Professor Mae Florence Nierras (or Ma’am Mae to a lot of us), was an excellent academic, a very nurturing mentor, and a great friend. She was my life coach, my very honest critic, my super fan…my family. I had the privilege of sharing 25 years of my life practically under the tutelage of a great human being.

She was my idol growing up and I realized that she was my peg when I started my career. Before our first meeting as her student, I only wanted to be a doctor- nothing more. As I got to know her more, I learned to appreciate life from multiple perspectives and I started to believe that while I am lacking in many ways, I can also be like her.

Our relationship as a teacher and student evolved overtime. She filled in for my mom in many situations and became the person that I run to when I am in doubt, in trouble or when I want to share my little successes in life. She was my most trusted confidant as I was very comfortable showing her my wounded soul because I never felt (even for one instance) being unsafe, being judged, or pressured to be someone I am not.

Eventually, we became colleagues and worked in various capacities and relationships. After her retirement from UP, she joined me as a faculty of UERM when I was Program Director of Nursing and College Secretary of the Graduate School. As a visiting Professor, she mentored a class of MCN nurses and all of her students graduated on time and are now well placed in the system as academics, policy researchers and program managers. In the most recent past (in 2020), I asked her to take a consultancy role in a WHO funded implementation research project that she refused many times as she was having doubts about her capacity as a policy researcher. However, her team (composed of Drs Noel Juban, Merideth, Charlie and Marvinson) all agreed with me that she is indeed an important player in that project. This was our last venture together… no more random in country trips and abroad, no more shopping, no more binge eating and talking for many hours, no more catch up over beer with Ma’am Geline and Sir Rolly and sometimes with her other friends.

I am still grateful that Ma’am Mae chose to mentor me among her many bright students and even allowed me to share some precious time with her family. I remember when I spent the entire Holy Week with her family when I was having issues in my career and doubts about my future. It was a good experience and it changed me in many ways. I really thank Mano Francis, Jade and Justine, for sharing Ma’am Mae with me and for their generosity allowing me to take some of her precious times from them. She really was my constant support even after my university graduation. She helped me figure out my career path, supported my dissertation and even asked Justine to serve as proxy style and grammar editor for several articles that I submitted and published in journals.

The life that Ma’am Mae shared with me is a beautiful testimonial of God’s love. Her continued presence or support especially in my most trying times was God’s creative way of saving me- from failing, from making mistakes, from forgetting that I am His child. Angels and grace are indeed real because many times in my life, I felt that an angel was always there to save me and by His grace, she was almost always ready to share whatever she can and possibly do.

I will miss you Ma’am Mae… but I am comforted by the thought of having another angel (in addition to my Dad) who will pray for me and who I know deep inside, will always be cheering for me even in heaven.

Rest well Ma’am Mae for you have served well. Until we met again…

HONORING A DEAR FRIEND, MAE FLORENCE DABUET-NIERRAS

On May 30, 2020, Mae posted this on her FB page:
Not sure who wrote this, but it has a very powerful meaning directed to each of us . . .
”Every minute someone leaves this world behind. We are all in “the line” without knowing it. We never know how many people are before us.
We cannot move to the back of the line.
We cannot step out of the line.
We cannot avoid the line.
So while we wait in line -
Make moments count.
Make priorities.
Make the time.
Make your gifts known.
Make a nobody feel like a somebody.
Make your voice heard.
Make the small things big.
Make someone smile.
Make the change.
Make love.
Make up.
Make peace.
Make sure to tell your people they are loved.
Make sure to have no regrets.
Make sure you are ready.”

I am Doris Abellanosa–Siao, and I deeply share the grief and pain with Mae’s family and loved ones.

Thank you, Myatt, for this profound reminder. You have been an ‘older sister’ from another father for 24 hours only…you, born May 12 and I, on May 13, 1955. Though our sojourn at Silliman was short–lived, but the passion for love of country did not diminish. The Martial Law declaration in 1972 sent us home – Tacloban for you, and Cagayan de Oro for me. The letters from our friends to each other came in volumes – we had to put chapter numbers on our letters—sometimes we had to put codes in letters, in case some eavesdroppers will drop by and read our ‘Letters to the Corinthians.’
 
