The State on Monday bid an emotional farewell to former Minister and Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate as thousands of mourners, including political leaders, ministers, legislators, party work ers, friends and well-wishers, gathered to pay their last respects. Her mortal remains were kept at St Mi chael’s Church, Taleigao, where a steady stream of mourners paid homage before the funeral Mass was held at 3.30 pm. Following the service, the funeral pro cession moved to the Hindu Crematorium at St Inez, Panjim, where her body was con signed to flames in accordance with her last wishes. Her sons, Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor Rohit Monser rate and Amit Monserrate, performed the last rites by lighting the funeral pyre.
As a mark of honour for her public ser vice, Jennifer Monserrate was accorded a full state funeral. Her mortal remains were draped in the Tricolour, while the Goa Po lice ceremonial band sounded the Last Post before the final rites. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, members of the State Cabinet, MLAs and leaders cut ting across party lines joined hundreds of party workers and citizens in paying their final respects to the former legislator. Expressing their condolences, the Chief Minister, ministers and other leaders de scribed Jennifer Monserrate as a commit ted public servant who devoted herself to the welfare of the people.
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They said her death had created a void in Goa’s public life that would be difficult to fill and remem bered her for her dedication, accessibility and years of service to her constituency and the State. The funeral was marked by poign ant scenes as many mourners struggled to hold back tears while bidding a final farewell to the departed leader.
