A tribute

Last Friday one of the oldest (if not THE oldest) residents in Marquard passed away. She was 95 years old.

Nina Azar, born to a Lebanese father and Greek mother, lived all her life in this town. She never married; she had a solid career as a legal secretary, enjoyed tennis and taking part in baking competitions in the local Women's Institute and  was a stalwart member of the Methodist church. 

As one of the first two residents in the retirement centre here, she lived in her little flat for the past 16 years. That morning she went down the corridor, albeit with her walker, to the dining room where the residents were treated to a lavish tea organized by two of the younger residents living in the free-standing houses on the property. 

Nina placed her walker against the wall (I used to joke with her that it was a GT model), walked to her place at the table and greeted everyone. As she sat down, her head hit the table and she was gone. 

The other residents frantically called for the sisters who came running from their office next to the dining room. When they eased Nina off her chair and lay her out on the floor, she had pulse or heartbeat. 

Nina had gone out in a blaze - instantly - among her friends. 

I wrote Nina's eulogy which appeared in the provincial newspaper the morning of her funeral. 

Have a great Monday and a wonderful week ahead.