Of course, while at SU, we had folk singing on the side, led dorm devotionals, planned dorm menus, did outreach work at Looc, shared updates on crushes and grades (!), and countless other activities. Through the years, from mails turned emails, from pictures to videocalls – family updates, how are you’s continued, but you left too soon, with no word of farewell. Nonetheless, we praise God for a life well–lived. We know you were ready, and yes! we will make sure we are ready. Enjoy God’s everlasting presence.
 
Will miss you dearly, Durz (as you fondly called me, so Myatt it is for you!)

…weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning - Psalm 30:5b

My name is Susan Relano Ruizo. Mae and I are both graduates of the Divine Word University College of Nursing Batch 1976 and our class is called EMERALDS ’76.

During our student days Mae and I were not really that close and we both had our own set of friends. I always had a high regard of Mae as she was topnotcher for the nursing board licensure exams on October 1976. Our friendship deepened when she agreed to be the Dean of CSLLFI (Colegio de Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation Inc.) – a school I helped established, owned and founded by my DWUHS’71 classmate Dr. Rustico Balderian. The school was intended to give free BSN degree to indigent and deserving students and is based in Tabontabon, Leyte, the hometown of Dr. Balderian. The school started in 2003 and Mae served as Dean for the period July 1 2005 to October 15, 2009. When I left for New Zealand in October 2008, I was confident the school was left in good hands under Mae’s guidance.

Despite the distance Mae and I maintained our close relationship. We would keep posted of our lives through regular chats. We would get to meet in the Philippines whenever we were home and the last time we met was with some of our Emeralds in my holiday last 2019.

When covid-19 pandemic started, we would exchange views, reminders and issues about this disease urging everyone to be careful. Last June 7, 2021- I sent a video message to Mae about a local doctor in Iloilo sharing her views of the covid-19 vaccine. Both Mae and I are not vaccinated yet and I wanted to ask her personal view on the video sent. I did not receive a reply which is not unusual because that is the case for us- sending a message and receiving a reply later. However, the following day June 8- her sister in-law and our co-Emerald ( Maricor) posted in our class website to pray for both Mae and Francis who were sick with covid-19. From that day on we communicated daily. I would send her several messages everyday asking how she was and urging her to seek admission. Mae would respond when she felt fine even when admitted already in the hospital. I would know that she was not feeling well because she would not respond with a message but only with a heart sign. I had that fear because covid-19 is treacherous and in our early conversation she seemed calm about what would happen with her and Francis and in her own words she said “We are trusting God to do what is best”. That week was terrible for me- both Mae and Carmelites- 2 of the great Deans I had for CSLLFI were afflicted with covid and I was really worried. In Mae’s messages I knew how she felt weak physically breathing for death life and emotionally feeling alone. This prompted me to do something to lift her spirit and had some flowers sent for her and Francis in Ace Hospital last June 16, 2021. Morning of June 17 @ about 10:45am Australian time, Maricor posted that Mae was on critical condition and we had the urgency to pray more. Mae even joined the Emeralds in the group chat that morning sending a photo of the flowers I sent and her reaction to it. It was our last talk we had with her. My dear Sangkay Mae succumbed to covid-19 June 17, 2021 @ 4:50pm Philippine time. I lost a great talented beautiful friend inside and out-whose memory will forever be treasured. Eternal rest grant unto you Sangkay Mae and let perpetual light shine upon you. Thank you for the legacy you left us and all those whose lives you have touched. You are now home with the Lord Jesus who did what is best for you. 

Hi! I’m Mike, the younger brother of Mae. I’m not really into public speaking because my forte is writing. I’d rather be at the background, or at the back of a camera, instead of being in front of it. But when Justine told me that I’d be giving a tribute to her Mama, I didn’t have any second thoughts. I readily assented because I would like people to know how I regarded this amazing creature who happens to be my sister.

Mae is two years older than me. Growing up, we were relatively happy despite our humble beginnings. She was loving, caring, very generous even to a fault. We siblings grew up as repressed personalities – you know, we were better “seen than heard.” When there were family visitors, we were not allowed to speak, except when asked. We had to process our thoughts first before opening our mouth, lest we offend the sensibilities of other people. Sometimes, I envy the millennials who are so spontaneous and who could speak their minds out. But I don’t blame my parents for the kind of upbringing we had, because the discipline instilled in us produced the finer attributes in life.

