Lydia Aigbovo Omo-Osagie

Lydia Aigbovo Omo-Osagie was born Sept 10, 1933 in Benin City, Nigeria, the daughter of Ajayi Bazuaye and Mewe Ekpeminaghan. As a girl, she travelled
extensively with her father who was Chief of Customs in the southern region of Nigeria, beginning the learning and travel that would become the hallmarks of her life. 

She graduated from teacher training college at 18, earned specialization degrees, worked for the Ministry of Education and founded a primary school which she directed until age 85. Her home was a hub for students from the University of Lagos who sought her delicious food, encouragement and guidance. She made a difference in their lives. 

For more than six decades, she taught and inspired young women and men who now carry that flag all around the world. She was a natural leader, and as teaching was her calling, Girl Guides was her joy. The girls and young women she led as a Girl Guide Commissioner remember her today for the virtues she instilled in them.

She married Anthony Omo-Osagie in 1955 and through her faith in God and strength of character she raised four children and dedicated her life to them.
Her example taught her children to center their lives around giving to others.

Her generosity in spirit touched everyone who met her. She was mom to so many and never failed to lend a helping hand to anyone. She believed in every
child’s capacity to learn and strive for excellence. In return, children not only met her expectations of achievement, they incorporated into their own lives her
reverence for integrity and respect.

She is survived by her daughter Antoinette, sons Patrick Jude and Joe, and daughters-in-law Funke, Stephanie and Dianna. She was preceded in death by
her son Gabriel. Her grandchildren, Gabriel, Jason, Hunter, Katherine, TJ, David, Tobi, Eki and Uyi were her pride and joy. Her legacy lives on every time
they lend a hand to someone in need and strive toward excellence in every endeavor.

The family welcomes all to a mass in celebration of her life on June 15, 2024 at 1pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Urbana, Illinois. A reception in her honor will follow directly in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to consider a donation to the Lydia Omo-Osagie Fund at Parkland College.

A visitation will begin at 12:00 noon Wednesday May 29, 2024 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 1215 W. Bradley Ave. Urbana. Grave side service will follow after at 1:00 pm. at Mount Hope Cemetery.

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