*By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu,
Ottawa, Canada
The community came together to bid a final farewell to Mrs. Taiwo Rachael Ola-Peters, a devoted member of Christ Apostolic Church, Way-to-Life, Ottawa, who tragically lost her life in a road crash last month.
The service of songs, held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, was a poignant celebration of her life, marked by heartfelt tributes from children, friends, colleagues, and church members.
Her twin brother, Pastor John Kayode Ayeni, said Ola-Peters’ exit was so sudden, shocking and painful especially as they could not discuss “before her transition to glory”.
During the service, Dr. Emmanuel Ola-Peters, her first son, paid an emotional tribute to his mother, describing her as a pillar of strength and love. He recalled how she played both mother and father to her children after the loss of her husband in 2022, and credited her guidance for their achievements.
“She has gone to rest, but her spirit isn’t gone. Her lessons and strength aren’t gone. She left us for a better place,” he said, vowing to uphold her legacy.
Dr Ola-Peters rounded off his tribute with the recitation of Psalm 23 which he said was the first Bible lesson his mother taught him and his brothers.
His siblings, Michael and Daniel also paid glowing tributes to their late mother.
Other speakers shared touching testimonies of how Rachael Ola-Peters touched their lives. Dr. Esther Adekoya fondly remembered how the late Ola-Peters invited her to join the CAC Way-to-Life church and encouraged her to return to the fold after 40 years with another denomination.
A colleague, Louisa, described Rachael as a cheerful, accommodating, and hardworking individual who inspired those around her. Ms. Adeola Babayale said Ola-Peters was once her neighbor as they lived in the same apartment building. She recalled how close they were at the time and later after she relocated from the building. She added that Ola-Peters treated her like a daughter as they used to exchange views on personal issues.
Mrs Oluwabunmi Oladele, a very close friend of the late Ola-Peters, lamented how she was missing her because she used to be her prayer partner who also listened to her and guided her through life’s turbulence.
Mrs Modupe Oresegun, with whom Rachael Ola-Peters joined the CAC Way-to-Life on the same day, recalled her virtues and prayed for her children.
At CAC Way-to-Life, she was fondly referred to as ‘principal ‘ because of her coordination of the Sunday School.
Ola-Peters was more than a church leader. They described her as a mentor, encourager, and mother to many, saying: “Through her words, actions and prayers, she impacted lives and drew people closer to Christ.”
The Good Women said Ola-Peters was passionate about the things of God and her dedication to Sunday School and Bible Study inspired the women to grow in their walk with Christ.
In his brief sermon at the funeral home service, Pastor Debo Adeoye urged everyone to be mindful of the last day, a day when they would sleep and be unable to wake up, and therefore dedicate their lives to God’s service. He stressed the importance of humility, forgiveness and kindness.
The burial procession moved from Kelly Funeral Home to Hope Cemetery, Bank Road, Ottawa where the interment took place.
In his sermon at the Service of Songs, Senior Pastor Debo Adeoye reflected on the preciousness of life in God’s sight, citing Psalm 116:15 and Hebrews 6:10. He urged the congregation to emulate Rachael’s legacy of dedication, life of service and selflessness, emphasizing the importance of making meaningful impacts in others’ lives. “If you don’t have impact in people’s lives, you’re living a wasted life,” he said.
Both the burial ceremony and the service of songs were attended by elders of the CAC Way-to-Life church and the Good Women.
The interment took place at Hope Cemetery, Bank Road, Ottawa.
Senior Pastor Debo Adeoye and Pastor Matthew Babatunde officiated at the funeral service, with Senior Pastor Adeoye delivering a brief but powerful sermon at the Kelly Funeral Home, urging everyone to always think of the last day because the end can come at any time. He urged them to live a life dedicated to God’s service, marked by humility, forgiveness, and kindness.
As friends and family laid Rachael Ola-Peters to rest, they remembered her vibrant spirit, her love for her family and community, and her unwavering commitment to her faith.
Born in Oye Ekiti on March 5, 1966, Taiwo Ola-Peters died on August 22, 2025.
Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.
