What strikes me the most about Nana is how pure she was. The brilliant smile that she always had was so warm, sincere and pure that it reminds me of the smile of an innocent young child. Beautiful, vibrant, innocent and unconditional. You would think that she was a person without a care in the world who had a really easy life. But it was not always so. Listening to the tale of Nana’s life, you come to realise the adversity she had endured. She was visually impaired, with only one eye she could fully see through. She had hearing difficulties most of her life that led to complete deafness in recent years. She faced the trauma of being widowed at the age of 21 through tragic circumstances. She survived the horrors of the Second World War and later she remarried and after that relationship ended, she had to overcome great fears to accomplish the work that she did in order to take care of her family. Finally, most recently she had to endure the horrible illness that has taken her away from us. But still through this all, she was always strong and beautiful with a generous genuine smile on her face and arms that were always ready to encompass anyone and make them feel so incredibly special. Nana faced everything with a smile on her face and two thumbs up.

She had accomplished great things in her life. She was the first woman embalmer in Singapore working for the Singapore Casket Company. But I believe she felt her greatest accomplishment were her 5 children and all the generations that they have perpetuated. She valued all the relationships she had with so many people. Family, friends, colleagues, neighbours…anyone who she met.

Nana invested in people more than wealth, prestige or even herself. Most commonly known as ‘Fawn’ she has also been called “The Kissing Aunt”, “Nana Claus”, “The One who gives the best hugs”. Right up to the very end, she gave so much, watching her birthday video last night it once again struck me, as sick as she was, she was still so giving, all smiles, thumbs up and making sure that everyone had a photo opportunity with her to remember her special day. This shows me why she is so well known for her generosity, warmth and affection. Just saying “Hello” to Nana made you feel incredibly special. It usually meant being kissed on both cheeks, sometimes repeatedly, and hugged for a couple of minutes.

She really did make you feel so incredible.

Which is why it is so hard to say goodbye. Those hugs and kisses will be sorely missed.

But, in spite of the absence of her physical presence, she is still around us.
Firstly, in those things that symbolised her during her life. You will see her whenever there is a cute little piggy or bear before you, in the many shades of purple in the world around us. You will hear her incredibly infectious laughter whenever you watch “Mr Bean”. You will feel her presence whenever you pray in the masses she valued or say her favourite prayers. At Christmastime as you wrap your presents and write your cards. You will definitely remember her in her legacy of recipes. Nana was well known for her incredible cooking.

But most importantly, and to get back to my word that best describes Nana, is the inspiration she bequeaths to all of us. She will live on in our hearts and minds for what she stands for.
Her GENEROSITY that stretched across the expanse of the myriad of people she knew, from family & friends to colleagues & neighbours.
Her AFFECTION that made you feel like the most valued person in the world.
Her JOYFULNESS that showed you that life is for living with laughter and cheer.
Her STRENGTH and COURAGE that shows you that you can face adversity and still retain your spirit.

Phyllis, Mum, Nana, Fawn, Aunty Fawn is no longer physically beside us as we journey the rest of our lives. But we all know her well enough to know that she has now worked out a way to shine on us and embrace us with her spirit and her abundant amounts of love.