Grace Nkeiruka Sawyerr

Grace Nkeiruka Ezebuiro was born into the distinguished family of Mr. John Bendia Ezebuiro of Ekerefeze, Umuajata Olokoro Umuahia. Her mother, Mrs. Maria Nwakaego Ezebuiro (née Ajufo), was from Ogboli, Ibuzo, Delta State. Grace was the Bendia family's first child and daughter, and she embraced this role throughout her wonderful life.

Her early schooling started at St. Theresa's Catholic Primary School, where she earned her first school leaving certificate. However, the traumatic events of Nigeria's Civil War had a tremendous impact on her early years. In 1966, the fighting forced her family to return to Umuahia, their homeland.

Following her father's relocation, Grace Ezebuiro and her family relocated to Ohafia in the Eastern Region, shortly before the civil war began. Her professional adventure began in Ohafia, where she landed her first work with the military food directorate in Abiriba-Ohafia. Her commitment to her job required her to live at her station in Abiriba, yet she maintained close familial links. Her siblings paid her frequent visits and even lived with her on occasion, emphasizing her central status in the family. Her treasured weekend trips back home were always a highlight, eagerly anticipated by her loved ones.

The family returned to Umuahia right after the end of the Nigerian Civil War. Grace Ezeburo, motivated by ambition and a desire for personal development, traveled to Lagos to join her maternal cousin. She enrolled at a business school and studied secretarial skills, which would define her profession. She swiftly found a position as the secretary at Paragon Sign Limited, where her hard work and abilities shone brilliantly. Mrs. Grace Sawyerr met and then married Mr. Ladipo Sawyerr, the company's Managing Director and CEO.

Her commitment to professional excellence continued, and in 1977, she took a year off from her family, including her husband and younger brother Peter O. Bendia, who lived with her at Lawanson Surulere, to pursue additional secretarial studies and fine-tune her career. She had three children with her husband: Olubunmi, Oluwatosin, and Toluwalope. Mrs. Grace Sawyerr lived to see and had a wonderful time with her grandchildren, and was dearly loved by all. Her life reflected her strength and unwavering affection for her family, children, in-laws, and everyone around her. Deeply established in Christ until her last breath.

There will be a Funeral Service held for Mrs. Grace Sawyerr on Saturday, September 6th at 11:00am at Saskatoon Funeral Home (338 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK) 

To view the past service, please visit: https://youtube.com/live/QJGoCy_21YQ?feature=share