Dear SJCSZ Members & friends of Sr. Zita Cardozo
Yesterday Monday 14th March 2011, was a sad day bidding farewell to Sr. Zita Cardozo. The Eucharistic celebration held at Ealing Abbey was well organised attended by a very large number of relatives and friends to include Dr. Bosco, Hazel Cardozo and two of their children besides many of us Zanzibar folks.
There were 8 priests concelebrating, Fr Ted Wildsmith (a White Father) the main celebrant. Fr Noel Travers, a personal friend (a Vincentian) was among the 8.
After the Eucharistic celebration we all were invited for refreshments in the Parish Hall where there was a fine display of many photographs of Sr. Zita, her relatives and friends where I managed to photograph some of the pictures from the display boards. Regret the copies have not turned out too good but all the same I have released some photographs where you will not fail to see Sr. Zita's smiling face in every photograph.
Please click on the links below to view a still photo video and also a Kodak Gallery slideshow.
I have also added wonderful words spoken by Joe De Lord. There was also another wonderful speech made by one of the Sisters of Our Lady of Africa. Unfortunately I do not have the script to post.
The Eucharistic celebration was very touching and certainly highlighted with 8 priests and a wonderful choir.
I am sharing this "Tribute to Sr. Zita with all her friends and relatives.#
Regards
Benny de Souza
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EULOGY: Joe De Lord, Zita's brother-in-law.
On behalf of the family and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, thank you for coming here to-day to share with us the Eucharistic celebration in thanksgiving and in memory of our dear Sister Zita Cardozo.
Unlike her siblings who were all born in Zanzibar, Zita was born in Goa. She did her schooling in Zanzibar, and as a young girl some of you will remember her as a friendly person, full of fun, a bit of a rascal.
She completed her studies in 1944 and worked in the civil service. When the family moved to Mombasa, she was employed in the American Consulate. It came as a big shock to us all when she decided to join the convent. In September 1952 she went to England.
As a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa for over 50 years, she served in Algeria, Uganda, Kenya, and England. When she retired she lived in Ealing.
After being diagnosed with Parkinsons disease she moved to Nazareth House in Finchley where she spent the last five years of her life.
Zita was truly an amazing person. She developed a fantastic art of communication. She loved to reach out to people of all ages, young and old, and fostered a loving and caring relationship over the years. She took great interest in the wellbeing and activities of her siblings, her nephews and nieces, her grandnephews and grandnieces - the in-laws did not escape her attention. Her weapon of mass communication was the telephone.
Zita was truly an amazing person. She developed a fantastic art of communication. She loved to reach out to people of all ages, young and old, and fostered a loving and caring relationship over the years. She took great interest in the wellbeing and activities of her siblings, her nephews and nieces, her grandnephews and grandnieces - the in-laws did not escape her attention. Her weapon of mass communication was the telephone.
Oh, she loved the telephone. She was a customer of BT and when she wanted to extend her network into Europe, USA and Canada, she switched to Talk-Talk - and Talk-Talk she certainly did. You read a lot nowadays of Facebook and Social Network - Zita was indeed a pioneer in this field. Her favourite TV channel was EWTN and every time she came over, that was her first request, and she would sit in the lounge watching the programme for hours, awake or asleep.
I would imagine that on entering the pearly gates and being welcomed by St Peter, her first request was “where is the nearest telephone booth?”
Zita, we will miss you very much. - your daily telephone calls, your wonderful smile. We will remember you for your love and affection for all who came your way. We will remember you as a fun loving, jolly person, with an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humour. You have done much good in your life.
You have done much good to us all.
May you enjoy eternal peace.
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We, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa,
would like to thank most sincerely
the monks of Ealing Abbey
for allowing us to celebrate Sr. Zita's birth into new life
in this Abbey where she so often prayed.
We thank the staff of Nazareth House, Finchley
for their kindness and devoted care and attention to Sr. Zita
over the years she lived there.
We are grateful to Fr Ted Wildsmith
And to all the co-celebrants
For celebrating this Eucharist.
Thank you to all her family and friends for your presence
at this Eucharistic celebration,
for your love, friendship and prayers for Sr. Zita
and for all your visits and support.
