Kin remember Covid-19 casualty Mariani as dedicated nurse, good friend

 

Her family could only watch from afar as 52-year-old Mariani Sulaiman was buried at the Kampung Nilam Baru cemetery in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, yesterday.

Amidst a light drizzle, they paid their last respects as the late Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) Intensive Care Unit head nurse’s body was lowered into the ground.

Mariani died on Tuesday (Dec 15) night after contracting Covid-19. She is the latest medical frontliner to succumb to the virus.

Her diagnosis came after being identified as a close contact of the Hilir cluster.

At about 10.45am yesterday, her body was brought to the burial site in a Muslim funeral van. Fire and Rescue Department officers were also present.

Standing about 200m away from the corpse due to Covid-19 funeral procedures, Mariani’s kin appeared glum and crestfallen at their loss.

A much-loved sister, colleague and friend

Contacted today, 65-year-old Nariah Sulaiman said her younger sister was much loved by both her family members and hospital colleagues.

The fifth among nine siblings, Mariani had been the “backbone” in the family.

“Our family always stayed in touch and we were close, we would refer to her whenever we needed to discuss anything.

“When she learned that she had been infected, she said she had to accept it because God chose her.

“Her death came as a shock to our family. But whatever it is, God decides,” Nariah said, tearfully.

Mariani’s colleagues also offered their condolences.

One hospital staff member said she had been a dedicated nurse who was always willing to guide those under her care.

“She was a good person. She would guide younger nurses with ease.

“She was also a good friend and sister, even though we worked in different units,” said one colleague who declined to be named.

Hanisah Mamat, who is in her fifties, similarly recalled her former colleague and roommate’s dedication to her profession.

“I hope you are at peace over there, my former roommate Mariani Sulaiman.

“Although we were only together for a while, she was a good and firm person. And highly committed to her job,” Hanisah said on Facebook.  - Mkini