Paying memory to a faithful devotee
Chumpa Singh passed away after a long battle with multiple myeloma.
In remembrance: Chumpa Singh
The Newcastle Organisation for the Aged (Nofta) and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) paid tribute to a woman who will always be remembered for her humility and willingness to help others.
Chumpa Singh, who remained an active member of both organisations until cancer left her bed-ridden and vulnerable, passed away from multiple myeloma this month.
This is a cancer caused by malignant plasma cells affecting bone marrow.
While she lived, she was well known for her culinary skills, which not only delighted public figures and international delegates, but also helped feed thousands of Newcastle’s poorest.
Mrs Singh was born in Ladysmith and relocated to Newcastle 48 years ago after marrying Bully Singh, current secretary of Nofta.
For 27 years, she worked in various divisions at ISCOR.
“My wife has always been very involved in community work and she was a staunch Krishna devotee. She was a humble person who was always prepared to help and she had a passion for cooking. Nobody would ever leave our home without having had a meal. She was so well-loved that when she was diagnosed with cancer several international delegates came home to offer her comfort, including her spiritual master from India and 21 Krishna devotees, four of whom were medical doctors,” said Mr Singh.
Talking about how he coped with his wife’s cancer diagnosis, he added, “Cancer is a dreadful disease. Whoever contracts it needs to be treated with a lot of love. I sat long hours at my wife’s bedside, both in the hospital and at home. A cancer patient needs to feel secure at all times and it is only from your presence that they can draw that security.”
Asked what he felt Mrs Singh’s biggest accomplishment was, Mr Singh responded, “Being there for each other for 48 years has been the best part of our lives and I often told my wife that in my next life, I’d like to marry her again.”
The Singh family would like to thank friends and family who supported them during difficult times, and all those who offered well wishes, condolences and flowers after Mrs Singh’s passing.
