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Mrs. Rosaline Kalu, mother of the Social and Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Charles Kalu, has been laid to rest at her hometown, Asaga, in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
Fondly called “Mma Rosa,” the 85-year-old deceased died on May 22 and was buried on Friday following a funeral service attended by family members, journalists, friends, associates and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The funeral was marked by an outpouring of tributes and testimonies about her kindness, generosity, Christian faith and commitment to the welfare of others, prompting many of those present to reflect on the relationships they had shared with her. 
Taking her sermon text from Job 14:14, the Minister in Charge of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Asaga Urban Parish, Rt. Rev. Mrs. Helen Item, described the deceased’s character as that of a saint.
“Her character was that of a saint. You can see that in the testimonies about her and what is written,” Item said.
The cleric recalled that by the time she was posted to the parish, Mma Rosa’s physical activities had declined, but said her spiritual life remained strong.
Speaking on the theme, “Life After Death,” she said she was rejoicing because the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate a life that had positively affected others.
“I am rejoicing today because we are celebrating a saint,” she said.
The cleric also disclosed that it was only after Mma Rosa’s death that she discovered that her son, Charles, had stayed with one of the deceased’s relatives during his industrial attachment.
Using the revelation to underscore the importance of how people treat others, she urged Christians to recognise the temporary nature of earthly existence.
“There is no joy on Earth because of trouble. Many illnesses we hear of today, we never had them 20 or 50 years ago. That shows you that this is temporary. If you are rejoicing that you are enjoying life on earth, you need to be pitied,” she said.
In his tribute, Charles Kalu described his mother as a woman who spoke knowledgeably about life and regularly warned those around her about dangers ahead.
“You were a woman of strong faith who opened your doors,” he said, recalling how she “fed, supported, and gifted, and never allowed anyone to leave your home empty-handed.”
He added that her kitchen “belonged to everyone,” reflecting her reputation for hospitality and generosity.
Her brother, Rev. Benjamin Kalu, described Mma Rosa as much more than a sister, saying she was “a mother, a friend, and a source of encouragement whose presence brought comfort to many.”
“Her life was marked by love, humility, and selfless service. She always put others first, offering a helping hand without hesitation, and shared words of hope when they were needed most. Her gentle spirit and caring heart left an enduring impact on everyone who knew her,” he said.
Her daughter-in-law, Bertha Sunny Kalu, reflected on the enduring nature of love despite death.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard,
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