Family’s ‘little angel’ sent off with close friend
SINGAPORE — In many pictures during their ill-fated trip to Mount Kinabalu, Peony Wee Ying Ping and Rachel Ho Yann Shiuan were beaming side by side.
Today (June 11), the two were by each other’s sides again, their urns placed in adjacent positions. “Peony will be going to a better place with a good friend,” said Rachel’s father, Mr James Ho.
Their funerals were among the three held today for Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) 12-year-olds. The trio, including Emilie Giovanna Ramu, were among the first of 10 fatalities from Singapore confirmed after an earthquake struck Mount Kinabalu last Friday.
Pink roses in hand, the family and friends of Peony bade her a final goodbye at a tear-filled Buddhist funeral. Neither of Peony’s parents was present; her brother, Chester Wee, 14, held her photo at the funeral procession.
At Tse Tho Aum Temple, Mr Ho fought to hold back tears in his eulogy for his family’s “little angel”, Rachel.
Emilie’s family asked to be allowed to grieve in private during her funeral.
Peony was remembered as easy-going and cheerful. Pre-school teacher Law Bee Lian, 48, whose daughter Leong Wan Ting was on the trip as well, told TODAY that Peony used to visit their house for sleepovers.
Both girls were from the netball team and were close friends since pre-school. “She was so thoughtful. After their activities, I would bring them some food, and she would say ‘No’. She didn’t want to cause trouble to us,” Ms Law said.
To her friends, Rachel was a smart and joyful girl. Classmates and fellow netball players Ashley Lim and Raeka Ee remember the rousing motivational speeches Rachel delivered as vice-captain of TKPS’ netball team.
A colleague and long-time friend of Mr Ho, Mr Sudesh Gill, said Rachel could hold conversations with anyone.
After his daughter’s cremation, Mr Ho told TODAY: “For those who have their kids with them, learn to treasure them, and to love them for what they are ... Kids bring happiness, bring the family together.”
He also expressed gratitude for the support his family has received from all quarters since they got the sad news.
Similarly, the family of TKPS teacher Terrence Sebastian Loo Jian Liang, 29, whose funeral will be held today, issued a statement to thank “the many wonderful supporters who have come forward to help ease the passing of their beloved son”, including the support from government leaders and Members of Parliament, as well as the students and teachers of TKPS and members of the public.
Noting that he loved his job immensely, they said: “Being a teacher does not stop at imparting knowledge. It also means undertaking the responsibility of protecting young ones under your charge. Up to the end of his short life, Terrence was a teacher and a protector, and although we are extremely saddened with loss, we are also extremely proud.
“During this difficult time, we take solace in those that have come forward so graciously to help us through this difficult time. The kindness that we have been shown has been thoroughly unselfish and is much appreciated,” they added.
