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| https://www.smule.com/p/455661476_2552376270 |
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Monday, August 5, 2019
Pastor Alvin Lee Led the Homily
Homily for Aunty Catherine Lee “Coco”
5th Aug 2019, 11am at Mandai Crematorium
Pastor Alvin Lee
Dear family and friends,
Thank you very much for coming today as we mourn together and bid farewell to Catherine, beloved sister, sister-in-law, aunt and grand aunt and friend to so many of us. Your presence today honours her greatly. As much as we grief her passing today, and our hearts are heavy, we are also at the same time comforted to know she is in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
As some may know, Coco began to lose her mental abilities at around 55 years old and she spent her last 10 years in various nursing homes. It was heart wrenching to see her slowly fade away. Though her physical body was present the Coco we knew - lively, engaging, caring and who was blessed with a hearty laugh, was increasingly absent. Allow me to share briefly for 10 mins about her fascinating life ….
Coco was born on 31st Dec 1950 in Pontian Malaysia. Im told that while my grandmother was there on holiday, she saw a baby crying away pitifully and her heart went out to the baby. Mama’s compassion compelled her into action. This baby was the 11th child of a poor family and Mama asked if she could take her home and parents gladly said yes - one less mouth to feed.
Kong Kong must have got the shock and surprise of his life when his wife came back with a very cute souvenir! Not keropok or salted fish but a cute baby. They named her Catherine. In her new home, baby Cat found love and acceptance from the Lees and I know my grandmother really doted on her. Cat addressed my Dad as Ah Hia or Big Bro. My father remembered putting her to sleep in those springy baby contraption when she was a baby.
As an aunt, she lived with Terence, Sharon, Kenneth and I in our growing up years and taught us to lift the toilet seat up after using among other good habits! To us kids, she was Coco and she helped me buy my first LP record – The Carpenters at Liat Towers. This was of course the wonderful 70s where music was listened on radio with DJs Larry Lai, Paul Cheong & the top 10 hits each Sat which Coco introduced me to - Western Union Band, Matthew & the Mandarins, Bee Gees. Some of u may remember makan places such as Silverspoon and Troika. Of course Liat Towers was where Coco worked with my Aunt Ruth at the Physiotherapy Centre, then Orchard Towers for 20 years and she made many friends there. She had funny stories about patients, often Westerners, who were too eager to take off their clothes before 2 young ladies for physio treatment.
She later worked in a designer furniture shop in Holland Village where her artistic and stylish flair won her many customers. Whenever there was a sale, she would save the best pieces for us. Today, we still enjoy her beautiful furniture in our home. In her 40s, she sensed the need for spirituality and found God. She was active in the parish of St. Ignatius Church in Kings Road and served in the offering ministry.
Coco also volunteered with the St. Vincent De Paul ministry to the poor. At family weekend get-togethers, she would always make the best tea – full body, strong, sweet and laced with evaporated milk and never failing to bring treats for Jem and Faith (her grand nephew and niece).
Coco always was grateful to her parents and was a very filial and dedicated daughter. She loved my grandma dearly, visiting her faithfully each week bringing all sorts of gifts until Mama died at 94 years. What are some lessons we can learn and give thanks from Coco’s life? May I suggest 3 to honour her, using the acronym of her name CAT.
Compassion – If anything, her entry into our family was an act of compassion by my grandparents and because of their role modelling, I believed she lived a very fulfilling life. My Kong Kong was a very faithful Christian and his compassion came from God who loves all of us.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you. – Isa 54:10
God’s compassion was rubbed onto Coco as well, expressed in the many years of ministry where she served the marginalised at SVDP. We visited St Ignatius Church to inform them of her passing on Fri. The staff there were so excited to see her photo and spoke very fondly of her. Her memory sparked joy, even though it has been 11 years since they last saw her! It really moved me to tears to learn of the huge impact she had on her church, how loved she was and her compassion for the less fortunate in our society. Im so glad she will be interred at St Ignatius among her friends & spiritual family. Divinely when I chose her Niche No, it was JS 0168 so in our culture, it is a v blessed number! God is good.
May I suggest that God can use your compassion to make a big difference to the lives of others in ways you cannot imagine. So be compassionate wherever you are – there will be many opportunities to do so. Perhaps a kind word, a listening ear, a call of concern to someone who is lonely or even a small gift. Coco’s life was divinely changed because of the kind compassion of a housewife on holiday in Pontian.
