With my mother at the Singapore Cricket Club Oval Room for lunch 2010
My mother, Anna Abisheganaden nee Wen passed away on 8th January 2011, exactly 3 years ago from a heart attack at her home. She was 80 and 2 months. She was a wonderful mother to me and my brother John, and doting and loving grandmother to her 3 grandchildren Noel, Andrew and Hannah (John's daughter). A 45 year career in the Singapore administration service serving 4 Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Health, she was the epitome of the good personal assistant over the many years assisting and coordinating the many appointments for her boss, as well as arranging the myriad of meetings, functions, issues and communications between the CEOs of the Government Hospitals, and the Ministry of Health.
With my father Geoffrey Abisheganaden, outside Club Tropicana 1973
She had a wonderful caring side to her, and as she was the eldest sibling in her family (nee Wen), she always took the initiative to arrange family gatherings for Christmas, and Chinese New Years without fail for her 3 sisters, brother and close family friends. I recall gatherings at our house for over 50 people. Many close friends like Prof. Chao Tse Ching, Dr. Teo Hoon Chow, David Mitchell, and many others were regular visits to our family home. Those were indeed precious and great bonding times with our cousins and we always look back at those days with great memories and fondness.
At Botanic Gardens, 1954
She was a very active Swimming Club member, from 1974 till the year she passed away 2011, (almost 40 years) taking part in swimming, badminton, squash, kong chain (martial arts), line dancing, club D and Ds, singing karaoke, Club overseas swim meets, the range of activities boggles the mind. She was there practically every day except Saturday.
I think my fitness and love for sport, motivation and people skills are probably handed down from her.
Dear Mum, rest in peace in Heaven, love from your Son.
2 comments:
Hello. I came across your blog this morning as I suddenly thought of your mother Anna, and googled to see if I could spot anything on her.
Anna was PA to Dr Ho Guan Lim, Permanent Secretary and Director of Medical Services, when I first met her on my first job after university. I had just turned 21, and was posted to the Ministry of Heath as an brand new Administrative Officer.
My brief time there : 8 months, was the best working environment any young person could wish for.
Your mother, bubbly, friendly, helpful and cheerful, was at the centre of a group of older, experienced colleagues who welcomed me with open arms.
Whenever I think back to those days in 1969, I see her smiling pretty face, I hear her voice, leaning across her table towards me.
Thanks to you, I learn of her story.
All the very best. Geoffrey Yu
Thank you Geoffrey. You have the same name as my father, Geoffrey Abisheganaden. Its a pleasure to connect with you.
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