By Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS)
KUCHING — As in Luke 12:37, Sr Marina (aged 80) was ready when our Heavenly Father called her home on 24 September 2024 before dawn.
On 26 September 2024 noon, her Encoffin was done at the Home of Santa Clara. It was followed by Funeral Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral at 2.00 pm. Thereafter, she was laid to rest at the 7½ Mile, Catholic Cemetery Kota Sentosa, Kuching.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by Archbishop Simon Poh, concelebrated with six priests.
In his homily, Archbishop paid tribute to Sr Marina and attested to her virtues and humble services. Quoting from the book of Wisdom, Chapter 3:1-9, which was the first reading at the funeral Mass, whereby it was mentioned that the souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them. In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster, their leaving us, like annihilation, but they are in peace… those who are faithful will live with him in love; for grace and mercy await those he has chosen.
Sr Marina had trusted in God and served Him faithfully. She had returned to the Lord who gave her courage, strength and hope throughout her earthly life.
Justina Liew Chun Kit, aged 21, in her application letter dated 7 January 1965 to the Mother General to join the Congregation, then known as the Little Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak, was fully aware when she stated, “Although it is very hard to be one, I will try my very best and by the help of God’s grace I hope I can persevere to the end ”.
Justina Liew entered the Postulate together with two other companions at Convent of Mary Immaculate, Padungan on 10 January 1965. Seven months later, she received the religious habit as well as the new name Sister Marina. She underwent her religious and spiritual formation at the Novitiate in Padungan Convent and made her First Profession on 13 August 1967. She pronounced her Perpetual Vows on 30 July 1972.
Her initial posting after the First Profession was to Sacred Heart Convent / Home for the Aged at Mile 12, Penrissen where she was stationed for three years before being transferred to St Joseph’s Convent, Serian mainly doing household duties.
Following which she was appointed/assigned to Padungan Convent for two rounds actively serving the community (1970 – 1971, March 1999 – October 2002). She was cheerful, faithful to her vows of Obedience and Poverty. Her stations included St Rita’s Convent Bau (1971 – 1972), St Anne’s Convent @ St Peter’s Seminary (1972), Nazareth Nursery Convent (1989 – 1999), St Mary’s Convent, Sibu (1975 – 1980), Our Lady of Lourdes Convent, Long San (1980 – 1984), St Martha’s Convent, Bunan-Gega (1984 – 1989), St Francis Xavier’s Convent, Miri (October 2002 – February 2007) and St Cecilia’s Convent, Sri Aman (March 2007 – December 2009).
As her health was showing ominous signs, she was transferred back to Padungan Convent in January 2010, where she semi-retired till 19 February 2019. She was then moved to Home of Santa Clara BDC as she was suffering from end-stage renal failure, and she underwent haemodialysis for 11 years at the National Kidney Foundation. Regretfully, on 20 July 2024 her left leg was amputated below the knee at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). She endured the pain and discomfort patiently till the Lord called her home to rest eternally on 24 September 2024 at 4.30 am. She passed away at the SGH.
She had certainly fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her as well as to all who have longed for His appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
 was ready when our Heavenly Father called her home on 24 September 2024 before dawn. ){kind=link}