Tears, Tributes as Ottawa Community Bids Farewell to Rachael Ola-Peters

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, Ottawa, Canada/

The hall was heavy with grief, yet brightened by memories, as family, friends, and members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Way-to-Life, Ottawa, gathered to bid farewell to Mrs. Taiwo Rachael Ola-Peters. The devoted mother and church leader, who tragically died in a highway crash last month, was remembered in songs, prayers, and stirring tributes that spoke of a life lived with faith, compassion, and service.

Ola-Peters, 59, lost her life on August 22, 2025, in a collision on Highway 7, west of Perth, Ontario. At her Service of Songs on Wednesday, September 24, mourners filled CAC Way-to-Life, Ottawa to celebrate her enduring legacy, even as they struggled to come to terms with the suddenness of her passing.

The funeral service was held at Kelly Funeral Home on Thursday and she was later buried at the Hope Cemetery.

Her twin brother, Pastor John Kayode Ayeni, described her passing as “sudden, shocking, and painful,” noting that the bond they shared as twins made the loss even harder to bear.

Her eldest son, Dr. Emmanuel Ola-Peters, moved mourners with a deeply personal tribute, calling his mother “a pillar of strength and love” who raised her children alone after the death of her husband in 2022. He recalled her teaching them Psalm 23, which he recited in her honor, vowing to uphold her legacy of faith and perseverance. His brothers, Michael and Daniel, also delivered moving tributes, remembering her sacrifices and her unwavering encouragement.

Friends and colleagues remembered Ola-Peters as more than a church leader. She was a mentor, a prayer partner, and a trusted confidant.

Dr. Esther Adekoya credited her for bringing her back into the CAC fold after 40 years in another denomination.

Louisa, a colleague, called her cheerful, accommodating, and hardworking.

Ms. Adeola Babayale, once a neighbour, said Ola-Peters treated her like a daughter.

Mrs. Oluwabunmi Oladele, her close friend and prayer partner, said her absence had left a painful void.

Mrs. Modupe Oresegun, who joined CAC Way-to-Life the same day as Ola-Peters, remembered her as a devoted Christian and prayed for her children.

At CAC Way-to-Life, where she was fondly known as “Principal” for her Sunday School leadership, members hailed her as a mentor and encourager who touched lives with her words, actions, and prayers. The Good Women Fellowship also praised her passion for Bible Study and her example of spiritual dedication.

The funeral procession moved from Kelly Funeral Home to Hope Cemetery, Bank Road, Ottawa, where she was laid to rest. Senior Pastor Debo Adeoye and Pastor Matthew Babatunde officiated the service.

In his sermon, Pastor Adeoye urged the congregation to live lives of humility, forgiveness, and kindness, reminding them: “If you don’t have impact in people’s lives, you’re living a wasted life.”

Born in Oye-Ekiti on March 5, 1966, Taiwo Rachael Ola-Peters was remembered as a devoted mother, a faithful Christian, and a shining light in her community.

As mourners departed, her vibrant spirit, unwavering faith, and deep love for family and community resonated in every heart. Her legacy, they said, would endure in the countless lives she touched.

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