Everyone who knew Dona Martha Saldivar Sulaiman, was captivated and enamoured by her kindness, calmness and generosity.

On a beautiful sunny day, family and friends from all around the World, came to the Memorial Service in the Old Basilica of Guadalupe, to celebrate her poignantly wonderful and so memorable life, one year after her passing.

The Service was taken by Maronite Bishop Georges Saad Abi Younes, a friend of the family for so many years and a perfect man for the serenity of this event. His shock of white hair and those characteristic square, dark rimmed glasses.

A huge array of champions in the Congregation. They all adored going to the Sulaiman household because Dona Martha took care of them like royalty. No one ever went hungry. All were welcomed, included, celebrated, respected  and embraced as family. The true verdant hue of the Green and Gold.

Pride of place at the Service was a photo of Don Jose seated and Dona Martha, standing with her arms wrapped around him. The happiest moment in time.  A sea of roses, red and white, sun flowers and other floral decorations.  The music of Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi and Schubert. The soaring combined voices of a choir and the reverberating majesty of the Cathedral organ, brought a tear to the eye and a lump to the throat. It`s the memories we leave which preserve us as strong.

Lucy and Claudia Sulaiman handing the Communion Cup to Bishop Georges. Pepe, Fernando, Mauricio, Christiane and the rest of the family, united and so proud of Dona Martha`s life and legacy as a mother and a teacher of life. We are what our Mum makes us.

Perhaps the most poignant moment was the chatter and laughter of a little toddler. The handsome little lad, must be about two years old. It was such a happy natural sound of carefree childhood. Dona Martha would have so liked that. The essential essence and very being of a caring and loving Matriarch.