A woman who dedicated over three decades to serving others, specifically the elderly, will be accorded an official funeral.
Cornelia “Connie’ Michael died at her home on January 3, at the age of 74, following a stroke three years ago which affected her short-term memory.
“The Cabinet agreed that Cornelia Michael, an advocate for the elderly for many years, will be afforded an official funeral. The Cabinet authorised the Ministry of Social Transformation to commence the planning in collaboration with the family of the outstanding Antigua & Barbuda citizen,” Chief of Staff, Lionel Hurst said.
OBSERVER media understands that the funeral is tentatively planned for January 19 at the Spring Gardens Moravian Church.
Grieving family members expressed appreciation to the government, stating the deceased, who received at least four medals for her charitable work, genuinely cared for the well-being of others and had the captivating and loving personality to complement her outreach work.
“Many times, the things that we do go unrecognised, and what ‘my siste’ did was not for recognition–we were reared to love and appreciate people, and that’s the foundation we got from my mom,” said cousin Juliette Dorsette.
An official funeral is accorded to citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the country, and the government will pay a budgeted sum for the service. National flags will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral on government buildings, and the procession involves members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda but does not include the military.
Mario Michael said his mother was “richly deserving” of an official funeral.