At the request of the family of Mrs. Beatrice Antoniette, Fr. Riwa flew to Switzerland to be the celebrant at her funeral today, August 3. They were very close friends for they shared the same deep affection for the abandoned and orphaned children.

Beatrice was known to the staff at St. Clare as Madam Beatrice, but to the children she was Queen Beatrice for she was like a magical fairy godmother.  Each year she returned with a suitcase full of hats, shirts and gifts for the children.

Next to St. Clare is a special mango tree. Under its branches the first classes were held at St. Clare even before there was a buillding. Today the simple wood benches are still there and people gather under this special tree. Beatrice was no exception. She would spend hours and hours with the children in the shade of the mango, listening to their stories, being the grandmother they never knew. The children, especially the little ones, always knew where to find her. Queen Beatrice would be holding court under in the cool shade of the mango tree, sitting on the rough wood benches, waiting for the children.

Goodbye Queen Beatrice. Rest in Peace.