Vera Omage Gabriel

Her story started in Nigeria, and she was part of a family of  8 with a loving dad and mom, Gabriel and Comfort Omage. Today, we gather to honor the life and legacy of a truly extraordinary woman, our beloved mother. She was a shining example of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication. Her story is one of hard work and perseverance, a testament to the incredible strength of her character. As her son, I am privileged to share her life's story and profound impact on us all. From an early age, our mother embraced the value of hard work. Born into humble beginnings, she never allowed her circumstances to define her. Instead, she embraced every opportunity that came her way, turning challenges into stepping stones toward success. She charted her path with unwavering determination and demonstrated what true grit and perseverance could achieve. Our mom led us on a merry way to becoming young, respectful, and independent men. For the many lives she touched as a nurse, she deserves a beautiful funeral portraying her impact on every life she encountered. She was a nurse for over 30 years. Her nursing career started at UBTH in Benin City, Nigeria. 

Her early years of seriousness were necessary to pursue her workforce. Her secondary schooling was at Elahor Grammar School, Benin City, Nigeria, from 1978 to 1982. After high school, she attended nursing school at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital School of Nursing from 1982 to 1986. Then she proceeded to the School of Midwifery at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital from 1988 to 1989.

After immigrating, she worked for Shady Grove, Holy Cross, and NIH. She made friends, touching lives positively. She faced many difficulties after immigrating to the United States from Nigeria and single-handedly raised three boys despite having breast cancer from 2013 to 2023. 

Her work life was significant to her. She made many connections with people from work and, thankfully, great people beside her through her journey. She began her work as an RN at General Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, from 1986 to 1995. She then afterward, during that time, also got another RN position at Island Maternity as well in Lagos, starting in 1990 to 1995. After she came into the U.S and worked for Shady Grove, she transitioned to the first big medical institution, Holy Cross Hospital, from 2000-2007. In addition, she finally worked at NIH (National Institutes of Health) and was there from 2007-2023. She positively impacted whomever she talked to and interacted with, no matter where she went. She always influenced whomever she was taking care of. She instilled in us never to do lazy work, to be hardworking boys, and to treat everyone with respect and kindness. May her soul rest in peace and be cherished throughout the world. 

Taiwo Vidal

Kehinde Vidal

Osbert Omage