by Jojie Samuel

Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends,

Today, we gather with heavy hearts to celebrate the life of our beloved Aunty Rose. While her passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot fill, I know she would want us to remember her with smiles, laughter, and maybe even a little dancing — because that was who she was.

Aunty Rose was a woman who lived life fully and joyfully. She was jovial, lovable, kind, and generous — always ready to lend a helping hand, to listen, and to care. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special, valued, and loved. You could never walk away from a conversation with her without feeling a little lighter, a little happier.

And oh, how she loved to dance and sing. If music was playing — and sometimes even when it wasn’t — she would be up, moving to the rhythm, pulling others in to join her. She was not one to sit quietly and complain. No, she would say, “Why mope when you can dance it off?”

Her cheerfulness was contagious, her laughter filled every room she entered, and her advice — which she always had ready — was a mix of wisdom, love, and a little bit of playful sarcasm. She had a wonderful way of telling you what you needed to hear, whether you were ready to hear it or not — and somehow, you would still end up laughing about it.

Aunty Rose was also generous to a fault — not just with things, but with her time, her energy, and her love. She would give you her last piece of cake, though she might joke, “Maybe just half, let’s not be too dramatic.”

Today, as we say goodbye, let us remember the lessons she taught us without ever needing to speak them — to love deeply, to laugh often, to dance whenever you can, and to face life’s challenges with courage and a smile.

Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit — her laughter, her kindness, her songs — will live on in each of us. I like to think she’s somewhere now, already turning heaven into her dance floor, reminding the angels to sing a little louder.

Rest in peace, dear Aunty Rose. Thank you for the love, the laughter, and the unforgettable joy you brought into all our lives. You will never be forgotten.

(15/3/2025 – Cheras, Malaysia)