Tribute to a grand old dame
"Y K Lee's mum (Madam Tang aka our aunty) passed away"
A lump rose in my throat & my eyes teared, when my husband announced her demise.
Many thoughts & images flashed in my mind.
One of my thoughts was "Oh no, we have lost a great Singaporean, who was a great mother, grandmother & friends to many"
Other thoughts were: "I shouldn't have shelved that visit, now it is too late"
"I will certainly miss her & her gentle ways in leading by example".
Aunty was such a warm & caring person.
She has touched many lives, including mine.
In spite of her busy schedule, she somehow found time to help people who were in various kinds of need ... cash / gifts in kinds / a listening ear.
All that was done while juggling her time to bring up 4 fine children, attending to all their needs, kept their beautiful home ship shaped & helped her late husband to manage a roaring business!
Although she was a great teacher & counsellor, she did not have a formal education.
When we met up in those bygone years, she shared many ideas about "customer service" with me. That was way before "customer service" was identified by the business schools as an important facet for businesses to succeed.
Naturally, she was a successful business woman, in her time. The people in her industry looked up to her. Yet she personified humility and graciousness, virtues which many Singaporean seem to lack.
She handed over the baton to the 2nd generation when she assumed a new role as her late husband's nurse; till the Lord called him home..
Her empathy & gentle advice helped to keep my marriage on keel.
Farewell aunty.
I mourn your loss.
Condolence to all of aunty's children & loved ones.
