Ijeoma Angelina Onyemelukwe

PLAISTOW, NH - Ijeoma Angelina Onyemelukwe (née Ifejiofor) “Odi uko nam mba” was born on November 28, 1945, to Chief Adolphus Dikejiora Ifejiofor of Akabo-Ezem, Uruagu, Nnewi and Mrs. Marcelina Nwede Ifejiofor (née Agbasi) of Uruagu, Nnewi.

She was the third of six children in a close-knit and loving family. Ijeoma attended primary school both in Jos, Plateau State and Anambra State of Nigeria. She continued her education at the famous St. Catherine’s Secondary School in Nkwere Imo State, where she was an outstanding student.

In 1965, she got married to Dr. Raphael Eziafa Ifeanyi Onyemelukwe, and together they embarked on a journey to the United States of America. They settled in Chicago, Illinois, where Ijeoma pursued her passion for learning. She graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois and went on to earn a Master of Science in 1973. During her time in the United States, Ijeoma and Raphael welcomed their first four children: Ikem, Njide, Chidozie, and Uchenna. They returned to Nigeria in 1977, where they were blessed with their youngest child Amuche. In Nigeria, Ijeoma reached the pinnacle of her profession, serving as Chief Pharmacist at Parklane Hospital in Enugu (now known as the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital). She later held the same esteemed position at Nnewi General Hospital (now Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital). She ultimately founded Cunia Pharmacy, a name lovingly crafted from the first letter of the names of her children, leaving a legacy of excellence and care in her field. During this time, Ijeoma experienced a profound spiritual awakening and became a born-again Christian, a transformation that would define the rest of her life. Her faith became the cornerstone of her identity, and she dedicated herself to spiritual work with unwavering passion. She was an active member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International and St. Mark's Anglican Church in Nnewi, where her contributions left a lasting impact on the community.

In 1991, Ijeoma returned to the United States with her children and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. There, she continued her professional journey as a pharmacist with Walgreens Pharmacy, where her dedication and care touched the lives of countless patients. Beyond her career, Ijeoma became a spiritual warrior, leading many to Christ and mentoring young Christians as they grew in their faith. She was member of Grace Christian Fellowship, Word Alive Ministries, and International Outreach Ministries in Hyde Park, MA. She was also deeply entrenched in the Nigerian community and served as the Vice President of Nnewi People’s Union of Massachusetts (NPUM). Her home was a haven for all—a hub of love, counsel, and support. She opened her doors to many, providing housing and guidance to those transitioning from Nigeria to the United States and offering shelter to those in need. Ijeoma’s selflessness, wisdom, and unwavering faith made her a pillar of strength and comfort to her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.

In 2009, Ijeoma was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a challenge that could have dimmed the brightest of spirits. Yet, she faced it with unshakable faith and determination, never allowing the illness to define her. She lived with grace and resilience, ensuring that her children were well-established and cared for before she went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2025. Ijeoma’s legacy is one of faith, love, and unwavering dedication to God, her family, and her community. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were fortunate to know her.

Ijeoma was preceded in death by her parents Chief Adolphus Dikejiora Ifejiofor and Mrs. Marcelina Nwede Ifejiofor; siblings Mrs. Christy Agbodike, Mrs. Francisca Uchenna Ike, and Mr. Anthony Emeka Ifejiofor; former husband Dr. Raphael E.I. Onyemelukwe. Ijeoma is survived by siblings Mrs. Pauline Umenwune and Mrs. Caroline Meka; children Mr. Ikemefuna Raluchukwu Onyemelukwe, Mrs. Njideka Ezinwa Ezeoke, Mr. Chidozie Mekam Onyemelukwe, Ms. Uchenna Chinenye Onyemelukwe and Mrs. Amuche Nwamaka Clermont; beloved grandchildren Mr. Kenechukwu (Kenny) Chrysanthus Ezeoke, Amarachukwu (Amara) Vanessa Ijeoma Ezeoke, Kosisochi (Kosi) Ariana Clermont, Chizara (Zara) Isabella Clermont, Chibueze (Ezeh) Isaiah Clermont; sons in-law Dr. Oguejiofor Chrysanthus Ezeoke and Mr. Valery Clermont. Ijeoma is sorely missed by numerous uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless brothers and sisters in Christ.

May the soul of dear Ijeoma rest peacefully in the bosom of her creator.

Visitation will be Friday, January 31, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 1, in the First Church of Christ, 10 Church Street, Haverhill (Bradford Common) at 11:00 AM. Please meet directly at the church. Parking available at the funeral home. Interment in Linwood Cemetery, 41 John Ward Avenue, Haverhill. Reception will follow at Michael's Function Hall, 12 Alpha Street, Haverhill. To Celebrate her life, visit www.forevermissed.com/ijeoma-angelina-onyemelukwe. For guestbook visit www.driscollcares.com 

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