Josephine Azuka Nwalie Njoku

The Matriarch that was Josephine Azuka Nwaliaku Njoku with her Iconic Laughter that caused more laughter without knowing why, was a Wife to Captain Godwin Adindu Njoku for 50yrs. She was a Mother to 5 children – Lemuel Adindu Njoku, Linda Azuka Ulasi, Lebechi Afulenu Njoku, Chijioke Ahumareze Njoku & Chinasa Peace Njoku(nickname mummy’s handbag).

She was Grandmother to 7 Beautiful Grandchildren – Angela, Ansel, Miriam, Thalia, King-David, Dru’Basiah & Elleora.  Sister to 5 wonderful & supportive Siblings of whom 2 are still surviving Margaret (Maggie) Ezennia Nwabude and Elizabeth Afulenu Ejiagwa ; Charles Okonkwo(deceased), Tony Okonkwo(Deceased), Nicholas Okonkwo (Deceased).   

Most wonderfully (nicknamed “Joe Joe”) a Loyal friend and confidante whos’ voice of wisdom and constant encouragement through Prayers and conversation will be so desperately missed.  

Josephine Nwalie Njoku was born November 29th 1945 in Lagos, Nigeria to a Railway Civil Servant father – Late Chief Charles Okeke Okonkwo and an Entrepreneur and Homemaker mother – Late Mrs. Josephine Nwabuogo Okonkwo. Mama Josephine attended Primary school in Zaria.  Mama Josephine grew up in a Catholic home and took her Catholic faith very seriously.  She was called a “Tomboy” and was always out playing with her 2 older brothers and their friends but when it came time for confession, she was a Lady at her best.  At 12yrs of age, her mum was sadly taken away from the family so suddenly and unannounced;  so as the 3rd child out of 6 siblings and 1st daughter she had to take on the role of a substitute mum to her 3 younger siblings. The untimely loss of her mum created a huge void in her heart which she never got over till this day.  

Mama Josephine was enrolled into Cor Maria Modern school in Urualla (now Imo State) which offered opportunities in Teaching or Nursing after graduation Instead of a conventional secondary school. So, on the directives of her father to support the family financially, she was enrolled into a Nursing school.  Mama Josephine was not excited about the only option given to her at 15 yrs of age BUT, this Journey of Nursing ended up being her Greatest God Given Gift and Passion to the World and the nickname “Healing Hands”.  Mama Josephine completed her Nursing program at Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing School in Ihiala, where she became a practising nurse and was part of the Nurses during the Biafra Civil War.  In all the chaos of the Biafran Era, she met, fell in Love and married her husband of 50yrs on September 5th 1970 - Rtd Captain Godwin Adindu Njoku.

Mama Josephine moved to be with her husband from Ihiala to St Croix, US Virigin Islands in 1974 where she continued working as a nurse.  In 1978, Mama Josephine returned to Nigeria with her husband and then 3 kids and by October 1982, was a mother of 5 amazing children.  She continued her Nursing career at Igbobi General Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria until retiring from active duty in 1995. Although retired, Mama Josephine continued her Philanthropic Purpose driven nursing obligations by offering charity nursing services to her community and friends will being devoted to praying for the sick the needy and lost causes this was why her Patron Saint was Saint Jude.

In 2002, she moved back to the USA with her husband, to be closer to her children and grandchildren – and continued working in the Nursing and Caring Industry and retired for a 2nd time in 2013.  She spent the rest of her life remaining in constant prayer and worship, keeping the Spiritual bond with God as tight as ever while enjoying time with her family especially her grandchildren.  

She is survived by her husband, 5 children, 7 Grandchildren and 2 Sisters.  Her Legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she touched through Words, Thoughts and Deeds directly or indirectly.