kwong, Dr. Lawlor, Dr. Barnes, and Dr. Martin, as well as the nursing and care teams at The Ottawa Hospital and Bruyère Health Saint-Vincent Hospital who cared for her. We are sincerely thankful for the compassion, dignity, and support they showed her and our family.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the pastoral teams at RCCG Chapel of Grace, RCCG Overcomers' Chapel, and Woodvale Pentecostal Church, as well as her dear friends, for their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and presence have meant so much to our family, and we are deeply grateful for the ways you have stood by us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or Bruyère Health Foundation. Family and friends are also invited to honour her memory by serving others, supporting those in need, and giving back to their communities, carrying forward the spirit of generosity that was such a defining part of her life.

As we reflect on her life and the race she faithfully ran, we find comfort in the words of Scripture:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

These words remind us of the faith and perseverance that defined our mom’s life. She remained steadfast in her walk with God, and we take comfort in the hope that her earthly journey is complete and that she has entered into the joy of her Lord, welcomed with the words:

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”- Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Our hearts are broken by her absence, yet we remain grateful to God for the 70 years many were blessed to share with her, for the faith that guided her, and for the love she gave so freely. Her earthly journey has ended, but the legacy of her faith, her prayers, and her love will live on in the lives of her family and all those she touched.

Mommy, you were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed. Your faith, your prayers, and the love you poured into our lives will remain with us always. May your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace.

A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel (1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON K1V 1A6). A Service of Songs will follow from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the same location.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11 a.m. at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel, followed by interment at Hope Cemetery (4600 Bank Street, Gloucester, ON K1T 0Y7).