May God bless you
and may Sr. Zita rest in peace and pray for all of us.
Please wait for a few good seconds for photos to download. Thanks
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STILL PICTURE SLIDESHOW
Click on the square box to view full page.
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Dear folks, you can view each of the photographs below FULL SIZE if you click on the photo which will appear on a blank page. CLICK AGAIN and you will view the photos on a full A4 page making it easy to ID everyone and as clear as can be. Thanks.
Sr. Zita on the left.
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Dear Betty and Benny
Thank you so much for your kind message. Zita was truly an amazing person and is going to be sorely missed by all of us and her numerous friends. She had a fantastic capacity to love everyone she came in contact with, and always kept in touch with her friends, far and wide.
Thank you so much for your kind message. Zita was truly an amazing person and is going to be sorely missed by all of us and her numerous friends. She had a fantastic capacity to love everyone she came in contact with, and always kept in touch with her friends, far and wide.
Right to the end, Zita was always happy and cheerful, and took an interest in the wellbeing and activities of every member of the family. She was very independent right up to the end and never complained; she bore her disability with that brilliant smile of hers which everyone remembers so well.
The funeral service was beautifully organised by her nuns and was well attended. She leaves a big void in our lives. We are sure she is up there praying for us all.
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
Genny and Joe
The funeral service was beautifully organised by her nuns and was well attended. She leaves a big void in our lives. We are sure she is up there praying for us all.
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
Genny and Joe
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A LILY FROM GOD'S HEAVENLY VICTORIA GARDEN
Sister Zita Cardozo
My dearest Genny and Joe,
Teresa, Bosco , Eulalia, and family., and Sisters of the Precious Blood.
I had just finished asking Benny to post on the SJCSZ website, my LAST FAREWELL TO FATIMA VELLANI, when, upon opening the site I saw that your beloved sister had passed away. Condolences my dearest friends. Hold fast.
In my Souvenir Booklet for SJCSZReunion Mass held in Toronto 2005, I had written a note regarding Sister Zita Cardozo, repeated here verbatim. " Who can forget Sister Zita - the brightest, bubbliest, full of fun gal whom God called to His service as a Nun. She vitalized the convent with her zeal and sunny disposition. She is not very well now, and is in need of our prayers. Bless you Sr. Zita. "
Well, now Sister Zita rests in the bosom of the Lord. May she rest in peace. Last night I awoke around 2.00am with a true story my mind began writing. I wanted to get out of bed and hurry to my computer, but stayed in bed with my " Brain " Computer writing relentlessly until dawn when I fell asleep again until 8.00am.
Time and distance might have separated All of us, but the MEMORIES of our once idyllic childhood in beautiful Zanzibar REMAIN WITH US , UNTOUCHED !
So what was my brain writing about? Here it is for all it's worth, and I do hope my story will do justice to the wonderful girl we all knew as Zita Cardozo.
My story begins in Zanzibar's Victoria Gardens, our childhood Shangrilla, tended by the watchful eye of the creative and talented Mr. Machado.
Victoria Gardens was our playground where all our friends used to gather for Nagay, Hopscotch, School School, Drama and Musical Presentations, Bike riding, and later Badminton, and Dances accompanied by our parents. Our Ahyas brought us to the Gardens, daily, so there were children of all ages running around, under the watchful eyes of our Ahyas. How lucky we All were !
And just as there was a wide assortment of children playing in the Garden, so also were there flowers and trees of all sorts which Mr. Machado, the Master Gardener had artistically gathered and planted with the help of Maliis who lovingly tended the gardens.Mr Machado surely had a discerning eye in the selection of the flora , and even the fauna in the goldfish pond, and inadvertently the numerous birds that made their nests in the magnificent trees that grew all around the Gardens.
Now amongst all of the flora and the fauna , there was one flower that stood out above all others. It was the Lily ! The Lily is used by the Church as a symbol of Purity, Love, and, New Life. Its fragrance and grace are unequalled by any other flower, and it is a flower that lasts for a long time even after it is cut.
To me, this lovely flower was Zita.
