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.

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.

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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