Monique was a woman who fought until the end

MONIQUE Anne Geourzoung was described as a woman with inifinite strength and courage during a thanksgiving service for her life at the University of the West Indies Chapel on Friday.

Dr Camille Bell-Hutchinson, the University of the West Indies Campus Registrar described her as an dedicated individual.

"Monique was always concerned. She always gave immediate assistance and I think she often acted too fast. I remember once, she called me in the middle of the night. She told me of an idea she had. The next morning, a proposal was on my desk. I remember falling back in my chair and saying to myself, this girl is unbelievable," Bell-Hutchinson said.

Affectionately called 'Mahima' by family and friends she was recognised for her determination, hardwork and contribution to the success of others, inclusive of cancer based organisations. She lost her battle with cancer on September 30.

Geourzoung was 36-years-old.

Upon entering the chapel, mourners were gracefully handed a pink ribbon to support the movement of fighting cancer.

Despite her condition, her family and friends said she never disappointed a promise. Through her pain and aches, she never failed to take her close friends and relatives regularly, across the island for trips. She loved the outdoor lifestyle and foods mainly found in the rural towns of Jamaica.

As the tributes flowed, Monique's friend Terrol Guyah said that her friends tried to inspire her to write her own book, as she was a good writer.

"We encouraged her to write a book. I know everyone here can attest to some good memory they had with her. So although she never got the chance to write the book. She didn't need to, because her book lives within our hearts," he said during his tribute.

Ele Arthuers, one of her many close friends, said that the words she can think of to describe Monique were committed, couragous, humourous, articulate and passionate.

"Monique was a truly awesome human being. To me she was a daughter, friend, teacher and confidante. She made a difference in my life. She taught me how to live one day at a time, and for this I am truly grateful," Arthers said.

She was remembered for the wonderful chocolates she would always give to others. At the closure of her funeral each person was given one of her favourite chocolates - Kissess. It was said at her funeral, that she had created a poster for her office. The poster read;

"Make a difference. Just knowing how, changes nothing. We must act."

Before Monique died, she wrote a thought titled 'Cancer Positive'-

'So, I understand where you're coming from. I do. You all have had, or known someone who has died from cancer and your mad....cancer's bad I feel you. Here's the thing... it's come to mean something different to me. It has taught me to accept vulnerability, to lean on the strenght of others and to question God. Then to discover God in, and as, everything. It(cancer) has emptied me of all the empty things that I hold on to - looks, status and quite frankly money. As a result, I could better experience the beauty, worth and generosity of others.'

She peacefully passed away on surrounded by family and friends. Geourzoung is survived by parents Ricky and Primrose Geourzoung, sister Keri, niece Isabel, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

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