– by Bibiana Barretto

A life well-lived!
04-06-1964 – 11-09-2024

Deanne was a person who wore many hats. But primarily she was a very simple, humble, unassuming, hands-on doctor, specialized in Pediatrics. She chose to work in a Municipal Hospital. She saw her profession more as a vocation, as she desired to utilize her expertise in rendering service to the poor.  Her last assignment was at B.G. Kher Municipal Hospital, Kherwadi, Bandra (E). 

Deanne loved life in all its hues and lived it to the full. 

In the prime of her life, she suffered a major setback – irreversible health issues. She was diagnosed with renal failure and almost simultaneously, a malfunctioning of the heart. She immediately underwent bypass heart surgery – after which she had to remain for 47 days in the ICU.  And for the past 14 years she was on dialysis, 3 times a week, at Lilavati Hospital, Bandra.

At first, Deanne was totally devastated. But she gradually seemed to have found a ray of hope. She picked herself up and decided to face life head-on, cost what it may. Her close family stood by her like a rock, so also a few relatives and friends. She received spiritual and emotional support from her care group of Community of Jesus, Light of the World (CJLOW), of which she was a member for almost 20 years. Deanne sprang up, so to speak, from the dregs.  This Scripture verse from 2 Cor 4: 8-9 came alive to me in the context of Deanne’s life: ‘We are pressed down on every side by troubles, but are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.  We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed’.

She made every effort to consolidate her spiritual life through scripture, the Eucharist, personal prayer, online teachings, attending CJLOW meetings, Community Live-ins, Recollections, Annual Retreats, etc. Her illness was not an excuse to miss anything.

We know God is faithful and true to His promises, as mentioned in Ps 9: 9-10: ‘Those who know Your name Lord put their trust in You. For You Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You’. Truly God was her anchor.  Deanne lived purposefully and cheerfully. She ‘walked by faith and not by sight’ during her prolonged illness.   

Apart from her profession as a Doctor, which she loved and was committed to, she was endowed with many other gifts. Just to list a few – Deanne loved nature. She often took time off to bask in the beauty of nature – the flora and fauna simply enthralled her. What she captured in her mind and heart, she displayed in her paintings. She loved swimming and would never miss an opportunity on a day out at a resort or at a picnic. Cooking was her forte as well. And hospitality her second nature. There was always a variety of food and goodies which she shared with anyone who dropped by. Her affection and fussing over her pet cat Kutty was a delight to watch and admire! She often said that Kutty silently and lovingly taught her life-lessons.

Deanne was a magnanimous giver. She liberally gave of her time, talent and treasure in big and small ways to many, bringing joy, comfort and hope, especially to the needy.

Deanne lived HOPE every single day of her life, brought out in the acronym – 

H – Hide under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty on a daily basis 
O  – Observe the needs of others  and try to meet them
P –  Push herself to do things. She was a doer and not a bystander. 
E – Empower others to optimize their potential.

Her life was like sweet mature wine which she prepared and poured out generously. One whose flavour will linger for a long time….

St John of the Cross said, ‘In the twilight of our life, we will be judged on LOVE alone!’ In that light, Deanne will be judged highly. I dare say, in the performance appraisal of life Deanne fared exceptionally well.

Indeed, Deanne valiantly fought the fight and cheerfully finished the race. Those who know her will agree that her basket was always full. She worked till the very end, helped others and even paid her huge hospital bills. 

The Lord’s grace and provision was sufficient – this is the testament and legacy of Deanne’s life that we cherish. I feel confident that God our Father would say to her with arms wide open:  “Well done, my beloved daughter! Welcome and enjoy the eternal bliss in your heavenly abode”.

Praise God!  

Bibiana Barretto is a member of Community of Jesus Light of the World, Mazagaon, Mumbai.