 |
| Uncle Ossie with Queenie, Dwayne, and Aunty Anne. |
 |
| Uncle Ossie with us in his house in Kharghar. |
 |
| Uncle Ossie (extreme right). Christmas at our place in Kharghar |
- Brian Mendonca
It was difficult to see the live stream of the funeral Mass of Oswald Trinidade today. Uncle Ossie passed away at his residence in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday, 23rd November 2025. He was 86.
But for all his years, he was a spark of energy, a beacon of hope, whose smile never failed to raise our spirits. Our steps used to quicken when we used to reach uncle Ossie and aunty Anne's flat in sector 10, Kharghar. They were so important in our lives that we took a place not far from where they lived in 2015.
Aunty Anne (Queenie's mother's sister) passed away in February last year. The disbelief made me write 'Is That You?' She was uncle's support, always hovering close by to see that his needs were taken care of. Uncle was laid to rest in the same cemetery today, not far away from her.
We used to enjoy spending time with them. We could share so much and they would understand. They invariably kept us over for a meal. Queenie and Aunty Anne would decide and plan the food arrangements. The family would gather there to share memories. Three generations found love under one roof.
Prayer was a central part of their lives. In their unwavering devotion, they reminded us to take our faith seriously. During the time we were there, aunty used to join us for Mass in Kharghar, Sector 7. Uncle and aunty used to pray together at several times during the day (and night) keeping the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Divine Mercy - sometimes even at 3 a.m.
Aunty and uncle brought Queenie - my life-partner - into my world. They advised Queenie about the suitability of the match. We have spent more than a decade of togetherness - since 2010 - because of them.
As the strains of 'Precious Lord' play in the livestream, I wonder where all those days went.
Aunty and uncle made me feel welcome in Mumbai. When I used to arrive in Mumbai from Delhi in the wee hours to see Queenie, it was to aunty Anne and uncle Ossie's place I would go. At that time they were staying in Marol. Aunty Anne was 'Marol-nana' for us.
On one occasion I ate some vada-pav before coming to their place, after the flight landed at night. When I reached, aunty Anne was waiting for me. She had prepared dinner for me.
Uncle used to joke a lot. He used to love to laugh at the foibles (silliness) of others. He enjoyed watching cricket and used to discuss matches with my dad who passed on in 2017. One one occasion he bailed us out of a situation, with a twinkle in his eyes, by offering us a Don Bosco calendar for our new home (in May) when we least expected it. Miracles happen.
We used to carry eatables from Goa for them on our visits to Mumbai during Christmas and in May. Our dates were usually 13-31 May. In that span of time we celebrated our wedding anniversary; Queenie's birthday; aunty Anne's birthday, and the feast of Mary Help of Christians on 24th May at the shrine of Don Bosco, Matunga. The visit would always be steeped in nostalgia since I did my schooling (7th-10th standard) at Don Bosco High School adjacent to the shrine.
Uncle used to love the port wine from Goa, which we faithfully brought. Uncle was full of joie de vivre (Joy of life). He would narrate stories from his past, his stints near Pragati Maidan, New Delhi; and village life in Socorro, Goa where they stayed. He would discuss the current affairs after combing The Times of India newspaper every morning.
Kharghar will not be the same now. That friendly home where there was always a moment to share a conversation will be closed. Those mornings when I used to race across with masala dosas and idlis from Anna's cart will have no purpose now.
Yet the bright day will uphold us. We stand comforted in the fact that during our lives the lives of uncle Ossie and Aunty Anne intersected with ours. As they proceed to their just reward they leave behind fond memories and a legacy of love. Rest in Peace Uncle Ossie and Aunty Anne.
---------------------------
Photos taken by Brian Mendonca. Top (14 Jan 2023); Middle (2 June 2024); Bottom (25 Dec 2023). Updated 24 November 2025.
Comments