SERIAN: Villagers of Kampung Engkaroh, Tebakang, here, are preparing to pay their final respects to Able Seaman I Joanna Felicia Rohna, who perished in the helicopter collision in Lumut, Perak, yesterday.
Many residents began to gather at Joanna's family home while awaiting the arrival of the body which is expected to be flown in from Ipoh tonight.
About 20 residents also volunteered to prepare the grave for the burial tomorrow.
Joanna's uncle, Bateh Mangkok, 65, said they dug the grave in the Kampung Engkaroh Cemetery today to ensure the smoothness of the burial ceremony which is scheduled for 9 am.
"The demise of my niece came as a shock to us and all the villagers.
"We are grateful that the Royal Malaysian Navy made efforts to send her body for burial here, and as a tribute to her, the villagers collectively helped to prepare the burial place," he said.
Bateh said a prayer ceremony for Joanna would be held at his sister's house tonight.
"We will gather to pay our final respects and offer prayers for her before the burial tomorrow morning," he said.
The desire to see the deceased buried in her village was expressed by her sister, Honey Viviane, 16.
According to Honey, their family and the villagers want to see her sister's face one last time.
"I am amazed and proud of my sister for choosing a military career.
"My sister once advised me to study hard if I want to follow in her footsteps to become a military personnel," she said.
Joanna was among 10 victims who perished in the collision between two helicopters at the RMN base in Lumut, Perak at 9.32am yesterday during a rehearsal for 90th RMN anniversary.
Joanna leaves behind two children, a five-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.