And God chose her from all the other beautiful flowers in Zanzibar, to serve Him unconditionally. Zita answered the call, and with open arms embraced His love through The Precious Blood Sisters Convent where she remained until her death.
Teresa, Bosco , Eulalia, and family., and Sisters of the Precious Blood.
I had just finished asking Benny to post on the SJCSZ website, my LAST FAREWELL TO FATIMA VELLANI, when, upon opening the site I saw that your beloved sister had passed away. Condolences my dearest friends. Hold fast.
In my Souvenir Booklet for SJCSZReunion Mass held in Toronto 2005, I had written a note regarding Sister Zita Cardozo, repeated here verbatim. " Who can forget Sister Zita - the brightest, bubbliest, full of fun gal whom God called to His service as a Nun. She vitalized the convent with her zeal and sunny disposition. She is not very well now, and is in need of our prayers. Bless you Sr. Zita. "
Well, now Sister Zita rests in the bosom of the Lord. May she rest in peace. Last night I awoke around 2.00am with a true story my mind began writing. I wanted to get out of bed and hurry to my computer, but stayed in bed with my " Brain " Computer writing relentlessly until dawn when I fell asleep again until 8.00am.
Time and distance might have separated All of us, but the MEMORIES of our once idyllic childhood in beautiful Zanzibar REMAIN WITH US , UNTOUCHED !
So what was my brain writing about? Here it is for all it's worth, and I do hope my story will do justice to the wonderful girl we all knew as Zita Cardozo.
My story begins in Zanzibar's Victoria Gardens, our childhood Shangrilla, tended by the watchful eye of the creative and talented Mr. Machado.
Victoria Gardens was our playground where all our friends used to gather for Nagay, Hopscotch, School School, Drama and Musical Presentations, Bike riding, and later Badminton, and Dances accompanied by our parents. Our Ahyas brought us to the Gardens, daily, so there were children of all ages running around, under the watchful eyes of our Ahyas. How lucky we All were !
And just as there was a wide assortment of children playing in the Garden, so also were there flowers and trees of all sorts which Mr. Machado, the Master Gardener had artistically gathered and planted with the help of Maliis who lovingly tended the gardens.Mr Machado surely had a discerning eye in the selection of the flora , and even the fauna in the goldfish pond, and inadvertently the numerous birds that made their nests in the magnificent trees that grew all around the Gardens.
Now amongst all of the flora and the fauna , there was one flower that stood out above all others. It was the Lily ! The Lily is used by the Church as a symbol of Purity, Love, and, New Life. Its fragrance and grace are unequalled by any other flower, and it is a flower that lasts for a long time even after it is cut.
To me, this lovely flower was Zita.
And God chose her from all the other beautiful flowers in Zanzibar, to serve Him unconditionally. Zita answered the call, and with open arms embraced His love through The Precious Blood Sisters Convent where she remained until her death.
Sister Zita is now in God's Heavenly Victoria Gardens. He must have surely made our Zanzibar Victoria Gardens His own special Paradise from which He chose NOT ONLY, Zita, but Richard, Stanley, Alwyn, Aloysious and others whose names I can't remember at the moment, to serve Him as Nuns and Priests. Bless them !
For a small island like Zanzibar, the flowers must have been really special for God to want to choose from.
As I write these lines I'm remembering the Mathematics Tuitions Zita gave me before she left Zanzibar for the Convent. I also remember the Kungu Tree in front of her house where the most delicious Kungus grew, and Zita made sure that I never left without a couple of them after my lessons. I remember as well, the Nagai games we all played ,with the Cardozo kids and the Remedios boys and often with other friends as well, on the pavement in front of the Cardozo house.
You know, I feel especially blest that older girls, and younger girls, and mothers of all my friends, interacted with me and shared their wisdom and friendships with me. I have not forgotten anyone. Sorry , Guys we admired you from afar because those were the rules .... quite Victorian, compared to todays world, eh??. However, all these are the people who, besides my parents and family, shaped my life and my character and made me what I am today. They say that a child's environment does all this from early childhood. I believe this to be true .....and if you look around you'll see that is case with all the "Zanibar" friends of yore who are a true credit to Our Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Mr and Mrs Cardozo did all that for their children and their friends' children as well. They were a shining example of love and goodness, including their faith. Is it any wonder that Zita became a Chosen One ???
