Flags flew at half-mast, and the streets of Arima were lined with mourners as the funeral for Minister in the Ministry of Education, Lisa Morris-Julian, her daughter, Xianne, and son, Jesiah, was held at the Santa Rosa Roman Catholic Church in Arima.
The nation came together in solemn solidarity to bid farewell to the Minister and MP on Thursday morning.
During the eulogy, her daughter, Anya, shared much of what made her mother a remarkable individual, positively touching the lives of everyone she interacted with.
“Lisa’s life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. As we grieve her loss, we also celebrate her legacy – a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She was a powerful woman, and death could be the only thing that could stop her.”
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Camille Robinson-Regis, described Minister Morris-Julian as her constituency neighbour, political daughter, and right hand in the PNM’s National Women’s League. She noted with certainty that her legacy of compassion, courage, and an unyielding belief in the goodness of humanity will live on.
“I know there are many who will never understand how colleagues can come to anguish so genuinely over the loss of another. How we could truly lament over someone with whom we walked many miles, spent many hours, and shared many thoughts. But we can, and we do.”
Leader of Government, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, offering condolences on behalf of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, said it was a sad day for our nation. He remembers Lisa Morris-Julian as someone who enjoyed what she did and continued to offer herself for greater service.
“Lisa was with us for a short time, but during that time, she probably would have accomplished much more than many people would have accomplished in a life that was so much longer. But the most important thing is that at the end of her days, those that she has left behind, as we grieve, could think of her as a jewel in the crown of this nation.”
Lisa Morris-Julian, her son, Jesiah, and daughter, Xianne, were laid to rest at the Santa Rosa RC Cemetery.
In a deeply moving moment, it was revealed that she held and comforted her youngest child, Jesiah, during their final moments and even as they were laid to rest – a testament to her unwavering maternal instincts, even in the face of unimaginable grief.