A Tribute to Marian Mckonkey (School Matron)

A Tribute to Matron Marian McKonkey

( Miss Marian McKonkey was our School Matron (Tanjong Lobang School, Miri, Sarawak) in the early 60s. At that time she was about 60 years old. She was sent under the United States Peace Corps program. She lived to be a centenarian. In her final years she was cared for in nursing a home. In 2007, we came in contact with one of our Peace Corp teacher, Robert Lynn who told us about her as he used to visit her. I wrote an article which involved her and passed it to Bob Lynn who read it to her just before her health deteriorated. It brought smiles to her lips. Shortly later on 29 April 2008, she passed away. May her soul rest in peace.This poem is in her rememberance)

The sad news came today

that she has passed away.

Being a Centenarian we knew

she would soon leave me and you.

But deep within us we wished

we could turn back the clock.

A piece of us is gone with her passing.

An era of our past seemed missing.

Something’s tugging at our heart’s string.

The mind’s broiling and thinking

of the days when she was around,

caring for our youthful life abound.

She was always there when we were sick,

prescribing medicine with professional restrict,

trying to ensure the best for each of us,

as she went about her jobs without a fuss.

Like a breeze she executed her duties,

making the rounds to ensure cleanliness

in dormitories, refectory and other premises.

I can vividly see her with her old bicycle

wearing a thick, round, black horn-rimmed spectacles.

Thick skirt that reached down to her calves.

Always wearing the smile that’s her soulful mask.

Can’t help wondering who’re her kins?

Who cared and loved her in her final spin?

Bob Lynn, you have done a noble job.

Keeping her company and keeping out pain of sorts.

You’ve been the bridge between us and her.

Through you, hopefully, we have made her happier.

Thank you Marian for giving us a part of your life.

We are grateful and wish you an eternal happiness.

We wish you all the happiness up there my dear.

Surpassing what you had had down here.