Hugh Grima writes:
Like most of us, Lina loved life and like most of us too, she didn't want to die.
When she was struck with what many, including herself thought was a stroke, she fought it bravely and tried to adjust as best she could in the circumstances.
Lina argued that since she could still see, listen to music, enjoy the use of her right hand and speak, she could still live a good, if modified life.
Happy to be back home after a short stay at Casa Antonia, she was lovingly cared for by Maryanne, Carmen and Doreen, her beloved carers who cherished her and looked after all her needs.
Yet that stage was short-lived. Her condition gradually deteriorated and luckily for her, the end was not too stretched. She bore her suffering and discomfort nobly and without complaints.
But it is the other Lina I want to remember, the other Lina whom we all knew and loved.
Lina, always beautiful, elegant and glamarous. Lina, with a sagacity which for her was an innate virtue not just an age-acquired one.
Lina, ever an effervescent free spirit, who had the ability to get on equally well with an older person as well as with a twenty-year-old.
Lina who never judged, never moaned or grumbled but always encouraged and supported us. Lina who, in her own subtle way taught us all the universal philosophy of life - the art of being happy and at peace with oneself.
We all have our own fond memories of Lina. To her sisters, brothers, in-laws and to all the family she was the undisputed matriarch to whom all deferred and all revered and looked up to. To her friends, many of whom go back to the war days and beyond, she was a consultant, ever ready with a patient, listening ear ably smoothing rough waters when these arose or just enjoying their company for its very own pleasure.
Her twinkling blue eyes and her ever ready hearty laugh shall surely remain imprinted in our memories as will her unquenchable thirst to keep abreast and updated with whatever was going on around her.
As she has now laid to rest and joins her Joe and the rest of her departed family members in Paradise, I for one, thank God for having favoured us all with her unique, long life.
May she rest in peace.