The Odesanya family announces with deep sorrow the passing of their beloved Mother, Sister, Aunty and Grandmother, Mabel Omowunmi Odesanya, who left us on January 31st, 2025, at the age of 84. 

Born on November 7th, 1940,  to Late Rev. Mathew Oluwole Runsewe and Late Emily Abimbola Awofodu, Mabel attended Ereko Methodist School, Lagos and Shagamu Girls College for her Primary, Secondary and Teachers Training Education. For continued education, she attended Nothingham University in the U.K as well as Westminster College. She attended extra-curricular programmes becoming a Pupil local preacher and participated in evangelism in the village, market places, town squares as well as sermons in the churches of the Methodist Dioceses of Nigeria.

Mabel attended a training course in Nigeria under Miss Fletcher for the Girls Life Brigade in 1960 and became the Captain of the first Lagos Company Girls life Brigade of the Ereko Methodist Church of Nigeria.

Mabel married an Anglican gentleman, Engr. Emmanuel Opeoluwa Odesanya  and they raised their children together including extended-family's children while she was actively teaching and doing community work. 

Mabel set up a Senior's Day Centre in Ikenne, Ogun State of Nigeria. This Center catered to Senior citizens  aged 70s - 90s that were mostly retired men and women, unlearned or educated meeting regularly to socialise. Members meet every Tuesday 10-12noon in the Town Recreation Square. Activities include singing songs, prayers, exercises, games, quizzes, reminiscences, storytelling, trips and monthly dinners. Others were Christmas parties and Annual Town's daughters and sons celebration (Ereke Day). The Centre remains active to date, solely funded by members and close friends of Mabels in the local area.

In 1998, Mabel's husband arranged for her and their last two sons to migrate to Canada for their education. Mabel was a member of The Stone Church in Toronto engaging in the monthly Women's Ministry in activities including bi-weekly visits to shelters for evangelism, packing and distributing winter stuff to shelters, summer fete in the park for evangelism.

Upon returning to the U.K., Mabel was an active member of St. Cedd's Church at Lodge Avenue in Dagenham. She was in the CCS Course 2013-2015 at St.Patrick's Church, Barking and graduated in the Chelmsford Cathedral. She was a part of the committee of the 'Messy Church' of St. Cedd's and signed up for Evangelism Enabler programmes in the community.

Mabel was a loving matriarch whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She dedicated her life to her family, serving as a nurturing and devoted mother and grandmother, always putting her loved ones first. Mabel lived a life marked by love, generosity, and an unerring zest for life.

Mabel’s generosity of spirit extended beyond her immediate family. As a sister, friend, and a pillar in her community, she was cherished by all who had the privilege of her presence. 

Her legacy of Love, Compassion, and Strength will live on in the hearts of her Children, Grandchildren, Step-Grandchildren (Ruth Oburoh & Amaju Oburoh) and many others whose lives she enriched.

A radiant spirit with a heartwarming presence, she also leaves behind a legacy of Joy and Caring.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Dupé Oburoh and beloved sons Ayo, Tokunbo (Teekay), Dayo and Femi (Eeema) Odesanya. 

Mabel instilled a Christian belief and an outstanding outlook on life in her children and the many lives she touched. She will be profoundly missed, but her memory will prevail within the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

The Odesanyas and extended families thank all who have shown their support and shared in their grief.

May her soul rest in perfect peace in Christ Jesus, AMEN.

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