ULOGY by Catherine Pereira
My mum was an extraordinary woman—a devoted mother, a woman of steadfast faith, and a generous, loving presence in our lives.
She was the rock and driving force in our family. She carried the weight of life’s hardships with deep faith and unyielding courage. She faced devastating losses—her first baby, her younger brother Peter who died tragically at 33 years old, her younger sister Philomena 2 years ago and her beloved husband of 56 years, whose passing from Covid in April 2020 left a space nothing could fill. This was her breaking point as the circumstances of Covid couldn’t let her grieve properly. She didn’t recover after this.
Born into a humble family, mummy lifted herself by sheer will and determination, building a life of stability, dignity, and generosity. A hardworking professional woman, she not only supported her own family but also took care of her sister’s family by offering her home for them to live. She helped anyone who needed it, never expecting anything in return. Her hands were always extended in kindness, and her heart was always open. I don’t remember her ever taking a day off or going for a movie or any kind of entertainment for herself. We went on annual summer holidays to Goa but there again she was busy cooking and cleaning the house.
She lived her Catholic faith daily—through rosaries, Mass, and quiet acts of generosity. She loved singing loudly in church.
And oh, how she loved her friends—especially those from Malad, Mumbai, with whom she shared daily park meetings filled with laughter, and prayer. That time was sacred to her. I would go for walks in the same park and loved watching them all together. They would wave to me as I passed by. I could tell they enjoyed each other’s company and had such fun. Her friends became mine, and mine became hers—such was the closeness between us. She cried when two of her younger park friends Simi and Mabel passed away due to Covid. She never got over it and she missed her friends and wanted to go back to Mumbai to meet them again. They have all sent beautiful tributes to my mum and offered perpetual masses for her at St Paul’s.
Among the many relationships my mum cherished, one that stood out was the deep and loving bond she shared with my son,Aaron. From the very beginning, mummy and daddy took great care in raising Aaron, surrounding him with warmth, faith, and unconditional love.
She doted on him. In moments of challenge, she would instinctively reach out to him, And he never let her down. Aaron was always there—for her, and for his grandfather.
In her final moments in hospital Aaron was by her bedside. It is a moment we consider sacred—the most precious gift she could give him. That final goodbye, filled with peace and presence, is a testament to the unbreakable bond between them.
Mummy was the driving force in our family. She was our inspiration. Because of her sacrifices and her vision, we have the life she dreamed of for us.
As we say goodbye, we do so with heavy hearts—but also with deep gratitude. Heaven has gained a faithful, radiant soul. And while we will miss her beyond words, her spirit lives on in us—in every prayer, every act of kindness, every step forward we take in her honour.
I’d like to conclude with Scriptures from – 1 Corinthians 15:54–55
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable,
and the mortal with immortality,
then the saying that is written will come true:
‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
2 Timothy 4:7–8
“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…”
Rest in peace mummy and rise in glory.
Forever loved, forever missed.
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