Tribute

Vilma Gomes

We heard the sad news of Vilma’s passing away on December 26 and her remains were cremated according to her wishes on December 28. Vilma was making elaborate plans to celebrate her 80th birthday in January, but it was not be: the Lord’s call came earlier.

Vilma was a lively girl in school, tall, with an imposing figure and curly hair. She always wore a pleasant smile which appeared on the funeral hymn sheet as well - that same sweet smile which Lakshmi another classmate commented and I too agreed.

While many of us classmates, took to teaching Vilma married early in life. Her husband Dr Edgar Gomes was a loving caring husband and predeceased her 17 years ago.

They were blessed with two daughters and two sons. Vilma and Edgar were fortunate to have six grand-daughters and a grandson.

It stirred our hearts to listen to the tributes paid by every grandchild in church at the funeral service. Though Vilma didn’t take to teaching, she had been a good mentor, teacher and guide to her grandchildren.

This we were able to gather from the tributes paid by them. She had also shown her culinary skills in entertaining them to sweetmeats and pudding during their holidays. Moreover she had been a good story teller as well. Her grandchildren will surely miss her, as well her own children. We, her remaining classmates too will miss her at our Fellowship Get-Together parties.

Nevertheless, Vilma, we know this is not the end, for we believe in a life hereafter and hope to meet you there.

I conclude this with heartfelt sympathies to her children, grand children and all her family members.

- Ninette Fernando