Acceptance – As kids, we always knew that Coco was part of our family and even though she was adopted, she was accepted as a precious daughter of my grandparents. There was no question that Coco belonged with us - her background did not matter one bit. And this can be seen in her self-confidence and acceptance of people. I always enjoy bringing my friends to meet her as she was always warm, engaging and friendly. Cousin Jennifer said it was always fun to talk to her while at A Ruth clinic. My friend Siow Heng who was her customer wrote – Aunty Cat was always so nice to speak with.
The take home lesson here is no matter what our backgrounds are, no matter what mistakes we have made in our lives, no matter what regrets we may have in life, God accepts us as we are and forgives us of our sins when we turn to him. God accepts us because He loves us – period.
No ifs or buts. In John 6:37, Jesus said – "All those the father gives me will come to me and whoever comes to me, I will never drive away." And as God accepts us, we need to accept people no matter where or what their background, and to be their friend. Your life will be truly enriched when we accept people generously just as Coco’s life was so enriched!
Trust – The 3rd lesson we can learn from Coco’s life is one of trust. When she was young, she trusted my grandparents. When she got older, she trusted my father and mom. I remembered an incident when Mom, who had great foresight, suggested that she bought her own HDB flat and grandmother was extremely unhappy about this as Mama thought we were kicking her out of the house.
But despite the protest from her mom, Coco trusted my parents and she bought a small flat at Holland Village with her humble savings. That flat turned out to be a great investment and we discovered later that she was a very savvy investor with her assets. Then at mid-life, Coco learned to trust God for her future and I believe her best years began as she walked with God, enjoyed a loving spiritual community and was used by God to touch many people in so many amazing ways.
Just as Coco trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ in the later part of her life, perhaps this is a good time for you to make that decision to put your trust in Jesus, to invite him into your life if you have not done so. Jesus died on the Cross for our sins and he rose from the dead, proving He is God. He offers each of us an abundant and purposeful life - for now and for eternity. As God loves Coco, he also loves every one of us. "Those who trust in the Lord will never be disappointed." – Isaiah 49:23
As we say goodbye to Coco, we mourn her passing, not like those without hope but in quiet confidence in the power of the resurrected Christ and promise of eternal life. God was with her each single day of her 68 years and is with Coco now in eternity. She rests secure in God’s good hands.
So farewell dearest Coco, may you rest in peace and in the love of Christ. The sufferings are over and a big welcome party awaits you - especially your parents Kong Kong and Mama. You have blessed all of us and we love you and will miss you! Goodbye for now, until we see each other… in the wonderful presence of our God. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, at this time we say our final farewell to Catherine and we thank you have been with her every step of the way since she was born, through her life and even now as she crosses into your eternal home. May the fond memories she leaves to all of us continue to inspire us to spend our life wisely and indeed, remind us to number our days. Holy Spirit, the great comforter, we ask that you will sooth our pain and bring healing to our hearts in this sorrowful time. We now commit her soul to you, trusting in the steadfast hope we have in the risen Christ - in whose loving name we pray, Amen.
5th Aug 2019, 11am at Mandai Crematorium
Pastor Alvin Lee
Dear family and friends,
Thank you very much for coming today as we mourn together and bid farewell to Catherine, beloved sister, sister-in-law, aunt and grand aunt and friend to so many of us. Your presence today honours her greatly. As much as we grief her passing today, and our hearts are heavy, we are also at the same time comforted to know she is in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
 |
| Pastor Alvin Lee, Coco's nephew (2nd) |
As some may know, Coco began to lose her mental abilities at around 55 years old and she spent her last 10 years in various nursing homes. It was heart wrenching to see her slowly fade away. Though her physical body was present the Coco we knew - lively, engaging, caring and who was blessed with a hearty laugh, was increasingly absent. Allow me to share briefly for 10 mins about her fascinating life ….
Coco was born on 31st Dec 1950 in Pontian Malaysia. Im told that while my grandmother was there on holiday, she saw a baby crying away pitifully and her heart went out to the baby. Mama’s compassion compelled her into action. This baby was the 11th child of a poor family and Mama asked if she could take her home and parents gladly said yes - one less mouth to feed.
