Ex-model's desperate phone call

JABARRI SUPERVILLE

Ex-model and model trainer Lystra Cudjoe was laid to rest today after battling her third bout of cancer.

The funeral, which took place at the All Saints' Anglican Church, Port of Spain, was packed to capacity with family, friends and loved ones mourning Cudjoe's death.

The service, attended by the likes of soca icon SuperBlue and local gospel artiste Jahziel "Jahzy" Daniell, saw people embracing each other and taking pictures together, whilst whispers of "This is so sad," and "I can't believe this," could be heard.

Model and Miss World TT 2012 Athalia Samuel spoke to Newsday about her memories of Cudjoe.

"She was really beautiful. No, is really beautiful. I say 'is' because she's still with us in spirit. She lived a full life," she said. Samuel, who knew Cudjoe for 14 years before her death, said Cudjoe called her at the beginning of April with a particular request.

"I remember her calling me about three weeks before her birthday and saying, "Take care of Shevy (her daughter).'

"The cancer had come back. I tried to console her and I reminded her that she beat it twice before, she could beat it again. It consoled her for a few seconds,but she really wanted to tell me to take care of her daughter."

The Rev Canon Richard Jacob, who gave the homily, reminded mourners of human mortality.

"We have no control over the time we have here on earth," he said. Pointing out the large group of mourners at the funeral, Jacob said, "Lystra lived out her purpose fully. Evidently, she was not afraid to share her life with others."

Cudjoe was to be buried at the Lapeyrouse Cemetery, Port of Spain today.

She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and went into remission twice before it recurred in 2014.