Noble Sir Charles Abiakwe of the Knights of St Johns International Commandery 680 and his wife, Lady Stella Abiakwe both suffered the major losses of their fathers recently.
Pa Calistus Akanno, Lady Stella’s father, aged 76 years died and when Pa Christopher Abiakwe, Noble Charles’ father heard the news of the demise of his treasured in-law and bossom friend, he, also died two days after at age 91.
Noble Sir Abiakwe and Lady Stella, however, turned their losses to an occasion for combined gratitude to God when they held a Requiem Mass and Celebration of Life for their departed fathers at the Blessed Sacrament St Charles Borromeo Church Newark, New Jersey in honor of their departed fathers.
The clergy, friends, well wishers, brother Knights and Ladies Auxiliary were on hand to console, comfort and celebrate with the couple.
At the end of the event, the couple, on behalf of the Abiakwe and Akanno families in their vote of thanks said that with every sense of humility, “we express our profound gratitude and appreciation to God and you our brothers and sisters, for your support through telephone calls, visits, text messages, financial and emotional encouragement during this difficult period of grief. It is our prayer that the almighty God will bless and reward you all in your time of need”. (Please click on pictures for full view). 
