My Mother kept a garden.
A garden of the heart;
She planted all the good things,
That gave my life it’s start.
~
She turned me to the sunshine,
And encouraged me to dream:
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.
~
And when the winds and rains came,
She protected me enough;
But not too much, she knew I’d need
To stand up strong and tough.
~
Her constant good example,
Always taught me right from wrong;
Markers for my pathway
To last my whole life long.
~
I am my Mother’s garden,
I am her legacy.
And I hope today she feels the love,
Reflected back from me.
We invite you to join us to celebrate the life of Ema Fernandes
Funeral
Date: 22/09/2023Additional Info:
Burial Service
Pinner New Cemetery 660 Pinner Rd, Pinner, Middlesex. HA5 5RH. Time : 12.45 (approx)
Wake
Date: 22/09/2023Additional Info:
Ema had a triple heart bypass in 2003. Thankfully, this surgery enabled her to live for another 20 years, allowing her to travel the world, watch her children and grandchildren grow up and celebrate her golden wedding anniversary.
We are so grateful to the doctors, medical staff and researchers that made this possible. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in Ema's memory, please donate to the British Heart Foundation using this link: https://giftofhope.bhf.org.uk/In-Memory/EmaFernandes
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Emma Fernandes – As I remember her!
I have happy memories of Emma from the very first time I met her and Thomas and the children in London. That was over 30 years ago! Originally from Calangute, Goa, we were immediate neighbours, but we seldom met as I was a missionary priest. When I reached London in 1992 it was the first time. Those were happy moments which continued for all these years.
A few days before her death my sister-in-law Alice and her sister Kikkily were visiting England from USA and they visited Emma at her home in Harrow. Emma insisted that they call me, and we had a video call. Always the same happy person that she was!
I am far away here in Agartala, NE India, but Emma always made it a point to keep in touch and ask about my work in the Diocese and about Goa. Like a loving mother, always concerned, she would say ‘take care of yourself’.
Emma and Thomas were the only relatives that we had from our father’s side of the family. Even when Thomas was alive, it was Emma who would do the calling and enquiring about me, about my next visit to England (which of course never happened), about my sister’s family in Goa and my brother’s family in USA. And I would ask about her and her family in England. We are well she would say, thank God for that!
When I spoke to her on August 27th little did I think that it would be our last conversation! A week later I got a message from Cheryl saying ‘Mum passed away this afternoon’. I was sad and prayed, Lord grant her eternal rest.
Emma was truly God’s Gift to Us. We treasure this gift and thank Almighty God for such a precious gift. The loss of a loved one makes us sad. But our deep Christian faith “that life has changed, not ended” makes it possible for us to accept the physical loss of Emma, who has departed from our midst but not from our memories.
I pray for the repose of Emma’s soul and ask the good Lord to welcome her in His peace and in the joy that never ends!
Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, CSC
Bishop of Agartala
Your Mom’s personality benefited and touched multiple generations. She loved her children and their spouses. She adored her grandchildren and kept in touch with friends from her generation – like my Mom.
They used to talk often about their experiences both good and not so good, their regrets, the current state of affairs in the country etc. They talked about their families, their grandchildren and life in general as they saw it.
And it wasn’t just my Mom’s generation. Your Mom was very engaging even with me. If I called during Wimbledon week it was always a very spirited conversation about who was playing well and who was not and who had unfortunately lost. Her favorite player of course was was Pistol Pete Sampras
One day, I unknowingly called on her birthday. When she realized I was not aware that it was her birthday, she promptly asked me to guess why that day was quite important . I did get it after many tries.
Yes, she was from mom’s generation but I will miss this sunny, vibrant, engaging lady.
May cherished memories of your Mom bring you inner peace and may the memories that mean the most to you, live forever in your heart.❤️
Tia Ema as we lovingly called her was like a second mother to us. Nila n myself enjoyed her company all our growing years. We looked up to her for help in our studies n she was always quick to encourage us in all other extra curricular activities. She made every occasion we celebrated more special with her gifts n treats.
We loved being with her were delighted when we could visit her in Nairobi after she got married. Even after she moved to England we kept in touch through letters and cards n looked forward to her visits here in Goa. Of recent her frequent phone calls n photos she shared kept us connected.
Thank you for all your kindness n generosity n love.
You hold a very special place in our hearts dearest Tia Ema. ❤️
Tia Ema held a special place in our hearts, and her passing leaves us with a deep sense of loss. Despite the miles that separated us, our family bond remained unbreakable. We shared meaningful moments during our visits to the UK and hers to Dubai, Canada, and of course, back in the enchanting Goa. These adventures are etched in our memories.
Technology brought us closer, and through WhatsApp, we exchanged news, pictures, and videos of our children and grandchildren. Just a few days before she left us, we had a heartwarming conversation, making her sudden departure all the more shocking.
Tia Ema was not just Rex’s youngest aunt; she was a pillar of love and support in our lives. Her absence leaves a void that we will feel deeply. We’re grateful for the moments we shared and the love she gave. Tia Ema’s memory will live on in our hearts, and her spirit remains with us, a constant reminder of the enduring power of family bonds.
