Farewell to the Late Mrs Jitmaya Limbu: A Heartfelt Goodbye

It was with deep sadness that we said our final goodbyes to the late Mrs Jitmaya Limbu on Monday, January 20, 2025. She passed away on Monday, January 6, after a courageous battle with cancer, a disease that was only diagnosed in its advanced stages, leaving little time for an intervention. Mrs Limbu had been receiving end-of-life care at Colonial Court Care Home in Colchester, where she peacefully passed away.

Following her passing, her body was entrusted to Angel Funeral Directors, with Jason Seenauth and Karl Patridge handling the arrangements. Their swift and respectful care ensured that Mrs Limbu was treated with the utmost dignity, and her body was transferred to the Scout Hall at Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, for the funeral service. At the Scout Hall, her immediate family gathered to honour her memory. They wore her jewellery for the final time as part of traditional Limbu rites by the Phedangma to ensure that Mrs Limbu would be guided to heaven. This sacred ceremony was completed within 40 minutes before her coffin was transferred to the hearse for the journey to Colchester Crematorium.

As the coffin made its way to the crematorium, mourners lined the road, paying their respects. Six pallbearers, led by lone piper Mr Paul Young, carried the coffin while Mr Young played Amazing Grace and Flowers of Scotland. Mrs Limbu's granddaughter carried a cherished photo of her grandmother, and the Phedangma and other mourners followed the procession.

Upon reaching the Chapel, the secretary of the KYC Colchester branch commenced the funeral service. The senior members of the Kurumbang family and the Chair/Trustee of the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) gave speeches, reflecting on Mrs Limbu's life and her positive impact on those around her. A minute of silence was observed in her memory, followed by heartfelt remarks from her son, who expressed gratitude to all those who had supported them during this difficult time.

Various groups laid wreaths, including the family, the Kurumbang family, KYC Colchester Branch, KYC Central, and CNS. Mourners were invited to offer loose flowers and matchsticks to the coffin, a gesture of love and respect; Kul Prasad Limbu provided loose flowers. Mourners were asked not to bring any bouquets or Khadas; the organizer asked for contributions. Instead of bouquets or khada, they were asked to chip in the costs of bouquets and khada in the collection box, which was placed before a purification stand (manned by Debiraj Limbu) outside the Chapel.

The immediate family shared a final goodbye moment as the ceremony drew close. Mrs Limbu's son, Amar, was invited to close the curtains, signalling the end of the ceremony. He and his son, Binod, were then taken to the viewing platform, where they watched as their beloved mother and grandmother were laid to rest.

Following the cremation, a wake was held at the Britannia and Gurkha Restaurant in Colchester, where the Britannia Gurkha Restaurant and members from Gurkha Home provided refreshments. During the wake, the CNS Chair/Trustee gave a short speech, offering condolences and expressing gratitude for the support shown to the family. A donation of £500 was made by CNS to Mrs Limbu's son, Amar, to assist with the remaining rituals, and a total of £934.90 was collected in the collection box provided outside the Chapel, which will be divided between Colonia Court Care Home and Cancer Research UK.

As we bid farewell to Mrs Jitmaya Limbu, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in the care of the angels, enjoying eternal peace. May she rest in peace?

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee 

CNS

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