Mae somehow overcame this personality flaw with her stints at UP, Sta. Lourdes, and especially as school administrator in Mauritius. She became outspoken and decisive without being overbearing. She was the glue that bound the family together. Whenever there were major decisions that had to be made in the family, we always deferred to her sage advice, because we knew that she brought everything to God in prayer. Hence, her Christian upbringing always came first, even if it was not in line with social mores.

I will miss her laugh, her singsong voice whenever she talked with Jessie, Jade’s youngest. Every morning during breakfast, they would talk and she would become animated. The plants she loved so dearly and the handicrafts she painstakingly made are constant reminders of her ubiquitous presence at home. Mae was a go–getter. She was never one to procrastinate. Whenever a chore had to done, she didn’t wait for others to do them. She did them herself, whether in going to the grocery, the market, refilling the water containers, doing the laundry, or even weeding the garden.

The grief is still palpable, but slowly I’ve come to realize that the pain of the moment may seem unbearable, but by owning that pain and the reality behind it, we begin a new journey towards wisdom, a journey that will give new meaning to life. The source of real life, true love, and complete freedom is to be found only in God. Real living can be obtained only in a vital, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ who overcame the power of death by His resurrection. Our Heavenly Father made a sure promise that if we are faithful to Him, we can know the fullness of life, even in the midst of death. Mae believed in that until the end, and we can, too.

I am comforted by the assurance that Christ gave in John 14: 1–6, which says, in part: “Do not be worried and upset. Believe in God, and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.” This is the promise that I hold on to, and which Mae has already claimed for herself. I am happy for her.

Sleep well, my dear sister.   

This tribute is posted on behalf of Rolando Borrinaga, a former colleague in UP SHS

The death of Mae Florence Dabuet-Nierras was a shock to me. I did not expect it. For several days before that event, I became aware of the illness that struck some member of their household through some blogs posted by common friends in a Facebook chat-board. But the prospect of her death was farthest from my mind.

The last time I met Mae was last December, during the despedida party for Prof. Chi-chi Sur at School of Health Sciences in Palo. At that time, we also discussed about the Covid-19 pandemic. I told her that I deal with the problem by drinking tuba and having coconut milk as frequent ingredient of our food at the house. I am not sure if she picked up any of my suggestions.

Mae was the colleague that I felt closest to in my years at the SHS. She was my confidante and she was a good listener. I was confident that I could tell her anything I had in my mind, and that this would not come out of her as gossip or something to put me in a bad or negative light. We were great teammates in many activities that we pursued at SHS. During a transition in the school’s operation in the late 1980s, the former Institute was promoted to a School and the late Dr. Isabel Koh became the first Dean. Under a new administrative new set up, I nominated Mae as College Secretary, and she held this post for at least six years. One of the achievements during her stewardship was the completion of the revised curriculum for SHS, which was approved by the UP Board of Regents sometime in 1998.

At one time, I nominated Mae to become the next Dean of the SHS. But somebody else got the position. The last extension activity we were involved in, together with Geline Pasagui and Elvie Prejula, was the training of community leaders from several pilot municipalities of Plan International in Eastern Samar in 1995.

I had hoped that Mae would stay at SHS. I tried to convince her to stay. But she had decided to leave. Later, when she had become head of the nursing school in Tabontabon, Leyte, I extended help by serving as thesis adviser of several groups of students for some two years.

In subsequent years, Mae would also leave the Tabontabon school and went to Mauritius and founded and headed a nursing school in that small country in the Indian Ocean. I would get occasional news about her work there through the Internet, messages on Facebook, feedback from common friends, and during her visits to SHS during home vacations. I would also learn
later that she had retired from her job in Mauritius and joined her daughters in the US.

Last year, Mae informed me that Francis and she had returned to Tacloban just before the lockdowns related to Covid-19 were declared. In our exchanges on Facebook, she had this plan of getting involved in SHS again, on part-time basis. Sadly, this would no longer happen because of her passing.

Rest in peace, Mae Florence Dabuet-Nierras.

Auntie Mae...

One of the best people I have ever met in my life. Ever since we were young auntie Mae has always been respected by everyone, her presence was very calming and grounding. She really was the glue of our family, not just because she was the eldest of the Dabuet siblings, but also because of the way she spoke- Very calm, on point and full of wisdom.

I have so many fond memories of auntie Mae because we used to always go to our Lolo`s house on Sundays after the church service and bond with the family the whole afternoon. Looking at her pictures remind me of her laugh, her smile and her voice which I miss dearly. Auntie Mae is a very good speaker in front of people but is not one to be talking loud in normal conversations. As so they say, the most brilliant people will often say the least and listen the most.