Farewell, dear Tia Ema. You will be dearly missed and may your gentle, caring soul rest in eternal peace✝️
In January of 2014, Emmanuel and I along with Bishop Lumen were in Goa for our annual vacation from US and Agartala. We were very fortunate to meet Ema and Thomas who were also on vacation at the same time. We were seeing them after many years. We picked them up from their apartment and brought them to Baga Beach to watch the sunset. They had such a good time and the evening just went so quickly. It was such a pleasure to meet them and hear a lot of old stories of our Mum and Dad and reminisce about the good old days. They were so happy that we could spend time together and so were we.
They were the only relatives from our Dad’s side of the family. My sister and I visited London and decided to visit Ema and we did. We went over on August 27th, 2023 and Ema was so happy to see us. She was all smiles! Who knew that would be the last time we would see her! It was really shocking to find out a week later that Ema had passed away!
May God grant Ema and Thomas Eternal Peace!
…..A picture etched in my memory……
Ema, my beloved aunt and godmother, was a lady of many fine qualities. I was lucky to have her in my life.
Lately, she loved to keep in touch with her family and friends through WhatsApp. She had the basic knowledge to use WhatsApp, sometimes she would remember how to use it and sometimes fumble trying to…but she never gave up trying!!
Just a few days prior to her death she successfully made a video call to me…
…that image of hers is forever etched in my memory…
She looked so elegant and confident, her white curls neatly surrounding her smiling face, she looked healthy. She happily shared news of her grandchildren doing extremely well in their studies and other activities. She was really proud of them.
Then, as usual, she spoke to my mom. At the end of the conversation, I heard my mom say “Ema come to Goa, l am waiting for you”. Her reply, her last words to us “I don’t think l can make it Manna”. Sadly, her words have come true!!
Tia Ema we miss you, we love you forever, you will always live in our hearts.
Rest peacefully in the glory of the Lord.
The smile on your face and your bright eyes made me forget all problems.
Ema, you loved Goa so much and once in Goa, you never missed coming to Ponda. We loved to have you over. l remember how once you planned coming here and was unwell. Thomas tried to say “Let’s not go”, but you said “No, l want to go to Ponda, l’ll be fine”.
Your messages everyday and asking about us, made us so happy. We will miss you. But you will be happy in the company of Thomas.
Pray for us from above. Till we meet again.❤️
My most heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your beloved mum, following your dad a little over a year ago. How fortunate that you both experienced the love, care and spiritual upbringing in that happy home. Mum’s demise was so sudden, surely the angelic forces were eagerly waiting to carry her to heaven. For “precious in the light of the Lord is the death of his saints”.
Ema didn’t engage in any long conversations. Our calls were always very brief. As long as we heard each other’s voices we were content. I will miss those calls immensely. Ema, now in the realm where the angels led you may your spirit light up your new home. Goodbye my so very special amiga. Your memory will live with me forever.
Our tribute in loving memory of Tia Ema.
Though we were not in touch as often we are so happy we had a long conversation with you, Tia Ema last month. We spoke about lots of things, revived the beautiful experiences of the past and had a few laughs. Your sudden passing was truly a great shock to us.
We remember you today with a lot of nostalgic memories especially being the only closest living member of Roy’s maternal side of the family, his Mother’s baby sister who will be missed dearly.
We cherished the time we enjoyed together in Wembley, the laughs and our interesting conversations in Portuguese.
Thank you Tia Ema for your warm hospitality and welcoming us into your home on our holidays stop to London. We thank you for the beautiful memories we made during those special family moments.
You are in our thoughts and prayers today and you will be so greatly missed.
All our love always. Rest well in your journey Tia Ema and may your soul rest in eternal peace.
With our ever grateful goodbye.
My first recollection of Ema is from 1946 at the Sacred Heart School in Parra where we both were students. I ran into Ema often since she was a classmate and good friend of a relative of mine.
About a decade later when I married, Ema turned out to be my sister in law’s sister. She even attended my son’s christening in Tanga.
Ema’s life journey took her to the UK and mine to the US but every Christmas without fail, wherever I was, I could count on Ema’s Christmas greeting card to arrive.
By the year 2000, telephone services became more affordable so Ema and I spoke often on the phone, sharing stories of our families both in the past and present. She was particularly interested in hearing my recollection of her mother since she was very young when her mother passed away.
In 2004, I had the opportunity to spend time with Ema, Thomas and Basha in Windsor, Canada. I remember her seizing every opportunity to sit by the window. Why? Turned out she was very amused by the automatic garage door openers and didn’t want to miss the neighbour’s car entering and exiting the garage !!!!
I last met Ema in 2015 at our niece’s son’s wedding in Goa. Despite our minimal physical meetings, our friendship thrived over the phone.
Ema faced many health challenges over the years but always spoke of them ‘ factually’ and never with self pity. Despite her declining health in the past few years, she was always cheerful and in the past year, the calls became fewer and further apart.
I will miss Ema’s friendship and warm concern but will always cherish the beautiful memories I have of my very dear friend. May she rest in peace.