Theresa Onyaidu Adogwa

Theresa Onyaidu Adogwa, passed away in Houston, Texas on the 27th of July, 2023, with her husband by her side. She was born in Benue State, Nigeria on the 1st of November, 1953, and was 69 years of age. She married Oche Andrew Adogwa on the 30th of August, 1979 in Zaria, Nigeria.

Theresa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University in 1983, and subsequently completed a Master of Arts degree in Linguistics from The University of the West Indies in 2000. She spent over 40 years lecturing and teaching across three continents, positively impacting the lives of thousands of people fortunate enough to listen to her lectures or be mentored by her.

In her youth, Theresa loved volleyball as well as spending time with her family and close friends. Her zest for life was infections and brought joy to everyone around her. She had the biggest heart and genuinely cared for everyone around her. She was deeply religious, fearless, independent, industrious, and incredibly compassionate. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was always there when we needed her. She worked tirelessly to ensure that her children would have every opportunity possible.

Theresa was an educator at heart who genuinely loved to teach. She was deeply respected and admired by her peers. Watching her mentees excel was profoundly satisfying and rewarding and was a constant source of pride for her. Preferring to work behind the scenes, and always willing to lend a helping hand, Theresa consistently demonstrated the quiet humility that defined her character. She made every team she joined better.

As a deeply religious woman and devout Christian, religion was a central theme in her life. Whether she was in Nigeria, Trinidad or New York, she always found a church and a group to fellowship with. She treated everyone with dignity and respect, and had an admirable ability to empathize with others.

Beloved wife of Oche Andrew Adogwa for 44 years; loving mother of Onyeche, Owoicho, Okpe and Amunu Adogwa; cherished grandmother of Rhys; dear aunty and friend to many.

Theresa lived her life with love, passion and service. Her voracious thirst for knowledge was remarkable. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends

A funeral mass is to be offered on Saturday the 26th of August, at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Main Road in Tunapuna, where Father Godfrey Stoute, is to serve as celebrant. A Rite of Committal is to follow at Orange Grove Memorial Gardens in Trincity.

Please visit Mrs. Adogwa’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.