When I was still getting my degree in college, Auntie Mae would secretly send me money on my birthdays(yearly) for my celebration. I would jokingly reply to her that I would just be spending it on alcohol and she would just reply with a wink emoji. Tin2x(her youngest daughter) would often tell me that auntie Mae had her fair share of fun during her younger years.

I am very thankful for Auntie Mae especially after the tragic death of my Dad last 2017. Auntie Mae has always been there for our family and has been my Mom`s companion/bestfriend ever since then. Going to the cemetery to visit Lolo and Papa has then become our Sunday routine in Tacloban.

She was also very fond of reminiscing and collecting memories. I remember right after Papa died, she asked for photos of papa from everyone as she made a booklet of photos and memories of. She also planned on making another one for my brother, kuya Josh`s wedding.

I would often be surprised on new people (her students and friends) I would meet on social media and in person who would suddenly ask if I was related to Mae Florence Dabuet Nierras. They would then tell stories and praise her for her deeds and impact on their lives. But the compliment that would always be consistent would also summarize how I remembered my loving auntie Mae forever.

Very humble and very brilliant.

Thank you Auntie Mae, we love you!

It's hard to speak about someone in past tense when all you've ever known is their vibrant light and energetic presence.
She was a powerhouse in a tiny woman with a big heart for others. A pillar of strength and wisdom. Always encouraging and supportive, positive, and open minded. Thoughtful, caring, kind, and selfless, even in her final days.
I will always treasure our last memory with her at our house - gathered around the table sharing laughs, reminiscing, and having drinks late into the night. She was always ready to have a good time and I loved that about her spirit.
I will always remember her smile, her laugh, and the twinkle in her eyes. It reminds me of Lolo Peping and I see it in my dad's eyes too.
Thank you for the countless memories, Auntie Mae. We love you and will miss you dearly, until we meet again.

The happiest years of my childhood is growing up together with Mae as first cousins. Mae dedicated her life so faithfully, giving all of herself in nurturing her immediate family and fulfilling her responsibilities as the oldest sibling, including as a wife and loving mother. She devoted her life serving the Lord in many areas, with her gifts, in a kind and generous spirit. As a nurse, her leadership and executive skills allowed her to be confident and self-assured. She was willing to serve, even apart from her loved ones for a time, so that she could use her gifts and talents that God equipped her to do.
One example of her many talents is singing at my wedding with Jonathan and Nimrod on the guitar and making music to the delight of my beloved husband Lex.
I will surely miss her.Yet I look forward to meeting her someday by God’s amazing Grace! Hallelujah!
With love, Mana Mimi

My dear Mae,
Thank you for everything. Your presence is always felt whether you are there physically or not. Thanks for all the times we shared, all the exchanges of ideas we had. You gave us the name Jade for our DWUCN class 80. Your suggestion for our class song “Climb Every Mountain” helped us as young nursing students to set & keep that our goal in life…and we did. Like a mother hen you & Maricor were protective yet gave us strength to grow and be independent and strong nurses and never quit. And we did. All through these years we all remained great friends and we said forever. There is that spot in our hearts that we have saved for you and you’ll always be there. When you cant come to any of our events you always said “I’m always there in spirit”
Your faith in GOD was always strong. Once we shared what death means when my father passed. You told me that “its only the body that goes. The memory will live. The spirit is always there And in a different dimension we will meet again. And you will always feel your loved ones’ presence because they are there. They don’t mean to scare you. Just close your eyes and talk to them may be not verbally but through your heart and mind. Talk to them like they are in front of you. You know you will always get an answer. If you allow them they will be your guardian angel”
I know I’ll miss your presence but knowing that you are there always makes your passing easier. And knowing you, you will never say no… I’ll say talk to you later…
Until then Mae, we know you are in GOD’s hands now & with all the saints & angels singing and welcoming you back.
I LOVE YOU! ❤️❤️❤️
Lillibeth

Auntie Mae,

I may not have childhood memories of you as I grew up in the States, but what memories I do have with you as an adolescent and adult are vivid and close to my heart.
I had heard stories about you from my parents about your warm demeanor, fun personality, and free spirit long before my first real memory of you, and had decided then that you were already one of my favorite aunts. When we finally did “meet”, it was during my first time returning to the Philippines in 2002, when you hosted the warmest welcome home party for us as a family.
In later years, you cheered me on at my graduate school graduation, and we shared many drinks at the table at our house as you reminisced about your childhood. It was in these conversations listening to you reflect about life, that I came to know your faith, your wisdom, and humility. I always admired and respected your way with words- how you uplifted, encouraged, and gave advice- always speaking without judgment, especially to Ate Jade and Tin-Tin whom you raised to be such strong, independent women.

