Stephine Irondi

With heavy hearts, and the will of almighty God, we share the passing of our beloved Stephine Irondi, who graced this world with her radiant presence until February 21st, 2024, at the tender age of 34. Born on December 16, 1989 Stephine Chinwendu Nwaneri in Kansas City, Missouri, Stephine was always a vibrant child full of spirit and energy. From an early age, she had an interest in dance, excelled in academics, and triumphed in sports. Graduating with honors from Lee’s Summit West High School in 2008, Stephine’s dedication shone brightly as she added to the triumphs of the tennis and track and field teams. She brought immense pride to Lee’s Summit West High School via her great contribution towards the consecutive Missouri State Track and Field Championships victories from 2006 to 2008. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Missouri, where she graduated with honors in Biology. Stephine was known for her comforting smile, unabashed humor, and kind heart, always giving and spreading warmth to anyone around her.

In 2014 Stephine married her longtime friend Nnamaka Irondi. Soon after her marriage and graduation she noticed her body getting weaker and began walking with a limp, so she sought medical advice. On October 16th, 2014, while in preparation for Physician Assistant school, Stephine was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. At that time, she was only 24 years old and with her whole life ahead of her. Her doctors were uncertain of the prognosis or outcome of surgery. Still, a few days after diagnosis she underwent a risky 10-hour surgery to remove the tumor. The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, but she was left unable to breathe on her own, unable to talk, and unable to move. For some, what may have seemed like a mountain of defeat to climb, Stephine’s spirit was never broken. After 2 years in and out of the hospital, numerous surgeries, and several bouts of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Stephine was deemed cancer-free. But to Stephine’s dismay, her doctors told her she would never have children. However, on November 28th, 2018, the joy of motherhood, once deemed an impossibility, blessed her with a beautiful bouncing baby boy, Osinachi, a true miracle and embodiment of divine love. In the Igbo language of Stephine’s culture, Osinachi means “gift from God.”

In 2019 Stephine was dealt another blow, 5 years cancer-free, she learned her cancer had returned, this time in her spinal cord. Dealt with the same treatment as before, but now her cancer did not respond to chemo and radiation therapy. The doctors ran out of options and gave her less than one year to live. Stephine did not give up. Her smile never faded, continuing to light up every room she walked into. Stephine never regained complete strength back in her body, but she never stopped living. She traveled the world visiting Jamaica, Mexico, The Bahamas, Italy, Nigeria, NYC, Chicago, LA, and her favorite city, Miami. Even while fighting cancer, she completed her master’s degree in health science at Liberty University and was working on her PhD in health science until she became too weak to continue her studies just a few months ago. Stephine’s life was a testimony, and she will not be forgotten.

Stephine leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, cherished by her devoted husband Nnamaka Irondi, and their precious son Osinachi Irondi. She is also remembered fondly by her parents Cletus and Georgeline Nwaneri, her older brothers King and Promise Nwaneri, and her older sister Blossom Okafor.

As we bid farewell to Stephine, let us celebrate her remarkable life, a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring spirit of love. Though she may no longer walk among us, her light will continue to illuminate our hearts, guiding us with its warmth and inspiration. Stephine’s legacy will endure, a beacon of hope and courage for generations to come.

Funeral service will be held on March 9, 2024 at 2:30pm at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133. Service of Song and Reception will follow at Top Tier Venue: 4701 Blue Ridge Blvd. KCMO 64133. To view the funeral service live, click here: STEPHINE IRONDI FUNERAL SERVICE LINK.