Senior Reporter
anna-lisa.paul@guardian.co.tt
Scores of mourners braved the sweltering heat yesterday to bid farewell to Angela Ali and her daughter-in-law Ambika Carrera-Ali, in an emotional send-off which saw both Christian and Muslim prayers being offered for the repose of two souls, who were described as simply remarkable.
Some walked with umbrellas and hand-held fans in a bid to keep cool, while many others crammed themselves under the overhanging eaves of nearby homes in a bid to stay out of the sun.
Mc Inroy Street, between Jackson and Belle Smythe Streets, Curepe, remained blocked to vehicular traffic, while the chairs set up under two tents on the road were filled.
Both the home’s compound and the tents were filled to capacity by persons wanting to catch a glimpse of the sealed, patterned off-white caskets atop which framed pictures had been placed.
Ali, 53, and Carrera-Ali, 30, perished in a fire at their home at Persad Avenue, Mon Plasir, Cunupia, on September 13.
Ali’s son, Jeremy Ali, who was at home with them when the blaze broke out, managed to escape but was unable to get the women out safely.
The devastating loss left the families and friends of both women, along with the community, reeling in shock and disbelief.
As the funeral service got underway around 1.14 pm, Carrera-Ali’s relative Desmond James urged those present to place their right hand on their chest in a moment of prayer for the women’s departure, as he prayed, “If we are of one mind, one thought, one purpose, their journey will be easy.”
He acknowledged that God’s will was at work, as he warned the large crowd, “We don’t know what is coming around the corner.”
Carerra-Ali’s eldest male cousin, Marcel Outridge, went on to immortalise her in an emotional eulogy, as he recalled the fun times they had spent growing up.
Recalling her intense passion for life and just how meticulous and focused she had been on anything she undertook, Outridge said Carrera-Ali would forever be remembered for her amazing cooking and scrumptious desserts.
Turning to Carrera-Ali’s husband, Javed, at the front, he said she had always been a mother to all and would be remembered for her kind-hearted gestures.
“She would do anything for anyone,” he said.
To Javed, Outridge said, “Thank you for loving her.”
Angela’s niece was all tears as she took the microphone, confirming the two women had controlled the kitchen in their home.
She said their culinary talents combined had ensured the family were always treated to tasty meals and even-sweeter desserts whenever there were gatherings.
Prior to the caskets being carried out of the house as he recited the Salat al-Janazah for the two, Imam Inshan Hoosaney delivered brief remarks in which he said the good thing about life was death.
Asking the question, “Who wants to die,” Hoosaney answered that while no one wanted to die, everyone wanted to go to paradise but this would not be possible unless death was present.
He encouraged all, “Life is short. Live life to the fullest. Don’t get carried away.”
He begged attendees to spend time with family and live life the way it was meant to—building memories with loved ones.
The two were later laid to rest at the Tunapuna Cemetery.