ANDREA VERONIQUE OBULATA-EZELECHE

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ANDREA VERONIQUE OBULATA-EZELECHE Andrea Veronique Obulata-Ezeleche (nee Allaire), wife and mother, daughter and beloved by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2018. "Andy" to her family, "Awa" to her cousins, "Nkechi" (God's gift) to her Nigerian friends and "Mummy" to little Maya, Andrea is deeply loved, dearly missed and will always be remembered. Andrea was born on August 18, 1987 in Edmonton, AB, bringing joy to her parents, Monica Albanese and Albert Allaire and big brother Sean. A few years later the family moved to Winnipeg, where she and Sean spent most of their childhood. Growing up in Winnipeg, Andrea was lively, happy and inquisitive with an enthusiasm for life that is impossible to miss seeing in her daughter Maya. Andrea had two dads in her life. She loved and cherished the memory of her father Al, who passed when she was six years old; she talked about him often and kept his memory alive in her heart. When Andrea was 10 years old, Ron Storozuk came into her life. She was so happy to have a second dad; they shared a wonderful closeness and sense of fun. Andrea and Alex (Chibuzo) had their first date at The Forks after Alex saw a picture of her, and they married on August 10, 2013. With her beloved Alex she built a beautiful family, surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins and dear friends. They were overjoyed at the birth of their daughter Maya who was born September 11, 2014. Andrea found her greatest joy in being a mom. She loved Maya without measure and she never held back in showering her with love. To her brother Sean, she was a loving sister and great friend; they always looked out for each other and walked together in life. To Winnipeg cousins Natassja and Naomi she was a sister. She and Sean spent many summer days with her numerous cousins at family gatherings in Thunder Bay. She had a special bond with her grandmother in Thunder Bay, calling her on the phone regularly and with her "mummy" in Nigeria. Andrea was especially close to her mother Monica. At age 18, she and her mom travelled to a mission in Darjeeling, India and their experiences touched them deeply and left them with lasting memories. She was her mother's daughter, caring deeply about family and about the need to make the world a better place. This led her into a career in social work, where she made a difference in people's lives. She volunteered for many different organizations over the years especially those with a focus on children. She always tried her best at everything she did and never failed to show kindness to those around her. Andrea was the kind of person who invited and nurtured enduring friendships. She spoke often and highly of her many close colleagues at River East Child and Family Services. Those close to Andrea felt her love and warmth and wit in so many ways. She was so easy to be around, to have a laugh with; she had a generous nature that made people feel like they mattered. It was the simple things in life that made her happy. For Andrea, just being with the people she loved was its own reward and we were so happy in her presence, never thinking that these moments might not last. We mourn the days and years to come without the goodness and light that she brought to us, and give thanks for the gift of her life and memory. The loss of Andrea is a tragic loss for her husband Alex, her daughter Maya, her family and for all who love her. She will always be missed. We will never forget her. Andrea is survived by her husband Alex, daughter Maya, parents Monica and Ron, brother Sean, grandmother Geri Albanese, and a large extended family in Canada and Nigeria. She is now with her family who have already passed on, her father Albert Allaire and grandfather Philip Carman Albanese. We would like to thank the ICU team at St. Boniface Hospital, Dr. Susan Brien and Dr. Andrea Babick for their support, Andrea's devoted friend Erin, and all those who carried Andrea in their hearts during this difficult time. Remember Andrea through spending time with the children in your life, sharing a good laugh with loved ones, showing kindness to others and living and loving fully for this brief moment of life that we have. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford St. A celebration of her life will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a children's charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2018