Kong Kong must have got the shock and surprise of his life when his wife came back with a very cute souvenir! Not keropok or salted fish but a cute baby. They named her Catherine. In her new home, baby Cat found love and acceptance from the Lees and I know my grandmother really doted on her. Cat addressed my Dad as Ah Hia or Big Bro. My father remembered putting her to sleep in those springy baby contraption when she was a baby.
 |
| Family and Friends |
As an aunt, she lived with Terence, Sharon, Kenneth and I in our growing up years and taught us to lift the toilet seat up after using among other good habits! To us kids, she was Coco and she helped me buy my first LP record – The Carpenters at Liat Towers. This was of course the wonderful 70s where music was listened on radio with DJs Larry Lai, Paul Cheong & the top 10 hits each Sat which Coco introduced me to - Western Union Band, Matthew & the Mandarins, Bee Gees. Some of u may remember makan places such as Silverspoon and Troika. Of course Liat Towers was where Coco worked with my Aunt Ruth at the Physiotherapy Centre, then Orchard Towers for 20 years and she made many friends there. She had funny stories about patients, often Westerners, who were too eager to take off their clothes before 2 young ladies for physio treatment.
 |
| Left, my Mom–Aunt Coco's sister-in-law, her maid, Yati, Uncle Harry and Aunt Swee Eng–siblings of my Mom |
She later worked in a designer furniture shop in Holland Village where her artistic and stylish flair won her many customers. Whenever there was a sale, she would save the best pieces for us. Today, we still enjoy her beautiful furniture in our home. In her 40s, she sensed the need for spirituality and found God. She was active in the parish of St. Ignatius Church in Kings Road and served in the offering ministry.
Coco also volunteered with the St. Vincent De Paul ministry to the poor. At family weekend get-togethers, she would always make the best tea – full body, strong, sweet and laced with evaporated milk and never failing to bring treats for Jem and Faith (her grand nephew and niece).
Coco always was grateful to her parents and was a very filial and dedicated daughter. She loved my grandma dearly, visiting her faithfully each week bringing all sorts of gifts until Mama died at 94 years. What are some lessons we can learn and give thanks from Coco’s life? May I suggest 3 to honour her, using the acronym of her name CAT.
 |
| Celia, Pastor Alvin's wife, playing the guitar and Kenneth, Alvin's brother playing the flute. |
Compassion – If anything, her entry into our family was an act of compassion by my grandparents and because of their role modelling, I believed she lived a very fulfilling life. My Kong Kong was a very faithful Christian and his compassion came from God who loves all of us.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you. – Isa 54:10
God’s compassion was rubbed onto Coco as well, expressed in the many years of ministry where she served the marginalised at SVDP. We visited St Ignatius Church to inform them of her passing on Fri. The staff there were so excited to see her photo and spoke very fondly of her. Her memory sparked joy, even though it has been 11 years since they last saw her! It really moved me to tears to learn of the huge impact she had on her church, how loved she was and her compassion for the less fortunate in our society. Im so glad she will be interred at St Ignatius among her friends & spiritual family. Divinely when I chose her Niche No, it was JS 0168 so in our culture, it is a v blessed number! God is good.
 |
| The Interment Service Program |
May I suggest that God can use your compassion to make a big difference to the lives of others in ways you cannot imagine. So be compassionate wherever you are – there will be many opportunities to do so. Perhaps a kind word, a listening ear, a call of concern to someone who is lonely or even a small gift. Coco’s life was divinely changed because of the kind compassion of a housewife on holiday in Pontian.
Acceptance – As kids, we always knew that Coco was part of our family and even though she was adopted, she was accepted as a precious daughter of my grandparents. There was no question that Coco belonged with us - her background did not matter one bit. And this can be seen in her self-confidence and acceptance of people. I always enjoy bringing my friends to meet her as she was always warm, engaging and friendly. Cousin Jennifer said it was always fun to talk to her while at A Ruth clinic. My friend Siow Heng who was her customer wrote – Aunty Cat was always so nice to speak with.
 |
| Peter Yan, the owner of Peace Casket, came to pay respects with his son Andrew.Andrew is Jem's good friend from Perth. He did a brilliant job in organising a most meaningful funeral and made it so easy for us at this difficult time. Moreover, he surprised us with a most reasonable rate.Thank you so much Peace Casket for going the extra mile! |
The take home lesson here is no matter what our backgrounds are, no matter what mistakes we have made in our lives, no matter what regrets we may have in life, God accepts us as we are and forgives us of our sins when we turn to him. God accepts us because He loves us – period.
