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Grandma has been with me for a long time but that time has come to an end. I wish I spent more time with her. I've always loved her. She was important to me. She will forever stay in my heart. I know she is in a better place but it still hurts me to hear she passed. I love her and I will forever love her. R.I.P Grandma.
EULOGY FOR OUR MOTHER LYDIA NJOH TAKEM.
I have so much to say about our mother, but my heart is too heavy, and my emotions are in turmoil. Our senior brother Mike is equally overwhelmed. He has asked me to speak for the family. It is difficult to deliver a eulogy for a mother who gave you life. I am too grief-stricken. I will never find the right words to describe this experience, but I must pull myself together to speak a few words about this wonderful woman God blessed us with as our mother.
Since our mother died, I have struggled with how to refer to her in the past tense. I am still incredulous that she is no longer here because she has always been in my life of course, and she was blessed with longevity, such that she had become a fixture in my life. The eventuality of death, I had come to believe, was not something I had associated with her.
Our mother was an all-round, inside-out beautiful person. I have so much to say about you mama, but I lack the strength now to say it. How do I start? Where do I begin? Many things about you have enchanted me over the years. Let me mention only a few here. But I will sing your praises for the rest of my life.
Mama, you were an individual with a lot of patience, and I always admired you for that. I recall that as a child growing up you patiently accommodated with lots of my idiosyncrasies. I was picky in almost every aspect of my life. I never ate snails. But you made sure to prepare a separate meal for me even after cooking for the rest of the family. I never ate “garri and okoro soup” when you prepared that for the family, but you made sure that you cooked me something different that I could eat. I remember on many occasions when I was in high school and in University how I will come to you crying and asking for more money when I thought father had not given me adequate pocket allowance. I will fuss at you and you always gave me money from the little income you made through petit trading.
Mama, you had an internal glow. You were a very spiritual person. You were an unflinching practicing, Christian. I remember the many times you would call me on Sundays, and before we started our conversations, you would ask me if I went to church, and you would be upset with me if told you I didn’t go to church that Sunday. I could go on and on about your Christian and God-fearing life.
You glowed externally too. As modern Ghanaians will put it, our mother “was a life owner.” She was a woman of presence: You know that woman who walks into a room, delivers a message and everyone’s eyes are glued to her. In her younger days, she stood tall, with a long neck, tattoos on both arms, commands attention and respect. She enjoyed singing and was a good dancer. In her women’s cultural group, she was one of the “moninkim” dancers who always elicited applause and admiration from the crowd.
Mama, where do I begin? How do I start? The foregoing comments are far from even summarizing your personality and your values. How you eased your physical presence from us remains a mystery. As you unit with the other family angels, please intercede on our behalf. We will miss your physical presence dearly, but we also know that you are watching over us. You know we will adore you forever!
Your son,
Tiku-Njoh
Hi grandma,
I know you are listening from the heavens above. I still cannot believe you are gone. Death has a very black reputation but to die is a perfectly normal thing to do. Our lives are naturally short. We never know when it is time to join our eternal father, but the memory of a life well spent is eternal. The is nothing I value more than your jokes and love. Farewell Mami, your memories will always keep me smiling, no matter where I am or what I am doing.
Adios mama.
Words cannot describe how I feel right now. I am sad but also relieved she did not suffer. I’ve always thought of this scenario but never believed it would happen. I wanted her to see my kids but it just didn’t happen that way.God took her and there’s nothing that could have been done to change that. I wish she was still her so I could hear her laugh and so she could set an example of perseverance for me and everyone else. She lived a long life and always encouraged the family to do our best whether it was in school or in life in general. She has funny, God fearing and had a beautiful soul. I hope she rests in peace and greet the rest of the family for us.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
To My beautiful, loving, and always caring mother Mama Lydia Njoh Takem. Oh how I hate to see you go, or just the thought of saying you are no more gives me heart aches. You are the best mom in the whole wide world who taught me how to be the strong independent woman I am today. You are such a charismatic being who inspired and loved to see not just your children succeed, but everyone you came across who needed help in which you tried to help in your own way. Mama I spoke to you before leaving for Cameroon, little did I know that was my last time ever having a conversation with you. You were such a smart woman who always calls and makes video calls to check on the children and I. We are all broken by your sudden demise. It came as a surprise to me and the world. What a way to depart this world! I am sad, but at the same time happy. Sad that you are gone, and happy that you did not suffer because of your good heart and that heaven gain an Angel in the person of my Mom Lydia Njoh Takem. Growing up as your last child, I saw you and papa work so hard to educate your kids. You gave us the best you could ever offer and sacrificed a lot for us to succeed. Mama you were my role model, very strong and powerful God fearing mother. Your kind nature speaks volumes of who you are the pillar of the family and the force behind many good things in our lives that God has sent to us. Mama you are gone but your spirit lives in us and I know are watching over us. God will help me as I learn to live without you. I will always cherish your smiles, the good times, all the conversations we had, your wonderful ideas, and lessons I learned from being your daughter my beautiful queen. Words cannot describe the pain in my heart :heart:. One thing I know is that you are in a better place (heaven). Greet sister Mary, Agi, papa and the rest. Sleep tight beautiful as your spirit dwells in me. From your last born, Rebecca Aya Takem
