I
speak on behalf of the many near and dear friends
of Isabella. The Goan community is deeply saddened
that Isabella has passed away. Although many knew
that the end was near, the actually happening was
terribly sad. Many are still in a state of shock.
For a person who fought personal adversity for over
25 years, it was hard to come to terms that Isabella
is no more.
My
family and I had a genuine admiration for Isabella
from the first time we met her in 1972. Her contributions
to the Goan and wider communities have been enormous
and personal impact with so many people, including
us, immeasurable. We cannot forget how Isabella welcomed
so many new arrivals. Her advice for personal and
family aspirations was invaluable.
At
a social level, Isabella initiated many occasions
in the years before the GOA was established. In the
mid-1970s Isabella organised functions for Goans and
their families. At first she got interested groups
to join church dances and other social occasions.
She organised the first New Year Dance at the Nollamara
Hall in 1978. It was so successful that members chaired
Isabella in appreciation. This function sowed the
seed to the formal establishment of the GOA. In several
subsequent functions, including anniversary and New
Year dances, Isabella undertook the catering which
went a long way in reducing costs. More importantly,
the cuisine was typically Goan.
The
part played by Isabella and Steve in founding the
GOA is well documented. With Steve as the founding
President, Isabella was the wind beneath his wings.
It was fitting that GOA recognised Isabella for her
service contributions to the Goan community last year
at the Annual Ball. It was well deserved and long
overdue.
One
cannot but admire Isabella’s will to live and
live well in the face of poor health and family adversity.
I was in India in early 1976 when Isabella was afflicted
with an illness that gave her little hope of survival.
It was her will and determination to ‘never
give up’ that got her through to live a full
life, be entrepreneurial and successful, and yet participate
in the social life of the community.
Isabella’s
entrepreneurial skills were extraordinary. She produced
the Entertainer magazine, which was the forerunner
of what followed as a popular column in the West Australian.
This was followed by a typesetting business that benefited
the GOA as Isabella was responsible for the early
newsletters for a period of four to five years. In
the 1980s, Isabella opened the first Goan restaurant
in Perth, Isabella’s Curries. That was a tremendous
achievement as not only Goans but also the wider community
were able to sample authentic Goan cuisine. Many Australians
dined at the restaurant and were full of praise of
the quality of the food. This was Goan culture disseminated
in practice.
In
addition to poor health in the last five years, Isabella
had to endure family losses. The most tragic being
the loss of a daughter. Mary Anne’s loss was
emotionally crushing. Having lost a son, I know that
one never recovers from the loss of an offspring.
Isabella was consumed by the loss and found it hard
to come to terms that her daughter had passed away.
It had a telling and lasting effect on her health.
Through
the trials and tribulations of Isabella’s life,
Steve has stood steadfastly with his spouse. Over
the years and particularly recently he has been her
carer. He has attended to all her needs and wants.
Isabella often called friends to say how much she
appreciated what Steve did for her. Steve, your devotion
and dedication will be rewarded with personal and
consummate satisfaction that you performed your best.
May God bless you.
We
have lost a dear friend and a great Goan. In saying
so, we thank Isabella for her for the public service
to the Goan community. The memories of Isabella’s
legacy will endure for a long, long time. From the
community that has been served with distinction, sincere
condolences to Steve, Richard, Dominic and family.
Isabella thank you for being with us for three score
and five years, sharing your life and leaving us with
the fondest of memories.
And
from where Isabella is, this is the message she conveys
to us:
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