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Goanetter Francis Rodrigues (Vasco/Toronto) book launch in
London, England @ the World Goa Day festivities on 15 Aug at 7pm
Details http://www.konkanisongbook.com
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GOODBYE FELCY
-brian mendonca
www.lastbustovasco.blogspot.com
Felcy died this morning in Goa. Felcy was the mother of Raymond (26) her only
son who, as she put it - when I had gone for a condolence visit - was done in
by bad company last month. (See my blog 'In Memoriam - Raymond Fernandes)
It was too much for her. As life sometimes becomes too much for us.
When my sister in Pune called to give me the news I found it ironic because i
was minutes away from attending the 3 p.m. funeral service of Mrs D'Souza, of
Alaknanda parish, New Delhi. No I don't/didn't know Mrs D'Souza. I had just
gone to offer my prayers- staying across the road from the church as it were.
'Felcy' was in many ways home for us. I, at least, used to constantly find her
stationed in the kitchen on my so brief sallys home from Delhi, with mum at the
kitchen door supervising the proceedings. I used to marvel at the fact she used
to cook on all four burners at the same time.
Even when I visited Felcy last she recalled how mum was so meticulous planning
our meals, and how for the Christmas lunch of 2004 she had instructed Felcy
about each and every dish . . . as though - I think as a premonition - she knew
she would not be there.
So much was the presence of Felcy in our lives. Her sorpotel, with mum's touch
was super; her fish, curry, and rice, to die for.
She hit bad days when her excessively spirited husband passed away. And then
she fell ill and did a stint at the Goa Medical college.
Felcy is also the name of a tiatrist whom I know from Vasco. In many ways our
Felcy's life was the stuff of a tiatr [local Konkani play]. Only, her tragedies
were for real. she had a life of unprecedented suffering but always used to
smile. In her simple ways she touched our lives.
Even when I called from Delhi while on the bus home, to condole, she asked me
if I was eating well.
Felcy developed complications this morning and she was taken to GMC.
The funeral mass will be at St.Andrew's Church, Vasco tomorrow at 3 p.m.
May her soul rest in peace. Amen