My dear mother, you were such a lovely and wonderful woman to your husband, your children, grandchildren, your stepchildren and everyone you came in contact with. You made sure there was food on the table for your children to eat no matter what it took. Mama you were a strong business woman, selling bush meat and hustling to take care of your children and to support your husband. l remember you took care of me when I was in the hospital due to my operation when I gave birth to Eyong. I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, I can’t believe you’re gone. I remember when you were here with me throughout 2020 we kept going from one hospital to another hoping that you would get better. You were so generous, you’d give money to your relatives as well as the people in your home town. what a caring mother you were, words can not describe, Papa Ekonja Thomas Takem knew what he was doing when he took you in as his wife, beautiful in and out. I have so many questions but I don’t want to question God because he knows best, there is a time and season for everything. I pray God accepts your precious soul into his kingdom. I have so much to say but not enough words. We shall meet again where we will depart no more. Adieu my queen mother, rest well, I love you. Your daughter, Sarah Takem
My grandmother was one of the loveliest women in my life she was loved by everyone she had always been there for me like a second mother. I know she will go to heaven for all the marvelous things she had done I could not have imagined my life without her. Safe travels to heaven grandmother I love you.
Philson Ayuketa
Grandma I want to say I miss you . You were always loving and caring . I remember when u used to always wake me up in the morning with your singing . “Good morning Jesus , good morning lord I know u come from heaven above “ is what u would sing . I never really realized how much you meant to my life , until now . I learned you have to love your family and appreciate them. I love you Grandma :heart:.
Njock Takem
Grandma has been with me for a long time, but that time has come to an end. I wish I spent more time with her. I've always loved her. She was important to me. She will forever stay in my heart. I know she is in a better place, but it still hurts me to hear she passed. I love her and I will forever love her.
R.I.P Grandma.
-Maliya
A tribute to my grandma. Words could not explain how much I loved her. It was a level higher than any. We loved and cherished her greatly. You will be missed. But even so, you will always be in our hearts forever and ever. Rest peacefully in heaven my loving grandma.
Enow Ayuketa
My lovely Grandmother, I have so many questions with no answers. I have so much I’d like to say to you directly, I just thought I had more time, I wish I had more time. You were one of a kind Mama Lydia Njoh Takem. I lack words to describe you, because your kind is very rare. Though my grandma did not have a chance at a proper education, she was a successful business woman. She did everything within her power to make sure her kids were taken care of, as well as contributing to the home to help her husband. One person I’m thankful for in this life is my grandma, I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience life with her. She was a strong woman, loving, caring, funny, wise and welcoming. She was a blessing to those she encountered, so kind hearted. I miss your unconditional love towards me, the kind Christ has for the church. If tears could bring you back, I’d cry you a river my dear grandma. To say I miss you would be an understatement because there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. I miss all the things you used to say to me, all the things we used to do. I miss your calls, and voicemails, I miss running errands for you, doing your laundry, making your meals, massaging your knee, I miss disturbing you to take pictures and videos with me, I miss it all. I’m sad, angry, confused and broken because this is a very hard pill to swallow. I will hold on tight to the memories we shared because they will keep me closer to you my sweet angel. You wanted the best for me, you wanted the best for all of us. You encouraged me to always do my best, you always wanted to see me succeed grandma, I can not thank you enough. Thank you for your forgiving spirit that never stayed angry at me even when I refused to do things for you, thank you for being our strong pillar that united us together. I have all this unspent love gathered in one corner with no place to go, it hurts really bad. Above all I thank God for the life you lived, so fulfilling and impactful. I bless God you were opportune to see your great-grandchild and enjoy the fruit of your labor, that’s a blessing. I love you so much mama, I wish I told you this more often. You’ve ran a good race here on earth and it’s time for you to rest with your Heavenly Father in heaven. Rest well mama, rest well. Your legacy will live on forever, until we meet again my guardian angel, adieu Njoh Ada. I love you and I miss you so much!
