Close friends and relatives of murdered nurse Sadna Gangoo made a stirring appeal for people not to judge her.
Instead, they called on people to remember her for the dedication and love she showed to her patients during their most difficult times.
The 44-year-old was shot dead last week Wednesday after finishing work at the Princes Town Health Facility.
Police were probing an adult film link in connection with the murder.
Yesterday, Gangoo’s body arrived at the family’s Fairfield Road, Princes Town home shortly before 10 am in a heavily decorated limousine hearse.
Her son Stephen Samaroo and daughter-in-law Zahra Samaroo brought Gangoo’s seven dogs to her casket after the public viewing and they excitedly yelped and licked her face.
Mourners wore special tee-shirts in her honour as the Sunil Sound System DJ truck led the funeral.
Southwest Regional Health Authority CEO Dr Brian Armour and friends from the Mrs India Worldwide competition attended. Gangoo had been the Princes Town delegate in the pageant.
Delivering the eulogy, her aunt Cintra Ramjattan told mourners Gangoo was a kind, helpful and loving person who did not deserve such a horrific death.
“Nobody is perfect and none of us here should point fingers. The family don’t need negativity right now. If you care about Sadna, remember all the good she did,” Ramjattan said.
She recalled how Gangoo would organise medicine for sick people and do her best to make her patients happy.
She said Gangoo came from humble beginnings and worked hard to improve her life, achieving her degree and certification. Throughout her life, Gangoo dealt with pain and grief, Ramjattan said.
“None of us could relate to her pain. She educated herself and she was going up in life. Many of you want to judge her but no one is perfect. Let us have some good thoughts about Sadna today,” the aunt said in a broken voice.
“Give her the best farewell and I hope she reaches Moksha and is liberated to a better place,” Ramjattan begged.
Meanwhile, Gangoo’s brother Magnish Ramoutar broke down in tears as he recalled how Gangoo went above and beyond to help others.
Friend Moses Charles also described her as a wonderful friend and a caring nurse.
Brother Joseph Warner, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also praised her, saying people should learn from her.
“We can also learn from her mistakes,” he added.
Bishop Mark Mangray, who delivered closing remarks, said he benefitted from the life Gangoo lived.
“Look towards the good deeds she did, the Christ-like care she showed,” he said.
Quoting the words of Jesus Christ, Mangray said: “He that is without sin, cast the first stone.”
He said Gangoo had imperfections no one knew about. He expressed gratitude to people who had showed support to the family.
Anyone with information on the murder can contact CrimeStoppers at 800-TIPS.