A Tribute to Deborah de Souza

Deborah de Souza bade farewell to the world yesterday after being stricken with cancer. She was first diagnosed with stomach cancer right at the start of the year, and the last time I saw her was at the end of last year in the office. It came as quite a shock when we first heard of her diagnosis and since then, I'd been in fervent prayer for a recovery or for God's all-sufficient grace for her to go through this journey.

My memory of her goes back to 2001 when she was joining the station (back then known as NewsRadio 93.8FM) as a presenter after a break from radio. Then, I was transiting from my position as a news editor to a presenter. My first impression of her was that of her down-to-earth nature, no airs, plain sweet person anyone would love to befriend and call a friend. She was pretty much a private person, only opening up to those closer to her at work, for instance, those whom she had the opportunity to co-host with.

She had an infectious laughter and a good sense of humour which doesn't strike you at the outset. But when it does, it's a side of Deb only the 'inner circle' gets to witness.

Before her assigned pigeon hole in the office is given up to the next person, I decided to snap a photo while the sticker bearing her name remains attached. Among the visible contents of her pigeon hole is an autographed CD album "Travelling Under The Light of The Full Moon" by local singer/composer Mark Chan. He writes on the cover, 'To Deborah de Souza, Some quiet days & quiet nights... Mark Chan". It will surely be quieter hereon for her loved ones and us in the office.

I will not get another chance to buy Deb her deep fried chicken wings from the Malay stall in the canteen. But I thank God for the chance to have been blessed to have known Deb through my course of work. Her absence in the office and on air will surely be sorely missed by all. Till we meet on the golden shores Deb...