- Daniella Eyong
After all your years on earth, you were taken. You were strong, hardworking, reliable, and remarkable. You’re loved and missed by everyone who has known you. Your spirit lives on even if you’re not here physically. Grandma we love and miss you.
-Aya
To my lovely mommy Lydia Njoh Takem . Mama mama , mama this day came too soon than anyone expected.,you left me speechless with a lot of questions passing through my mind,tears flowing down my eyes . My lovely mommy, a woman of dignity, one of a kind, the woman I am proud to call my mother. There are very few people in the world with your qualities. You touched and impacted the life of everyone who knew you. You where the glue that holds up anything.My beautiful and lovely mother I can’t believe I am talking about you in this manner. As you are no more with us. Where can I start to mention what you have instilled in my kids, my siblings and l, the world at large. Your memories will for ever live with us.I am still in disbelief as to what happened to you? I feel l am dreaming.I pray to God I should wake up and hear your voice just one more time. Your gently ,kindhearted nature has left everyone who knew you talking.God I am deeply sad but proud that heaven gained an Angel in the person of Lydia Njoh Takem my own mom. I am saddened because the night before you passed away you said it wasn’t time for you to go. So what happened after that is what has left me speechless.Mama Aya and Captain Tiku are sad because they don’t have an answer just like me as to what happened so fast in the morning of March 16th 2021 that took you away from us? I can go on and on but it will be pointless as the answers are not in any one’s hands. God alone has the answer he did not let you suffer and for that I say thank you father.one day at a time I am going to learn how to accept this. The kids and many who knew you are telling me you are with your creator in heaven where all the other Angels are, no pain , no suffering.my most precious Angel I will like for you to be my mom again and again in my next world.I can’t stop crying For my mom. God alone will take control. Please say hello to everyone. As the list has become so long . I will for ever love and cherish my most beautiful , adorable and caring mama. Audie a woman with the heart of gold till we meet again to part no more.
Adieu my Queen mother Lydia Njoh Takem.
Your Daughter
Anna Takem
Dear grandmother, you have made a good legacy for everyone you known. You left earth with a good heart. Everyday I am proud you are my wonderful grandmother. You fill the air with love, peace, and happiness and I think that’s what God planned for you. May god help you when you’re up there. I think you left the earth proud. Grandmother everybody misses you. You helped my family through thick and thin. I hope you’re watching my family.
Angel Star
My lovely Grandmother, I have so many questions with no answers. I have so much I’d like to say to you directly, I just thought I had more time, I wish I had more time. You were one of a kind Mama Lydia Njoh Takem. I lack words to describe you, because your kind is very rare. Though my grandma did not have a chance at a proper education, she was a successful business woman. She did everything within her power to make sure her kids were taken care of, as well as contributing to the home to help her husband. One person I’m thankful for in this life is my grandma, I’m glad I had the opportunity to experience life with her. She was a strong woman, loving, caring, funny, wise and welcoming. She was a blessing to those she encountered, so kind hearted. I miss your unconditional love towards me, the kind Christ has for the church. If tears could bring you back, I’d cry you a river my dear grandma. To say I miss you would be an understatement because there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. I miss all the things you used to say to me, all the things we used to do. I miss your calls, and voicemails, I miss running errands for you, doing your laundry, making your meals, massaging your knee, I miss disturbing you to take pictures and videos with me, I miss it all. I’m sad, angry, confused and broken because this is a very hard pill to swallow. I will hold on tight to the memories we shared because they will keep me closer to you my sweet angel. You wanted the best for me, you wanted the best for all of us. You encouraged me to always do my best, you always wanted to see me succeed grandma, I can not thank you enough. Thank you for your forgiving spirit that never stayed angry at me even when I refused to do things for you, thank you for being our strong pillar that united us together. I have all this unspent love gathered in one corner with no place to go, it hurts really bad. Above all I thank God for the life you lived, so fulfilling and impactful. I bless God you were opportune to see your great-grandchild and enjoy the fruit of your labor, that’s a blessing. I love you so much mama, I wish I told you this more often. You’ve ran a good race here on earth and it’s time for you to rest with your Heavenly Father in heaven. Rest well mama, rest well. Your legacy will live on forever, until we meet again my guardian angel, adieu Njoh Ada. I love you and I miss you so much!
