In her lifetime, Mum was a simple lady who made sure that her hair was properly set and her clothing matched the occasion she attended. Her clothes were not expensive but it made her looked elegant by the way she carried herself. When she spoke, she spoke gently and politely. By that account, Mum was placed in a white casket with unassuming trimmings. I am sure she would have liked that.
The three-day Vigil saw relatives and friends coming to pay their last respects. Mum was well liked by those who knew her. She was always ready to lend a hand to those who seek her help. Long lost friends who saw her obituary came and spoke of how helpful Mum had been to them.
The first night of the Vigil, the Heavens wept. Heavy rain coupled with strong winds threatened to blow away the shelter that fortunately stood fast. Prayer groups from the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Green Lane, and The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Balik Pulau came to offer prayers and sang hymns.
The Vigil was packed on the second night as more relatives and friends streamed in to pay their respects. Providentially, the sky was clear and the crowd spilled onto the road. Prayer groups from the same Churches came to pray and sang hymns.
Mum’s funeral procession that began at 12.30pm was preceded by English, Hakka and Mandarin hymns and lay ministers blessing the casket. The cortege circled the apartment block where Mum had spent four wonderful years and then the hearse proceeded to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit for a Funeral Mass.
