Lillian Delfort

A tribute to a very dear cousin sent with our deepest condolences! Four 'Roses" grew in a home where the shadow of St. Lucia's Cathedral fell on, under the watchful eyes of the 'De rose's- their parents they bloomed, schooled in the convent of the Good Shepherd by the Reverend Sisters, petite and the most beautiful rose was the one they called 'Lillian'! Sojourned to France at a tender age to perfect the language, met a handsome man called Gerard at a church in Toulouse and fell in love, began their journey together and Nathalie and Jean-Philippe were born, they built a chateau in Thedirac country side to be their lovely home! Lillian De Rose blossomed into a beautiful "rose" everyone loved so dear, for many summers and winters with her fragrance spreading far and wide, to everyone's delight she was caring and sharing in many ways she could, her God given talents she used to the fullest in fulfilling this quest! For more than half a century France her adopted country was where she lived, faced many a daunting challenge but never was she ever conquered, but a sudden illness she contracted and intense medical care was administered, the best that her family could do they did and all of us prayed in intercession! On Easter Sunday Jesus saw her suffering so He took her by hand, said, well and good my faithful child heaven needs to be adorned with a 'rose', and took her up to be planted for eternity in the garden of paradise, so from now on her treasured memories will linger in our minds forever! That generous spirit in welcoming anyone to her manor was her hallmark, she had the gift of making a dish look like a feast with her great culinary skills, witty and knowledgeable on the happenings around the globe, had you spellbound in a conversation on any subject you would have! We all remember her as a very sensitive and genuine person, of indelible character who had an unmistakable charm about her, with an infectious laugh often concealing the inner turmoil, a person of great character who stood tall in the wake of personal tragedy! So you have brought to a close the story of the "De Rose's from Kotahena", with your darling papa and mama and your three sisters you will be together, rejoicing in the realms of heaven with the Blessed Mother, Saints and Angels, now in a place you can intercede for your loved ones whom you left behind! She had an encyclopedic memory to remember all important dates, a prompt call or a note would follow with her intimate wishes on the day, for she immensely valued family ties and did her utmost to maintain them, so now we have our own "Lillian" up there to send us heavenly greetings! You were a 'De Rose' once, now has become "The Rose" in heaven, thank you for all the the love and kindness you shared with us always, our loss is heartfelt but we praise and thank God for what you were, for the beautiful life you lived, with so much memories to cherish and dwell, till we meet again in paradise one day to rejoice together! May you rest in peace. Pauline, Canny and Helen, Joe and Charmaine, Mancius and Saby, Marilyn and Adrian.

Received the shocking and sad news of Lilian in an unexpected moment. Had a close relationship with you ,Gerald and family when ever you came to Kotahena your home. You trusted me and allowed me to stay in your sweet home for 18 years. I was looking forward to meet you next month. But Gods plan is different. Gerald, Natalie, Jean Philippe & family accept our condolences.

Aunty Lillian Aunty Lillian was my mother Magdalene’s closest sister in age, and my god mother. When I heard the terrible news, I said “this isn’t real, it can’t be happening.” Unfortunately those words were all too familiar. Aunty Lillian had sparkling eyes and a great laugh. I knew she was strong, principled, linguistically talented and a gifted pianist. From the visits to France, I learnt that she was a great cook, devout in her faith and along with dearest Uncle Gerard had raised two wonderful children whom I’m proud to call my cousins. I’m sad to say that I got to know her more when our family endured the unspeakable tragedy of the tsunami in December 2004. That was the first time I said “this can’t be happening.” Since then she bore the heavy burden of being the last remaining member of the DeRose family of St Lucia’s street. In addition to onerous administrative duties and the heavy grief, she endeavoured to support and love me despite the distance. I knew she wanted to do whatever she could in the absence of Magdalene. Unfortunately all too often I was caught up in my own grief and my own world. She was loyal to the end. I’m saddened to say I wish I had spent more time with her in France. I wish I had spoken to her more regularly. I’m deeply sorry Aunty Lillian. Thank you for everything you did. My mamma Magdalene, Aunty Mellie, Aunty Charmaine, Grandma and Grandpa will all be waiting to embrace you with open arms,. What a reunion. Please tell them how much we miss them. I hope you find peace and rest with them. I love and miss you. Thank you for everything. All my love Asha

I recieved the sad news with shock and dismay..Lillian was a dear and sincere friend ,whom I had the pleasure of knowing for over 70 years.Throughout our period of schooling I studied in the same class as Magdalene and was a frequent visitor to the de Roses.They were close friends and relatives. Lillian never failed to visit me and my late husband Ananda whenever she visited SL with Gerard.Please accept my heartfelt condolences dear Gerard,Nathalie, Jean- Phillipe and their families.May the good Lord grant you the strength and courage to face your loss.May her dear soul rest in eternal peace.

Lillian you have been one of my oldest friends from Primary School at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena. It was so lovely that I got to meet you and Geratd in Paris in 2018. Even though we lived so many miles apart we have kept in touch and I valued our friendship. Rest in God's care my dear friend and may the Angels carry you to your place in Heaven. My deepest Sympathies to Gerard, Nathalie, Jean-Phillipe and your families. With love from Shirin

Our Heartfelt Sympathies to you dear Gérard, Nathalie, Jean-Philippe, Antonin and Sophie. We recall and treasure beautiful memories of our dearest cousin with fondness...She was kind, generous and hospitable whenever we visited her beautiful home...artistically decorated by her...Lillian was always bubbly and was blessed with multifaceted talents specially her culinary skills...We recall those lively chats we had with her as she intrigued us with a wide knowledge of the current happenings in the world. She is now at peace and has joined her beloved parents and sisters who would have embraced her with joy, welcoming her to her Heavenly abode. Farewell dear cousin till me meet again! May her beautiful soul rest in peace. Marilyn and Adrian.

Dear Gerard Nathalie Jeanne Philip Antoinenn and Sophie we are greatly saddened by the passing away of Dear Lilian. Lilian meant so much to us all and we will always treasure her beautiful memory. We cannot forget the lovely times we have shared over the years specially the warm hospitality extended to us during our many visits to France and the country home. It is hard to reconcile that Lilian is no more only the beautiful memories will remain. We know that it will be hard for all of you to come to terms with her loss but take comfort that her life was beautiful and the joy she brought to us all. May Her Soul Rest in Peace

Our deepest sympathies.