By Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak
KUCHING — SISTER LYDIA @ MARY HUONG SUK HWA, born on 26 October 1940 in Marudi, embarked on a dedicated path of faith and service decades ago. She was called home eternally by our Heavenly Father on 14 May 2025 (Wednesday), 8.16 pm at the Home of Santa Clara (HSC), BDC Kuching.
The encoffin was held on 16 May (Friday) at 12.30 p.m. at the Home of Santa Clara’s Chapel. Funeral Mass was held at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching, at 2.00 pm, and she was laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery, 7½ Mile, Kota Sentosa, Kuching.
The Funeral Mass was presided over by Archbishop Simon Poh, concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus John Ha and six priests. In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on Sister Lydia’s faithfulness, dedication, and commitment to the Lord. She testified to her trust as a childlike attitude towards the Father, believing in the Father and doing whatever was given. The Lord invited her to come and find grace, offering her rest for her labours.
He added that Sister Lydia touched many lives through hospital or clinic pastoral visits, and by caring for the boarders, particularly in isolated areas like Long San, Baram. Her contributions, though not easily classified, were marked by gentle service and support for the community. She ensured the household was ready for her sisters’ return from pastoral ministry.
Her foundational education took place in Baram, where she pursued studies in both Chinese and English for three years each in her earlier education. Sister Lydia’s formal entry into religious life commenced on 6 January 1965 with her Admission to the Postulate, a preliminary stage of discernment and formation. This period was followed by her deeper commitment to the religious community.
A significant moment occurred on 8 August 1965 when she received the Religious Habit, a visible sign of her consecration and entry into the Novitiate proper. This was followed by her First Profession on 13 August 1967. Ultimately, Sister Lydia solidified her lifelong commitment to her religious calling with her Final Profession on 30 July 1972.
This timeline traces her journey from initial discernment to the solemn dedication of her life to her faith and community. Sister Lydia dedicated her life to service within her religious community, a journey marked by numerous roles and apostolates across various communities. Her path of service began shortly after her final profession, reflecting a lifelong commitment initiated in 1972, as reflected in the details below:
• Kuching: St Anne’s Convent @ St Peter’s Seminary cook & household duties 1967 – 1970
• Serian: St Joseph’s Convent doing household work & visiting the sick at home and in hospital 1971
• Sibu: St Mary’s Convent cook & doing household duties 1972-1973
• Kuching: St Teresa’s Convent, cook, household duties, Sacristan at St Joseph’s Cathedral, looked after the boarders 1976 – 1978
• Kuching: Bethany Convent, Mile 4, doing household duties 1978 – 1980
• Bintulu: St Agnes’ Convent, household duties & visiting homes 1980 -1982
• Kuching: Bethany Convent, Mile 4, Sister-in-charge 1984-1986
• Long San, Baram: Our Lady of Lourdes Convent, domestic duties looking after boarders 1986 – 1987
• Sibu: St Mary’s Convent, sacristan at St Teresa’s Parish Sungai Merah 1996 – 2002
• Kuching: St Teresa’s Convent Feb 2002 (8 months)
• Kuching: Padungan Convent Oct 2002 – Jan 2007
• Mukah: St Anthony’s Convent, household work Feb 2007 – March 2019
• Kuching: St Teresa’s Convent, domestic & household duties April 2019 – 3 Nov 2022
Due to health challenges, Sister Lydia was transferred to the Home of Santa Clara (HSC) in Kuching on 4 November 2022. Her health unfortunately declined further; she was admitted to Timberland Hospital on 30 April 2025 following a fall attributed to a heart attack and low blood pressure, and was discharged on 5 May 2025. Despite this, her earthly journey came to an end, and she entered eternal rest on 14 May 2025 at 8.16 pm at the Home of Santa Clara.
One of her most thoughtful small gestures, as noted, is her willingness to share her simple knowledge about Chinese medicine with her fellow sisters. This act of sharing demonstrates not only her generosity but also her desire to contribute practically and caringly to the well-being of those around her, using the unique skills and knowledge she possessed.
It paints a picture of a sister who, beyond her assigned duties, looked for ways to support and uplift her community members, expressing the spirit of mutual care inherent in religious life. In essence, Sister Lydia is remembered by her Superior General, Sr Rose Wong, as a quietly impactful figure – humble, hardworking, committed, and generously willing to share her gifts for the common good.
