MARY Wayas, widow of the former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, has passed on, her son Joseph Wayas Jnr confirmed to the news media.
She died in a London hospital on December 12, 2021, after a brief illness.
Her husband had also died in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2021.
Wayas Jnr said his mother was a trained secretary who worked in several prestigious firms in Russell Square, London; while supporting her husband, who was at the time an overseas student in the UK.
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River described the news as shocking and devastating.
“It is a blow too heavy to take, especially when we are still struggling to come to terms with the painful death of her husband and father, Dr. Joseph Wayas.”
The Governor who described the death of Lady Wayas as depressing and a great loss for both her family and the state, said “It is an unacceptable moment for me to hear of her departure, because I was not prepared for this, not when we are still planning for the funeral of her husband and former Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas.”
He extolled the virtues of Lady Wayas, describing her as “one of the most cheerful, clever and charming women whom I have ever met in my life. I would like to convey my condolences and those of the state to her family. This is really a great loss for all of us.”
Ayade said Lady Wayas’ sterling virtues of “selflessness, devotion to her family and community as well as her perseverance, determination and burning desire to provide mentorship to all women were hallmarks of her exemplary life,” noting that “these qualities will be remembered forever.”
The Governor prayed for the soul of the widow of the late Senate President to find a resting place in the bosom of the Lord, and called on the country to join in mourning the fallen Lady Wayas, even as he urged the family to be consoled by the noble deeds of their mother.
She is survived by five children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
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