No ifs or buts. In John 6:37, Jesus said – "All those the father gives me will come to me and whoever comes to me, I will never drive away." And as God accepts us, we need to accept people no matter where or what their background, and to be their friend. Your life will be truly enriched when we accept people generously just as Coco’s life was so enriched!
 |
| Coco's Plaque |
Trust – The 3rd lesson we can learn from Coco’s life is one of trust. When she was young, she trusted my grandparents. When she got older, she trusted my father and mom. I remembered an incident when Mom, who had great foresight, suggested that she bought her own HDB flat and grandmother was extremely unhappy about this as Mama thought we were kicking her out of the house.
But despite the protest from her mom, Coco trusted my parents and she bought a small flat at Holland Village with her humble savings. That flat turned out to be a great investment and we discovered later that she was a very savvy investor with her assets. Then at mid-life, Coco learned to trust God for her future and I believe her best years began as she walked with God, enjoyed a loving spiritual community and was used by God to touch many people in so many amazing ways.
Lee Cheng Hoon, Catherine only brother leading the final hymn – There is a land that is fairer than day.
Many have asked me why God allowed her to go through such a difficult 10 years. This is not an easy question to answer but I believe God in his grace somehow prepared Coco for that difficult journey. One of the pastoral staff, Josephine, who faithfully visited her all these years told me how she would respond so positively at these visits until her very end. She never once complained about her lot. Whenever we visited her, in her earlier days she would still flash out a smile even though she could not speak and we could see a sparkle in her eyes esp when my father sometimes sing.
Just as Coco trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ in the later part of her life, perhaps this is a good time for you to make that decision to put your trust in Jesus, to invite him into your life if you have not done so. Jesus died on the Cross for our sins and he rose from the dead, proving He is God. He offers each of us an abundant and purposeful life - for now and for eternity. As God loves Coco, he also loves every one of us. "Those who trust in the Lord will never be disappointed." – Isaiah 49:23
 |
| Coco's urn and Holy Water. |
As we say goodbye to Coco, we mourn her passing, not like those without hope but in quiet confidence in the power of the resurrected Christ and promise of eternal life. God was with her each single day of her 68 years and is with Coco now in eternity. She rests secure in God’s good hands.
So farewell dearest Coco, may you rest in peace and in the love of Christ. The sufferings are over and a big welcome party awaits you - especially your parents Kong Kong and Mama. You have blessed all of us and we love you and will miss you! Goodbye for now, until we see each other… in the wonderful presence of our God. Amen.
 |
| Father Agus. cared for Coco and conducted the Interment Service. Her niche is at JS0168 and she passed away at 68. |
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, at this time we say our final farewell to Catherine and we thank you have been with her every step of the way since she was born, through her life and even now as she crosses into your eternal home. May the fond memories she leaves to all of us continue to inspire us to spend our life wisely and indeed, remind us to number our days. Holy Spirit, the great comforter, we ask that you will sooth our pain and bring healing to our hearts in this sorrowful time. We now commit her soul to you, trusting in the steadfast hope we have in the risen Christ - in whose loving name we pray, Amen.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Eulogy to Coco by Jem, Grand-Nephew
As I grow older, more and more of my childhood has started to fade into distant hazy memories.
However, I can still vividly recall to this day the excitement and anticipation of receiving chocolate-coated digestive biscuits from Aunty Coco when she came for our weekly family dinners. When I think back to those times, I can easily picture Aunty Coco’s warm smile and joyful laughter. I remember her as kind and gentle and as someone who cared deeply for her family. Even though it may seem a small thing, those packets of chocolate biscuits, they really meant a lot to me as I was going through my primary school years. Having those biscuits in my lunch box were extremely comforting to me and brought me encouragement during the hard times in school. Perhaps they were also one of the many reasons I found myself signed up for TAF club, but I’m sure my grandmother’s cooking had more to do with that.
Being the young child that I was, I didn’t really understand what was happening when Aunty Coco’s dementia began to set in. I realised that something was different but couldn’t exactly put my finger on it. I do know that when she wasn’t able to come for our dinners anymore her absence was profoundly felt. In later years, seeing Aunty Coco in nursing care and bed-ridden was heart-breaking. However, on many occasions when we went to visit her, I remember seeing her eyes lighting up with happiness when she saw and recognised us. Even in the advanced stages of her condition, her love for her family was still a part of her.
