Lady McShine’s last laugh

While fanning himself, Bishop Clive Abdullah told the congregation to rejoice if it comes back during the service. But more annoying were the intermittent noises of what sounded like a car siren to those inside the church, prompting Bishop Abdullah to remark “As if we didn’t have enough to make our service difficult!”

On several occasions during his sermon, Bishop Abdullah had to pause for the noise. However, when it was discovered the noise was in fact a fault in the church alarm, Bishop Abdullah, ordered that it be turned off which brought applause from the congregation. Earlier, during the eulogy, Lady McShine’s only son, Eugene, spoke of his mother’s sense of humour and her mischievous streak, traits which she passed on to him. When he was eight, his mother found her Siamese cat shivering in the refrigerator between the cheese and the butter. He owned up when she asked who put the cat there. And when she asked why he did it, Eugene replied: “The dog could not fit.” Eugene said his mother laughed so hard she forgot to punish him.

McShine also spoke of how his parents met at his Uncle Halsey’s wedding to Lady McShine’s best friend, Eileen Piggot.

He said while his mother was waiting in her friend’s car for a lift, his father jumped into the driver’s seat, stole the car and kidnapped her. This revelation brought chuckles from the gathering of family and close friends.

On a more serious note, Eugene said of his mother, “She was a quiet and reserved person, preferring the simple life looking after her family in the shadow of her garrulous and outgoing husband.”

He added most of his mother’s time was spent raising his sister Hilary and himself, as well as the elder grandchildren. She also loved sewing and enjoyed cooking. Kitchen gadgets fascinated her.

After listening to the eulogy, Bishop Abdullah began his homily by quoting; “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” The Bishop stated it was that pureness in heart which Lady McShine manifested throughout her life, and this was cause for celebration.

She passed away on August 2, one month short of her 93rd birthday.