KUCHING: A nine-day prayer service is being held in memory of Senior Seaman Joanna Felicia Rohna.
The prayer is taking place at her family home in Kampung Sumpas Tampek, according to her mother, Rohna Tumbo.
“We are holding this nine-day prayer to remember Joanna, who was a heroine to us,” Rohna told reporters in Tebakang, Serian yesterday.
She said that the final day of the prayer would be next Friday, which marked the ninth day of the observance.
Rohna described her daughter as a wonderful person who frequently helped others.
“If anyone was in trouble, Joanna was always there to lend a hand. She never hesitated to help,” she said.
Joanna was also a devoted mother and a caring sister.
Rohna fondly recalled how Joanna kept in touch with her family through video calls and text messages, especially when she wasn’t busy.
“She often called her grandmother and sisters to check on their day.
“Now that she’s gone, we won’t receive those calls anymore,” she added.
Meanwhile, Hayati Jeggu, chief of the women’s bureau in Kampung Engkeroh, Tebekang, also expressed her condolences and had rallied to support Joanna’s family by preparing meals and providing assistance after her death.
“Our village is like one big family; everyone came together to help, bringing food, rice, sugar and even making financial donations,” said Hayati.
Joanna, 26, was one of ten crew members who perished in a tragic accident during the 90th TLDM Fleet Parade rehearsal. The accident occurred during a collision between two helicopters in conjunction with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Open Day at the Lumut Base on April 23.
She is survived by her husband and two children, aged four and one.
