Day of grief for Montrichard’s children

MOURNERS packed the Rio Claro Roman Catholic Church yesterday afternoon for the funeral service of Patricia Montrichard, the woman who died while giving birth earlier this week. Missing among the large congregation was Montrichard’s elderly and ailing mother, Priscilla Campbell, 64, who said her final goodbyes to her only daughter at their home at Grant Street, Rio Claro. The deceased’s two elder daughters, Lowina, 11, and Akeeda, 10, were seated at the front row among relatives. But as the casket was wheeled into the front near the altar, the loss proved too much to bear for little Akeeda who broke down in tears and was taken out of the church as relatives tried to comfort her. On Monday, Montrichard, 27, died while in the delivery room of the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH). However, her baby girl survived. Campbell said she intends to name the child Patricia in memory of her daughter.

The pregnant woman was three weeks overdue and her doctor instructed she deliver the child by Caesarian-section. Hospital officials have launched an investigation into Montrichard’s death upon request from relatives. Yesterday’s funeral service was conducted by Sister Bella Mairoon Singh, who sought to console mourners. Singh said that Montrichard’s sudden passing was not the end but the beginning of the hereafter for her. “Death is only a transition from this life to eternal bliss,” she said. “It is nothing to be afraid of. When we get to know our supreme being we will be willing to go to Him.” Following the funeral service, the body was interred at Dades Trace Cemetry in Rio Claro.