- your grand-daughter, Daniella Eta
To my dear great-grandma, I’m sad I didn’t get the opportunity to meet you in person, I’m sad You didn’t get to hold me, carry me, feed me, bath me, play with me and create awesome memories with me. I thank God at least you got to see my pictures, I’ll miss our little video calls, I’ll miss you watching me crawl, eat, smile and laugh. Thank you for making me smile during our video calls. I know you really wanted to carry me, I just wish we had more time. I’m sad that didn’t get to happen. I wish you were here to see my first steps or hear my first words. My mommy will tell me all the amazing memories you guys shared as I grow up. Thank you for being an amazing soul to everyone you met. I hope you’re resting well with the Lord, I love you great-grandma. From your first great-grandchild, Uriella Enare Ekun.
My dear mother, you were such a lovely and wonderful woman to your husband, your children, grandchildren, your stepchildren and everyone you came in contact with. You made sure there was food on the table for your children to eat no matter what it took. Mama you were a strong business woman, selling bush meat and hustling to take care of your children and to support your husband. l remember you took care of me when I was in the hospital due to my operation when I gave birth to Eyong. I can’t believe I’m writing this right now, I can’t believe you’re gone. I remember when you were here with me throughout 2020 we kept going from one hospital to another hoping that you would get better. You were so generous, you’d give money to your relatives as well as the people in your home town. what a caring mother you were, words can not describe, Papa Ekonja Thomas Takem knew what he was doing when he took you in as his wife, beautiful in and out. I have so many questions but I don’t want to question God because he knows best, there is a time and season for everything. I pray God accepts your precious soul into his kingdom. I have so much to say but not enough words. We shall meet again where we will depart no more. Adieu my queen mother, rest well, I love you. Your daughter, Sarah Takem
To my very loving and beautiful grandmother. I love and miss you so much. When ever I see someone or even something that reminds me of you, my eyes start tearing up. I never thought that you would leave us so soon grandma. I can still remember the night they called me and told me you were in a coma. Grandma I cried and cried. I started remembering all our small conversations and stories you used to share with me. I miss the times I would come back from school, and you would make sure that I ate something. I miss the times you made sure I woke up early every single morning for school. I miss waking up in the morning and praying together grandma. We used to sing good morning Jesus Good morning Lord. I miss walking around the neighborhood with you (even though it was only one time). Grandma I miss every moment we ever shared with each other. Til this day I’m still shocked at the way you left. Days before you left us we spoke on the phone and you seemed so strong. You were telling me how I should focus with my studies and become very successful in life. Grandma you were supposed to continue seeing your children prosper. I really wish we spent much more time together grandma. I have so many question concerning why you left. I wish I was there by your side every single second before you left. I wish I could tell you how much I loved you, hear one more story, and apologize for every phone call I missed from you. One thing I always remind myself is that Gods timing is the best. I have to remind myself that I don’t know the conversation you had with God before you left us, and that you are in a much better place. Grandma you were and always will be the glue that God provided to hold this family together. You were the best Grandmother/mother you could ever be to me and the rest of the Takem family. I LOVE YOU GRANDMA- From your Ada Donayo
Grandma, Njoh-ada what can I say? You’ve left us all speechless but we thank God for the memories that still lingers.
You were very welcoming and loving. One that gathers and not scatters, today I remember you for the way u will always try to make dance moves even when your legs were failing you. You demonstrated enormous strength till your demise. You will forever remain a Rock to which many cling to. I celebrate you ma for a life well lived and accomplished. Who will call me “Macadona”, “pastooor”?
Adieu Grandma.
Forever in my heart
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mama Lydia; you will forever be missed by all. Rest Assured Mama, you have lived an illustrious and exemplary life full of success and dignity for us to emulate. We are so blessed to be your offsprings and we are always gratified by your warmth, love, peace, unity, neatness, and above all organizational and accommodating spirit that you were endowed with which made you unique amongst others. Your kids, grand, and great grands, friends, family, and well wishers have not and will never fail to think about you though in pain, grief, and suffering each day. Your departure, untimely from this earth has kept us wondering in foolery, obnoxious!!!!! Mama; you can vouch for our sacrifices and input in a bid to prolong your stay on this earth for just an additional minute from the time immemorial, through when you took ill to your last breath. Putting it more pellucid: whatever we have done, are doing, and will ever do for you will never be commensurate with your invaluable works for us. We shall always weep and shed because we knew you.
Mama; farewell to the golden land of no return where we shall one day meet to part no more. Don’t forget to romance with Papa Thomas Ekonja Takem(your darling husband and father), Sister Mary Takem(your daughter), Sister Lydia(your step-daughter), and finally Mama Patricia Takem(your mate, sister, and best friend)
What a life well spent at 81, Mama. On this note I rest my tears.
Keeping the family in our prayers
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.