Auntie Mae, I will miss you sitting at the table and hearing your lilting voice, unforgettable laugh, and seeing your big smile, but I will cherish the memories we have forever. You are loved beyond measure.

Mae, i am so blessed and thankful for the beautiful friendship we have had since I was in college and you were our mentor. I will be forever grateful and thankful for all the love and encouragement and advices you have given me all these years...you have been like an older sister to me..
I will never forget how you requested me to make personalized wedding cards when you were to be married to Francis.. you encouraged me and i felt honored that you wanted me to make them.. you believed in me...thank you Mae ....I will miss our lunch and dinners and specially our conversations.. i will miss you a lot Mae but you will be forever in my heart...
   I thought of dedicating this poem i found long ago
“What made us friends in the long ago when first we met
Well, i think I know
The best in me and the best in you
Hailed each other because they knew
That always and always since time began
Our being friends was part of God’s plan”
                           Author unknown

I am Rita Dabuet, sis-in-law of Mae. I am the widow of Jose Jr/Jojo, her brother.
My life changed for the better when I became a part of the Dabuet family.
Although I felt left out or out of place at first because Mama Simple, Maricor and Mae were all nurses and I am a Medical Technologist. We used to have a tradition every Sunday to be at the Dabuet home in Burayan, San Jose, after the 10 am church service. After lunch the 3 of them would go to the balcony and talked about their friends and experiences, and play scrabble. And I would be in our room, hiding. I did not know their friends and I did not even enjoy playing scrabble.
Time passed and in 2017 Jojo, my husband, passed away. Mae was in the US when it happened. But she came home shortly after.
Once Mae and I were on our way to the cemetery to visit Papa Peping and Jojo. She shared to me her burden concerning Jojo's death. According to her, she could not accept what happened and asked the Lord WHY? WHY DID HE ALLOW SUCH THING TO HAPPEN? However, after that incident we never talked about it anymore. I am sure God revealed Himself to her and she found what she was lookin for.
Maybe because we shared the same pain, Mayo, as I sometimes call her, and I became as close as real sisters.
Mae was so thoughtful that she would arrive at my gate with plants and food for me without me telling her of my needs. She was always providing me with things that I needed at home.
She was generous, too. When I mentioned that I was not able to buy coffee, the next day she would be bringing coffee with other extras like cologne, shampoo, soap, lotion, etc. Thank you, Mayo.
We would talk about our experiences that day. She would talk about her disappointments and what should be done about certain things. And it would make me smile seeing her so passionate about all these.
She also loved talking about our families, Jade, Kenneth and their kids, Justine and Will, Josiah and Debbie and Ava, Javez and Chyna. We would share both funny and serious experiences we had with all of them. And they surely made us felt loved.
We were almost always together daily except when I had a meeting at the hospital or when she also had a zoom meeting scheduled.
My daily duty schedule at the hospital is 8am to 4pm. So, at exactly 4pm I was out of the hospital and off to our home to get myself ready for our daily walking exercise. She would be waiting for me and off we go enjoying our bonding. As I told her, "We exercise to eat." Because we almost always ended up taking snacks or dinner afterwards.
Even on Sundays, she would pick me up for the Sunday School and Sunday's church service. And later wait patiently for me while I did my responsibility as a church deacon. I never heard her complain about this sacrifice she did for me.
The last but the most important thing I learned from her was HER FAITH IN GOD. Once I opened to her about my anger and the baggage I was carrying against some people who have hurt and disappointed me. I was still clinging to some resentment. She taught me to FORGIVE. The Lord used Mae to remind me that GOD WILL NOT LISTEN TO MY PRAYERS IF I STILL HAVE UNFORGIVENESS IN MY HEART. Mae opened my eyes to the truth and there and then I asked the Lord for forgiveness for my bitterness and hurt.
God answered my prayers and gave me the ability to let go completely. I was finally FREE.
Thank You, Lord.
Thank you, Mae.
I love you, sis. My friend and my companion.