So, my dearest Genny and Joe, Teresa and family, Bosco and Hazel, and Eulalia ........ Be proud .
Your Sister was a jewel in your family's crown, as well as in Zazibar's SJCSchool's and Cathedral's. How lucky you All are. Do not be sad or mourn, rather Celebrate the wonderful spirit that was Zita. God had her long before she said "Yes " to His call.
And to My Friend and Mentor, Zita/Sister Zita, now in heaven, I say "Farewell.
For a small island like Zanzibar, the flowers must have been really special for God to want to choose from.
As I write these lines I'm remembering the Mathematics Tuitions Zita gave me before she left Zanzibar for the Convent. I also remember the Kungu Tree in front of her house where the most delicious Kungus grew, and Zita made sure that I never left without a couple of them after my lessons. I remember as well, the Nagai games we all played ,with the Cardozo kids and the Remedios boys and often with other friends as well, on the pavement in front of the Cardozo house.
You know, I feel especially blest that older girls, and younger girls, and mothers of all my friends, interacted with me and shared their wisdom and friendships with me. I have not forgotten anyone. Sorry , Guys we admired you from afar because those were the rules .... quite Victorian, compared to todays world, eh??. However, all these are the people who, besides my parents and family, shaped my life and my character and made me what I am today. They say that a child's environment does all this from early childhood. I believe this to be true .....and if you look around you'll see that is case with all the "Zanibar" friends of yore who are a true credit to Our Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Mr and Mrs Cardozo did all that for their children and their friends' children as well. They were a shining example of love and goodness, including their faith. Is it any wonder that Zita became a Chosen One ???
So, my dearest Genny and Joe, Teresa and family, Bosco and Hazel, and Eulalia ........ Be proud .
Your Sister was a jewel in your family's crown, as well as in Zazibar's SJCSchool's and Cathedral's. How lucky you All are. Do not be sad or mourn, rather Celebrate the wonderful spirit that was Zita. God had her long before she said "Yes " to His call.
And to My Friend and Mentor, Zita/Sister Zita, now in heaven, I say "Farewell.
It was wonderful knowing you. Please commend us All to the Heavenly Father, and with the myriad of Angels with whom you now reside, watch over All of your Zanzibar Friends and Family ",
OUR LILY FROM GOD'S HEAVENLY VICTORIA GARDENS VIA ZANZIBAR ! ADIEU ! RIP !
OUR LILY FROM GOD'S HEAVENLY VICTORIA GARDENS VIA ZANZIBAR ! ADIEU ! RIP !
Bless and much love.
Yvette and Mike
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Now our very own - Sr Zita Cardozo.
Yes Cels - it was sudden - she was her good self the afternoon before - when her youngest sister Lally ( Dr Mc Dermott) visited her - and her other two isters Genny de Lord and Teresa Eldest - Joe de Lord nieces and nephews who see here weekly - were in shock.
Bosco her other Medical sibling- knew she was "doing poorly" - medically speaking- but her soul - like that of Fatima was always "On FIRE " with joy love and giving to others. I knew her as such in Zanzibar when she was the daughter of friends of my parents 1950 - 51- She sewed my sis I little dresses- nad we had a picture taken with Lally in the Prison Grounds- 1949-...
She was picked to carry Our Lady of Fatima with Quitty Coutinho Eva Almeida? Pictures were in the Reunion 2008 booklet... The family moved to Mombasa at that point 1951. (Bosco stayed on to finished Grade 12- SJCS'52)
I saw the Cardozos sisters briefly while in Goa- They were driving by on the Alto Povorim and I hear them shouting my name and the car they were in came to a stop. We Pintos were there for a month.
I next saw Zita 1964 May as a Nun from Rubaga Convent - three days before I left Makerere college for the last time- She and an African sister were there for a conference I think- I spoke to her for five minutes- three days later I met Bosco- She became my Sis in law and was present at our wedding at the Holy Ghost Cathedral January 1965
She remains - forever- a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa - Her funeral will bring together many hearts souls and friends- and by the Grace of God and Bosco and I may be part of that special Mass - of gathering.
