Remembering Haseena Begum

My mother, P. Haseena Begum/ Haseena Shariff, left us for her heavenly abode on December 5th 2024. She was 73 years old, a bright light, lost much too early.

Most people remember her smile, her laughter so endearing that anyone listening would laugh along - even not knowing the reason for her amusement. I remember watching my Dad's eyes twinkle, watching her, when she laughed like that. And how she always looked like a little child being naughty when she was laughing. Some of her friends call her Hasee.. A childhood friend, meeting her after fifty years - said that no matter how much time has passed, her smile has remained the same.

I remember her singing while cooking, the house echoing with her sweet, beautiful voice. And her warm embrace, which welcomed everyone visiting our home. The house feels cold without her warmth, yet we must go on...

She had been fighting cancer the past 1.5 years, like a true warrior. With a spirit & mindset that amazed & inspired at every step of the way. Tough as nails, yet full of warmth & love - she was brave, wonderful & one of a kind.

So much to share about her life, about who she was and how she touched the lives of so many people - perhaps for another day, when the heart has healed a little more. For now we mourn her loss, a woman who was daughter, partner, wife, mother, teacher, friend & my support system - all rolled into one.

We would like to invite everyone to share their thoughts, memories & stories about her in this page - so her memory lives on.