Though Aunty Coco’s passing brings much sadness to all of us, I take great comfort in the fact that she is no longer bound by her failing body and has gone to be with Jesus. Chocolate digestive biscuits will always evoke in me happy images of her, sitting with us at the dinner table with a bright smile on her face. We will always remember you Aunty Coco.
However, I can still vividly recall to this day the excitement and anticipation of receiving chocolate-coated digestive biscuits from Aunty Coco when she came for our weekly family dinners. When I think back to those times, I can easily picture Aunty Coco’s warm smile and joyful laughter. I remember her as kind and gentle and as someone who cared deeply for her family. Even though it may seem a small thing, those packets of chocolate biscuits, they really meant a lot to me as I was going through my primary school years. Having those biscuits in my lunch box were extremely comforting to me and brought me encouragement during the hard times in school. Perhaps they were also one of the many reasons I found myself signed up for TAF club, but I’m sure my grandmother’s cooking had more to do with that.
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| The chocolate coated digestive biscuits. |
Being the young child that I was, I didn’t really understand what was happening when Aunty Coco’s dementia began to set in. I realised that something was different but couldn’t exactly put my finger on it. I do know that when she wasn’t able to come for our dinners anymore her absence was profoundly felt. In later years, seeing Aunty Coco in nursing care and bed-ridden was heart-breaking. However, on many occasions when we went to visit her, I remember seeing her eyes lighting up with happiness when she saw and recognised us. Even in the advanced stages of her condition, her love for her family was still a part of her.
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| Jem's Mother, Celia and Jem that age when Coco gave him his biscuits. |
Though Aunty Coco’s passing brings much sadness to all of us, I take great comfort in the fact that she is no longer bound by her failing body and has gone to be with Jesus. Chocolate digestive biscuits will always evoke in me happy images of her, sitting with us at the dinner table with a bright smile on her face. We will always remember you Aunty Coco.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Funeral Preperation
Sadness, mixed feelings, relief, doing what is right, scrambling, pressure, panic attack, frozen, all these emotions took placed at once when Coco died, gasping for air for the last time in the home for dementia.
My brothers, Alvin and Kenneth took the lead and consulted with Pop. Arranged everything, from the printed obituary, getting the QR code, getting the priest, getting all the photos, finding her church which she did not go for a long time since she was sick, making arrangement for the funeral... everything took place like clock work. Efficient and calm things just had to be done.
I am glad that my sisters-in-law, Imm, Ceilia, Joanna and Terence gave emotional support and encouragement throughout the journey. If I missed anyone, please make your comments below.
My Pop was very appreciative when Alvin who took the lead. He Whatsapp me and said this:
"Alvin has done a marvellous job, arranging for the funeral. He will conduct the funeral service on Monday at 10.45 am. I will lead in the singing of the hymns. We went to her church to arrange for a niche for her urn of ashes. Everything went according to plan. Praise the Lord." Pop said.
I find that when Alvin is a Pastor, it is so advantageous. I am sure the whole service will be a beautiful one to see the last days of Coco being on earth and now she has to walk towards the right path to be with the Lord. She will be free of all pain and suffering. Thank you Lord.
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| Coco's obituary done by the Straits TImes. |
My brothers, Alvin and Kenneth took the lead and consulted with Pop. Arranged everything, from the printed obituary, getting the QR code, getting the priest, getting all the photos, finding her church which she did not go for a long time since she was sick, making arrangement for the funeral... everything took place like clock work. Efficient and calm things just had to be done.
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| Booked a niche at St Ignatius church Kings Road |
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| Alvin, (left, his unmistakable smile), Josephine – she had ministered to Coco for many years at church, lady in red, Dorothy, and Pop, my cute Dad. |
I am glad that my sisters-in-law, Imm, Ceilia, Joanna and Terence gave emotional support and encouragement throughout the journey. If I missed anyone, please make your comments below.
My Pop was very appreciative when Alvin who took the lead. He Whatsapp me and said this:
"Alvin has done a marvellous job, arranging for the funeral. He will conduct the funeral service on Monday at 10.45 am. I will lead in the singing of the hymns. We went to her church to arrange for a niche for her urn of ashes. Everything went according to plan. Praise the Lord." Pop said.
I find that when Alvin is a Pastor, it is so advantageous. I am sure the whole service will be a beautiful one to see the last days of Coco being on earth and now she has to walk towards the right path to be with the Lord. She will be free of all pain and suffering. Thank you Lord.