I pray much for your sis-in -law Noella - ! Glad to see how determined she is - I pray for all all connected to our members - who are facing their hallenges- whether medical social emotional or other- who do not and can not share their pain with us. God alone knows best what is beast for each family . but I am assured - that in that HOUR of need... as you say will bring into the fullness of our particular and peculiar springtime- Feast of St JOSEPH
This has been an amazing First week of March! Clearly Fatima was a Soul of Light to all.. to all who never make their presence felt - the role si to receive - and reflect - what was given by Our People of whom SJCS Zanzibar was but a tiny ''living cell" No matter where any one of us goes- the elements do not chnage.
Blessings upon all- Yes as Mabel says we need to hear nad be told that we are loved by God Our Father! so we must " hear " it from HIS Children!
I hope you hear me ... with Love - Hazel.
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SAD NEWS
Dear Genny/Joe, Bosco/Hazel, Teresa & Lally,
My deepest condolences to you all.
Very sorry to hear of her demise. Know that Sr. Zita is now with the Lord.
I was very small when Zita joined the Convent, but did remember her. She was a lively person.
May she rest in Peace.
We've had so many go...heartbreaking...but we also know that they are in a better place. Spring...new life.
Celsa
Yvette and Mike
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Sr Zita - SAD NEWS
Now our very own - Sr Zita Cardozo.
Yes Cels - it was sudden - she was her good self the afternoon before - when her youngest sister Lally ( Dr Mc Dermott) visited her - and her other two isters Genny de Lord and Teresa Eldest - Joe de Lord nieces and nephews who see here weekly - were in shock.
Bosco her other Medical sibling- knew she was "doing poorly" - medically speaking- but her soul - like that of Fatima was always "On FIRE " with joy love and giving to others. I knew her as such in Zanzibar when she was the daughter of friends of my parents 1950 - 51- She sewed my sis I little dresses- nad we had a picture taken with Lally in the Prison Grounds- 1949-...
She was picked to carry Our Lady of Fatima with Quitty Coutinho Eva Almeida? Pictures were in the Reunion 2008 booklet... The family moved to Mombasa at that point 1951. (Bosco stayed on to finished Grade 12- SJCS'52)
I saw the Cardozos sisters briefly while in Goa- They were driving by on the Alto Povorim and I hear them shouting my name and the car they were in came to a stop. We Pintos were there for a month.
I next saw Zita 1964 May as a Nun from Rubaga Convent - three days before I left Makerere college for the last time- She and an African sister were there for a conference I think- I spoke to her for five minutes- three days later I met Bosco- She became my Sis in law and was present at our wedding at the Holy Ghost Cathedral January 1965
She remains - forever- a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa - Her funeral will bring together many hearts souls and friends- and by the Grace of God and Bosco and I may be part of that special Mass - of gathering.
I pray much for your sis-in -law Noella - ! Glad to see how determined she is - I pray for all all connected to our members - who are facing their hallenges- whether medical social emotional or other- who do not and can not share their pain with us. God alone knows best what is beast for each family . but I am assured - that in that HOUR of need... as you say will bring into the fullness of our particular and peculiar springtime- Feast of St JOSEPH
This has been an amazing First week of March! Clearly Fatima was a Soul of Light to all.. to all who never make their presence felt - the role si to receive - and reflect - what was given by Our People of whom SJCS Zanzibar was but a tiny ''living cell" No matter where any one of us goes- the elements do not chnage.
Blessings upon all- Yes as Mabel says we need to hear nad be told that we are loved by God Our Father! so we must " hear " it from HIS Children!
I hope you hear me ... with Love - Hazel.
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SAD NEWS
Dear Genny/Joe, Bosco/Hazel, Teresa & Lally,
My deepest condolences to you all.
Very sorry to hear of her demise. Know that Sr. Zita is now with the Lord.
I was very small when Zita joined the Convent, but did remember her. She was a lively person.
May she rest in Peace.
We've had so many go...heartbreaking...but we also know that they are in a better place. Spring...new life.
Celsa
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