Clara Simbo ABIRI

ABIRI Clara Simbo (dada) March 10, 1937 - September 29, 2026 It is with deep sadness, but also immense gratitude for a life so richly lived, that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Clara Simbo Abiri, who passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, aged 89, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, Clara was the fourth of six children of Papa Saka and Mama Adikatu Dada Balogun. From an early age, she was known for her warmth, determination, creativity, and love of family. Her educational journey took her from Ilisan to Kaduna and Kano, where she trained as a nurse before continuing her studies in England. Although she embraced life in a new country, she remained fiercely proud of her Nigerian heritage and never forgot her roots. In 1958, she married Emanuel Abiri, and together they welcomed three children: Tunji, Yinka, and Abi. She would also work as a nurse at Charing Cross Hospital for a time, as well as a stint at Osram's, one the largest employers in the Hammersmith area. By the early 1970's Clara found herself a single mother and when life brought challenges, Clara met them with remarkable strength and resilience. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, building a successful career at Hammersmith Hospital, where she served for more than 25 years and rose to supervisory and management positions. Beyond her career, Clara possessed a true entrepreneurial spirit. Whether selling Avon products, trading fabrics and fashions between London and Nigeria, or creating beautiful knitted and sewn items, she always found ways to support her family. Her resourcefulness, independence, and strong work ethic became lasting lessons for her children and grandchildren. Above all, Clara's greatest joy was her family and community. Her home was always open, her kettle always on, and there was invariably room at the table for one more person. She welcomed relatives, friends, and newcomers alike with kindness, laughter, and generosity. Many will fondly remember her famous cakes, her delicious jollof rice, and the traditional Nigerian dishes she lovingly prepared and taught others to make Though England became her home, Clara remained deeply connected to Nigeria. She was a proud daughter of Ilisan and a dedicated supporter of the ISHANBI Development Union (UK), helping to contribute to the development of her hometown. Clara leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory always: her children Tunji, Yinka, and Abi; her adored grandchildren Aaron, Daryll, Kyle, Andre, Lucretia, and Tayo; her treasured great-granddaughters Aila and Celeste; and many relatives, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched with her generosity, wisdom, and unwavering love. Known to many as Mama Tunji, Sister, Aunty, Mrs Abiri, or simply Clara, she was, to us, always Mum and Nana. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the community she supported, and the countless people who were fortunate enough to know and love her. A Service of Songs will be held in celebration of our her life from 6.30pm, Wednesday, 28th October 2026, at Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick, London W4 4JN. Her funeral will be held at Rivercourt Methodist Church, King Street, London W6 9JT, at 11.00am Monday 2nd November 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honour to the Barnardo's, Age Concern, The Alzheimer's Society, and the Red Cross. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.