How do we live?
I am sad that I am here only responsible for the blogging in California, and finding out through Whatsapp, the happenings through my family, about Coco's passing. I am grateful that Joanne my sis- in-law (Terence's wife) installed for us a group chat. That was a very, very smart thing to do as we can communicate easily with each other and know the goings-on. It made me closer to the family wherever you are! Joanna you are the BEST! Hugs!
I wanted to take off to Singapore immediately after hearing my Coco had passed but my Pop told me not to. Hummm.....
Death is such a sudden thing, no one knows when you are going to die. My brother, Alvin had gone through a few of his friends passing, and he said this very thought provoking thing:
"Life given to you is a gift and is precious. Ask yourself how are you going to impact the people around you while you are alive and how you and how you are going to be remembered by when you die?"
The bible tells us that life here is temporary. We live to build our character within our souls. Whoever appears in our lives bad or good, how do we actually react to them? Situations will happen bad or good. They are the vehicles to build our character when we make decisions that will impact ourselves and each other.
It is how we speak to each other, being encouraging or tearing down, it is doing a good or bad deed. It is being judgmental or not, it is being forgiving or not, or bad mouthing others or just being discreet and respecting each other. It is being uplifting or tearing down. Which would you CHOOSE to be?
The actions we choose to do AFFECTS who we are as a humans.
I wanted to take off to Singapore immediately after hearing my Coco had passed but my Pop told me not to. Hummm.....
Death is such a sudden thing, no one knows when you are going to die. My brother, Alvin had gone through a few of his friends passing, and he said this very thought provoking thing:
"Life given to you is a gift and is precious. Ask yourself how are you going to impact the people around you while you are alive and how you and how you are going to be remembered by when you die?"
The bible tells us that life here is temporary. We live to build our character within our souls. Whoever appears in our lives bad or good, how do we actually react to them? Situations will happen bad or good. They are the vehicles to build our character when we make decisions that will impact ourselves and each other.
It is how we speak to each other, being encouraging or tearing down, it is doing a good or bad deed. It is being judgmental or not, it is being forgiving or not, or bad mouthing others or just being discreet and respecting each other. It is being uplifting or tearing down. Which would you CHOOSE to be?
The actions we choose to do AFFECTS who we are as a humans.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
In Loving Memory
With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:24)
Catherine Lee, born 31 December 1950,
passed onto glory on 1 August 2019,
passed onto glory on 1 August 2019,
Was preceded in death by:
Lee Chin Hock (Father) & Tan Gek Eng (Mother)
She is missed by:
Brother:
Lee Cheng Hoon
Lee Cheng Hoon
Sister-in-Law:
Kathleen Chia Kim Hiong
Nephews/Niece + Spouses:
Terence Lee, Joanna Wong
Alvin Lee, Celia Tan
Sharon Lee
Kenneth Lee, Sim Ngah Imm
Grand-nephew & Grand-niece:
Jeremy Lee
Faith Lee
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Funeral service will be held at
Mandai Crematorium, Hall 3On 5 August 2019 (Monday) at 11:00AM
* * * *
Mandai Crematorium, Hall 3On 5 August 2019 (Monday) at 11:00AM
* * * *
Coco at Pop's Birthday Bash
My dear Aunt Coco would walked up the hill to the family's house, to celebrate birthdays. She would take the bus and walk up with her maid, or take a taxi as she lived all the way in Holland Road area. She was filial to her parents and to her brother Lee Cheng Hoon, and that is my Pop. I don't remember anyone offering her a ride up to the house.
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| I don't remember celebrating her birthday at this table. |
One Christmas at Chun Tin Road.
Coco, Kenneth and little Faith (Kenneth's daughter) saying cheese to the camera. She is probably in her fifties and yet so fashionable. Full of life as such!
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| Coco enjoying xmas at Chun Tin with Kenneth, nephew and Faith, grand niece. |
Aunt Coco Prancing on the Beach
Aunt Coco was probably with her friends in her early twenties. What a great figure, "Marilyn"!
 |
Young Catherine.
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| Aunt Coco (right) when she is 11 years old, baby Terence Lee, her nephew and his nanny (left) |
Eulogy from Sharon Lee, niece
Coco was my Father's sister. Though my Dad is a single child, my grandmother felt he was too lonely so she got Coco as a younger sister to him.
