Zienuo Zita Nakhro, affectionately called Apfü Zienuo, one of New Market colony’s early settlers and a devoted supporter of local favourites New Market XI football team, died on May 28 in Kohima, aged 82, after a sudden hospitalisation.

Parishioners recalled seeing Apfü Zienuo, mother of former state and New Market XI midfielder Keneiselie Clement Nakhro, happily attending the recent Mother’s Day Eucharist at St. Francis de Sales Parish (SFS) Kohima Town, where she was a daily presence at morning mass.

Apfü Zienuo prayed for players during crucial rounds of major tournaments. “There was hardly a match that the players had not done justice to her spiritual blessings,” said Keneido Basil Peseyie, former president of New Market Youth Organisation.

She would go the extra mile to witness matches, joining the frenzied crowds at Khuochiezie or Kohima Local Ground.

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Beyond football, she was “a foundation to her family and a guiding grace to those around her,” Peseyie said. “She reflected how to face life’s challenges with grace and determination. She was kind, loving and genuine, and deeply concerned for the youths of the colony not to fall prey to social vices and to follow the path of righteousness.”

Born in 1944, Apfü Zienuo belonged to New Market’s founding families. Her influence was evident as scores of priests, nuns and people packed her Requiem Mass at SFS Parish, on Friday — a rare honour reflecting her spirituality, compassion and deep community ties.

Eulogies, tribute messages, songs, prayers and laying of wreaths marked the last rites at her parish, where her mortal remains lay in state, followed by burial at her residence in New Market.