Auntie Mae, thank you for your kind words and inspiration. Thank you for your love. Your memories will stay in our hearts.

Auntie Mae was a big-hearted person who showered me with countless gifts in many forms and sizes. She also generously supported my studies. I’m grateful for everything she gave. It’s truly a great privilege being her niece.

Auntie Mae was the unifier of the family. My weekends when I was younger were spent going to the beach with my cousins, having sleepovers at her house, and celebrating birthdays, Christmas, and New Year -- all lovingly organized by Auntie Mae. I clearly saw her love for her children, nieces, and nephews having fun or performing a song or dance. Even in dire circumstances, she made sure we could come together and bond.

I was never in lack of love and support. When I strayed away from the path, Auntie Mae was quick to rescue me and support my decision. She never judged me, and I knew she prayed for me to come back and stay the course, which I did.

I love you and miss you, Auntie Mae!!! I will always remember your big smile and warm presence.

I know marisyo kamo dida yana ha heaven nagkakaranta with Papa, Uncle Jojo, and Lolo Peping, and of course, basking in the glory of God.

We shall meet on that beautiful shore..

My auntie Mae was a brilliant woman, a vibrant soul, and a reassuring presence during difficult times. She was big on generosity and support. When I was a little girl, I have always looked up to her and wished I could be half the person she was. She was the epitome of grace, kindness, and selflessness. I wish I could fully sum her up for others to see what a beautiful person she was, but not even a page or two would do her justice. I can only hope you get a glimpse as I reminisce.

I remember her in bits and pieces of everyday things - in photo albums she was so fond of compiling, in DIY art crafts she loved doing, and even in the novels I’m reading because it was her who encouraged me to explore my love for books. I remember her in the Christmases we spent together and in the Halloween parties she attended and occasionally hosted for me and my cousins. She was always so supportive of whatever we wanted to do. I remember her every time I go to Tacloban, how she opened her home to me and my friends when we went for a visit. I remember her messages and how she never failed to reach out and check up on us even if she was halfway across the world.

I'm immensely grateful for her and her moral and financial support during my college years. She cheered me on and was always proud of me for my accomplishments. To keep her memory alive, I vow to pay forward the generosity and kindness I have received from her.

As hard as it may be, I try not to think of our loss, but rather what we gained from her life here on Earth - the lessons, the memories, the laughter. This is not goodbye, Auntie Mae. This is “until we meet again”. I will miss you tremendously.

Great lady will be missed by all you have known her may god bless her soul our sympathy to the family

Heaven is rejoicing as The Lord brought home a kind, humble, beautiful inside & out lady.
Thank you for being an inspiration and encourager to many.
You will be missed dearly
Hasta la Vista,Mae!

I guess God got jealous and decided its heaven’s turn to have you.

Your impact to our lives are beyond measure and one day, I will tell your story to my children and my children’s children. My only hope is that one day they will come across a person like you in their lifetime.

Farewell Ma’am Mae.

I'll always remember Auntie Mae for her grace, wisdom, and confident humility. Not one to draw attention to herself, she always struck me by how humble she was. She always praised the Lord for both the good and the bad. Whenever she spoke, people were drawn to her words and the manner in which she spoke them. No words wasted – genuine, concise, and full of wisdom.

I'll miss you Auntie Mae, the calming presence and pillar of our family. Till we meet again!

"For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s." - Romans 14:8

Mae was way older than me but when we met at St. Columba church in Mauritius, it felt like I had known her for ages. I was struck by how well poised she was, how she commanded authority and respect in a very non-threatening way and most importantly how she had a special ability to be a friend in the most genuine of ways. I always felt comfortable and valued in her presence.

Long after we left the beautiful Island, we remained in contact and we would discuss the wellbeing of our respective families as well as the challenges (me having lost a husband, and her husband battling ill-health). I am comforted by how steadfast she was in the faith. She always loved it when we prayed together. She was indeed a beautiful soul to encounter. I am confident that her reward awaits her in the world to come. May Francis, Justine and the rest of the family continue to find comfort in the Lord. Sending you lots of strength all the way from South Africa. Praying for you...

I LOVE MAE FOREVER!!!

One thing that had drawn me to you Mana Mae is your deep faith in God that reflects your wisdom, leadership, and gentle voice. These empowers anyone. I will miss the time of interactions and sharing during OPM Bible Study.