Lola Silva

(Titilola Adenike Osanyingbemi)

Titilola Adenike Osanyingbemi fondly known as Lola Silva passed away peacefully at her residence in Hempstead, NY at the age of 78 on the morning of June 16th, 2023. She was born in Kano, Nigeria on September 23rd, 1944 to the royal household of Samson Ajayi Osanyingbemi and Rebecca Iyalode Osanyingbemi. She was the first daughter of several brothers and sisters into the kingship of Esun-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

Throughout her life, Lola Silva exemplified strength, generosity, and a nurturing spirit. Her willingness to share knowledge and guidance have left an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her.

When Lola was 6 years old she moved to London, England with her family, completing her secondary education there. Relocating back to Nigeria Lola completed her A level education at St. Anns school Ibadan, Nigeria and attended the University of Ibadan where she earned her liberal arts degree in French and Theater Arts.

She went on to work in different capacities after graduating, working for radio Nigeria as an announcer and later having her own program. She spent 25 years with the Cocoa Producers Alliance as a Foreign Service diplomat. Lola traveled internationally to over 60 countries with the Cocoa Producers Alliance devoting herself to support the alliance’s mission globally by examining problems of mutual concern and promoting economic and social relations between cocoa producing countries.

After her retirement from the alliance Lola went on to consult for AREF (the African Refugee Foundation) a not-for-profit organization that supports and helps people displaced due to war and hunger in their countries, especially focusing on women and children. She relocated to the U.S in 1998 where she resided in Hempstead NY. She made an immediate impact to that community and was recognized in 1999 by the village of Hempstead in conjunction with the African American Museum for her dedication to the Arts and her distinguished accomplishments as a magnificent artist.

A fierce advocate for women Lola was a devoted mother to Obeta (Tata) Emmanuel Dipo Osolu, Titilola Adenike Adaora Osolu (deceased age 21) and Olubunmi Oluwaseun Adedeji. Lola instilled in her children and the people around her the virtues of hard work, service, generosity, value of education and the spirit of adventure.

Lola loved gardening, especially fruit trees and roses. An advocate for sports and the martial arts. She loved entertaining friends, cooking and the culinary arts as well as fine arts and culture.

Lola is survived by her sons Obeta (Tata) Osolu, Olubunmi (Olu) Adedeji, her immediate brother Olusegun Osanyingbemi, her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters. She is predeceased by her parents Samson Ajayi and Rebecca Osanyingbemi, Titilola (Ada) Osolu (Daughter), Dele Folorunso (Elder Brother), AdeJoke Adefioye nee Osanyingbemi (Younger Sister), Babatunde Osanyingbemi (Younger Brother) and Wole Osanyingbemi (Younger Brother).

As we bid farewell to our beloved, let us remember her as a beacon of love, strength, and kindness. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with those who went before her.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lola's name to the American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/new-york/long-island?form=FUNELYZXFBW

The family has secured a group rate for those who are traveling and need Hotel Accommodations. The information and link ( Can be cut and pasted into a browser) is as follows:

https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/booking/room-display/index.html?checkInDate=2023-07-13&checkOutDate=2023-07-15&adults%5B%5D=2&children%5B%5D=0&searchType=pac&promotionCode=LOLARP&hotelCode=USAHPNY

Radisson Hotel Hauppauge-Long Island in Brentwood, NY - ReservationCounter.com

Group rate is $169 + tax