Obituary: Nneoma Chimamaka Obi, 25; Sacred Heart Academy Graduate

HAMDEN, CT - (From Biega Funeral Home) Nneoma Chimamaka Obi was born on Nov 18, 1996 at Yale New Haven Hosp, St Raphael Campus to Dr Amaechi & Nonye Obi of Middletown, both parents are originally from Nigeria.

She attended St Stephens School, a Catholic private Primary school in Hamden from preschool to Middle school--2001 to 2009. She graduated Middle school with Honors. In this school, she is still remembered for her initial "naughtiness" & cries but to the amazement of all she blossomed into a dynamic student. She was member to almost all the little girls' clubs, Drama, Girls Guide, usher, school Basketball team etc.

To this “explosion" in activities, the school Principal, Mrs Testa described her as "a ranging bolt". She said one day "All those initial tantrums & cries were because of her age, she is so much endowed with leadership qualities, now we see it". Yes, she started preschool 2months short of 5 yrs., she was always the youngest student in her class.

From thence she moved on to Sacred Heart Academy-- an exclusive Catholic Girls High School in Hamden & graduated in 2014. In this school, her full potentials were set in motion by her unforgettable teachers. Again, she was into everything, indoor Track & field sports, Drama/ Musical clubs, golfing etc. She joined the school Student council from an early class as Treasurer. This venture was the first by any student from a lower class like hers in that school to get into the student council. It was also at this school that her Poetry skills was brought to the limelight.

Two of her Poems has been published & widely read. A buddy great Poet. Ultimately, she contested for the president of the student council, campaigned & won the election landslide. This is a feat for a minority student to pull such a crowd. She was very popular & loved by all. She knew no difference between humans. She graduated with High Honors & proceeded to UCONN (University of Connecticut) for her college education aspiring to be a Doctor.

At UCONN, as usual she was into everything, Cheerleading, Tour Guides grp, leadership Forum, African American Students Association etc., in fact she couldn't hide anywhere she was at. She was a people’s girl. Was only at that school for a year & a quarter when she obediently heeded my call to come home for a worship vigil for my late older brother who died in Nigeria. It was at home that she took a piece of meat & choked on it. Every effort to dislodge the meat was futile. The Devil struck. ...... Oct 24th 2015. She was only 18yrs & 11months old, a 2nd yr. student. She was comatose by this accident.

Nneoma was also spotted early at church-- St Luke's Episcopal Church, New Haven as a gifted child. She was picked to join the Church lesson readers at the age of 7. They had to stand her on a high stool for the congregation to see her head whole reading. Her first day of reading wowed the congregation. She was instantly ear marked as someone to "watch". Very active in the children's church group. Always ready to help. Nneoma fought like a Tigress for her life. Her strength amazed everyone even the Doctors. She lived far beyond their predictions. She was God's epitome of artful creation. She endured all pains, setbacks, agonies, groans because she wanted to live but they didn't let her. A young girl's life was snatched just like that.

Before her death, she was admitted at Middlesex Hosp. CCU, was intubated & had complications, fought like a lioness like she was but succumbed to the will of God on Jan 12th 2022, this was after 2months & 22 days in the intensive care unit, she was 25yrs old. Had been in the comatose state for 6yrs, 2months & 27 days. A QUEEN went home to her creator. She is in the bosom of Jesus, an Angel now. No more pains. Free, free at last.
THANK YOU JESUS!
She is survived by her parents, older sister Adaeze Obi, younger brother Oli Obi, paternal grandma, numerous cousins, uncles & aunties.
Funeral services will be held on Friday January 21, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Ave., New Haven. Burial will be in Miner Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call at St. Luke’s Church from 9 to 11 a.m. for viewing prior to the service.

Those who wish may send memorial contributions, may do so to St. Luke’s Church soup kitchen for the homeless. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.