I was fortunate to know Auntie Coco very well - she stayed with my family from the time I was born until I was 20 years old, which is when I left for America - and we shared a room for over six years when I was in my teens.
Auntie Coco loved to chat about her boyfriends and gave me some really great advice about relationships - I was really innocent in my teens and absorbed everything she shared. She taught me about fashion and quality workmanship - Coco was a woman with a great eye for nice things and very stylish every time she goes out for work - I would admire her clothing, smile and nod my head as she asked me for approval. She had some very beautiful pieces too. She also taught me about saving for retirement.
Auntie Coco was pretty, stylish and a very sensitive soul. She needed words of affirmation - like most tigers I know, she could be hurt easily and needed positive feedback with a gentle approach.
She loved my Grandma and Grandpa Lee very much, as three of us ladies, relaxed in bed, watching some Indian romance TV show every weekend, she would buy my grandmother shoes or her parents some favourite food, always complimenting my 90 year old grandma how beautiful she was. She would also turn to me and said how much she love me like, “You are my one and only niece, did you know that?” I just nodded with embarrassment - and I wish that I had replied, “You are my one and only Aunt on my Pop’s side.” - she would have liked that. I guess Coco's love languages were gifts, affirmation and deeds.
Auntie Coco loved to “order” people around and I thought she could be a great manager or supervisor in some creative fashion house or retail stores. Or a professional buyer, etc. As I reflect on her past, it saddens me that Coco didn't have a proper mentor to guide her to her success. She sure had talent, fun, great taste and a great eye!
Aunt Coco was also very particular about tidiness and cleanliness. This lesson taught me about being neat and tidy when I had my own home too.
I believe that life without love is meaningless, and even more so without Jesus. The Bible tells us to love each other, even our enemies, and to have an attitude of mercy, kindness, forgiveness, humility, tenderhearted, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12)
To be frank, I am happy to know that Aunt Coco is with sweet Jesus - it was hard seeing her suffer ill-health for over 10 years. I believe it is alright to be celebrating and be happy that she is with the Lord. So let’s celebrate her life and be merry that her sufferings are gone. I know that Coco will like that - she was not a conservative or an uptight woman.
Thank you for reading and God bless Coco and all of us.
May we walk in Jesus footsteps all the way.
Your one and only niece,
I was fortunate to know Auntie Coco very well - she stayed with my family from the time I was born until I was 20 years old, which is when I left for America - and we shared a room for over six years when I was in my teens.
Auntie Coco was pretty, stylish and a very sensitive soul. She needed words of affirmation - like most tigers I know, she could be hurt easily and needed positive feedback with a gentle approach.
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| Lee/Tan Geck Eng (Her Mom) and Catherine Lee |
She loved my Grandma and Grandpa Lee very much, as three of us ladies, relaxed in bed, watching some Indian romance TV show every weekend, she would buy my grandmother shoes or her parents some favourite food, always complimenting my 90 year old grandma how beautiful she was. She would also turn to me and said how much she love me like, “You are my one and only niece, did you know that?” I just nodded with embarrassment - and I wish that I had replied, “You are my one and only Aunt on my Pop’s side.” - she would have liked that. I guess Coco's love languages were gifts, affirmation and deeds.
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| My Wedding day and Aunt Coco |
Auntie Coco loved to “order” people around and I thought she could be a great manager or supervisor in some creative fashion house or retail stores. Or a professional buyer, etc. As I reflect on her past, it saddens me that Coco didn't have a proper mentor to guide her to her success. She sure had talent, fun, great taste and a great eye!
Aunt Coco was also very particular about tidiness and cleanliness. This lesson taught me about being neat and tidy when I had my own home too.
I believe that life without love is meaningless, and even more so without Jesus. The Bible tells us to love each other, even our enemies, and to have an attitude of mercy, kindness, forgiveness, humility, tenderhearted, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12)
To be frank, I am happy to know that Aunt Coco is with sweet Jesus - it was hard seeing her suffer ill-health for over 10 years. I believe it is alright to be celebrating and be happy that she is with the Lord. So let’s celebrate her life and be merry that her sufferings are gone. I know that Coco will like that - she was not a conservative or an uptight woman.
Thank you for reading and God bless Coco and all of us.
May we walk in Jesus footsteps all the way.
Your one and only niece,
Sharon Lee
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