ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, and godmother, DonnaMartha Erimma Okeke, who peacefully left this world early Friday morning, August 8th, 2025, at her residence in Phoenix, Arizona.

LIFE STORY

DonnaMartha Erimma Okeke was born on October 4, 1943, in Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo State, Nigeria to Peter Nwaiwu Njoku and Okochi Nwaiwu Njoku. As the last born of ten children from her father’s first wife, she grew up surrounded by love, resilience, and community. After her mother passed away early in DonnaMartha’s life, her older sisters stepped in to fill the void left by their mother.

Her siblings—Adanne (Elizabeth), Nwanyiocha (Katherine), Egoigwe (Anna), Ubakanwa (Bernadette), Ihunyere (Agatha), Mrs Ahuruchioke Eze (Fidelia), and Nwokoma (Phillip)—were her lifelong supporters and cherished confidants until their own departures from this world.

Her childhood was marked by a love for dance, athleticism, and unwavering faith. She mastered many dances and was known for her lively personality and zest for life. Her early conversion to Catholicism at age 7 was a testament to her spirited nature—famously biting a priest who told her she was too young for baptism. As an adult, she was affectionately known as “De-Miss” by some and “Mid” by others, nicknames that captured her charismatic and vibrant personality.

From a young age, DonnaMartha demonstrated exceptional talent in mathematics and excelled academically. Her passion for caring for others eventually led her to attend nursing school in Aboh Mbaise, Nigeria, where she trained as a nurse and midwife. It was during her nursing studies that she met her future husband, the late Benjamin Okeke from Umudim, Okworji Awo-omamma. Their relationship blossomed during her rigorous training and commitment to serving her community.

DonnaMartha and Benjamin were married in a Roman Catholic ceremony on July 12, 1964, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Emekuku. Soon after, they warmly embraced their first two children, Constantia Akwaugo and Charles Chinedu. In 1966, her husband Benjamin left Nigeria to pursue advanced studies in the United States. During his absence, Nigeria was rocked by the devastating civil war (Biafran war). DonnaMartha rose to the challenge with remarkable resilience, becoming a pillar of strength for her children and her community. She worked as nursing staff at Awo-omamma Community Hospital (ACH), cherishing her role and touching countless lives with her care.

During her off-duty days, Donna’s commitment to her community remained steadfast. Together with other women, she would travel to local markets in Oguta, often trekking on foot or riding her bicycle. These efforts ensured that her children and others around her did not fall victim to kwashiorkor, a malnutrition-related illness that claimed many lives during the war. Her resourcefulness, compassion, and untiring care provided nourishment and hope during these challenging and dire times.

Before leaving Nigeria, DonnaMartha demonstrated her leadership and organizational qualities by leading the Dim-Achazie women’s wing. Her ability to mobilize and inspire others made her a respected figure in her community.

In April 1974, DonnaMartha and their two young children reunited with Benjamin in Denver, Colorado—and their reunion marked a new chapter of love and partnership. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed two more children, the late Russell Obioma and BenjaminGeorge Uchenna, building a family rooted in devotion and love.

In Denver, DonnaMartha continued to pursue her calling as a nurse and midwife. Committed to advancing her education, she enrolled at Front Range Community College in Westminster, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree and became a registered nurse. She then worked at Colorado Children’s Hospital as a neonatal nurse, tenderly caring for premature and vulnerable infants. DonnaMartha earned admiration and respect for her gentle, compassionate approach, which touched the lives of many families and infants.

Beyond her professional achievements, DonnaMartha was a passionate and inspiring community-builder. She played a pivotal role in founding the Nigerian Women’s Association in Colorado, where she championed community support, empowerment, and cultural pride. She served as the first Matron of the organization until she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 2005 to be closer to her children. Additionally, she initiated a Nigerian women’s dance group that performed at various cultural events, helping to celebrate and preserve their heritage. DonnaMartha was also a beloved mentor to many nieces, nephews, and godchildren, fostering deep, lasting relationships.

After emigrating to the United States, DonnaMartha made several return trips to Nigeria, driven by her deep love for her homeland and her desire to give back. On one of these visits, she took remarkable initiative to improve her community’s health. Recognizing the difficulties of fetching water from the stream, she spearheaded the digging of Awo-omamma’s first borehole outside of institutional settings such as hospitals—a pioneering effort to provide clean, safe drinking water. She meticulously collected water samples and traveled to Port-Harcourt for testing and approval by government authorities. Once certified, the borehole became a vital resource, attracting people from neighboring villages such as Isieke, Umubochi, and others, reducing waterborne illnesses and enhancing the community’s health. This act of leadership and innovation exemplifies her role as a pace-setter — an inspiring and devoted leader committed to the well-being of her people.

On another trip home, she built a sturdy block and zinced shelter on the Nzediegwu compound (her father-in-law) for the community women ensuring they would be comfortable and protected from the rain during their meetings. This structure still stands today as a lasting testament to her compassion and organizational skills, providing a safe space for community bonding and empowerment.

Her accommodating and nurturing spirit was evident in her willingness to take in her brother’s and sisters' children during the 1960s and 1970s. She opened her home and heart to support her extended family, ensuring that her nieces and nephews had a safe place to live, grow, and thrive. Her generosity and selflessness created a warm environment of acceptance and love that extended beyond her immediate family.

Her faith remained central to her life. An active, devout Catholic, she found strength and inspiration through prayer and service. She actively served in each of the parishes that she belonged.

In Nigeria, she was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Parish, now known as Christ the King Church. She later received the esteemed title of Ezinne from the Bishop of Orlu. This honor is bestowed to recognize a woman's dedication and positive impact made within the church and the surrounding community. She was also a member in good standing in both St. Ann Society Awo-omamma, a society for Catholic women, and CWO (Catholic Women’s Organization), further exemplifying her strong engagement in faith-based service.

In the United States, her faith continued to play a central role in her life. She belonged to Montbello Catholic Parish, Church of the Ascension in Denver, Colorado, and Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish in Cave Creek, Arizona. A devoted parishioner and Eucharistic Minister, DonnaMartha served her faith communities with dedication.

DonnaMartha had many hobbies throughout life. Her love for gardening—tending to her vegetables and citrus trees—was one way she restored her soul and nurtured those around her. She was also a very good with a sewing machine which she would sometimes use to mend family clothing. Her favorite hobby may have been entertaining and hosting holiday and special occasion events where family and friends could enjoy food and the camaraderie of each other’s company. Finally, she loved to bake and was known for her zucchini and banana breads.

FAMILY

She is survived by her beloved children: Constantia (Ogbonna Abarikwu), Charles (Natalie Okeke), and Benjamin (Angelique Okeke); her daughter in law: Jia (Russell Okeke); her cherished grandchildren: Chimaobi and Kelechi Catherine Abarikwu, Cecilia Adaoma, Jacqueline Chiwendu, and Dominic Chinedu Okeke, Andrew and Jon Paul Okeke, Benjamin Patrick Chukwubuikem and Jacob Onuwa Okeke; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and extended family.

DonnaMartha was predeceased by her beloved spouse, Benjamin N. Okeke; her dear son Russell Okeke; and her adored grandson Obinna Abarikwu.

Her extraordinary life is a shining example of strength, intellect, faith, love, and firm commitment to family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and meaningful relationships that continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her, and we are all better for having had her in our lives. Her influence on each of use ensures her spirit lives on.