Rheta Chen and husband Prof Anthony Chen
by Jean Lowrie-Chin
Rheta Chen, beloved friend and fellow
Associate of the Sisters of Mercy, tried to prepare us for her departure,
telling us that she was at peace and ready after an up-and-down illness with
cancer over several years. However when we heard of her passing last Thursday,
we were devastated. If I were to describe Rheta metaphorically, I would say she
was that morning sun that warmed and nurtured us. Perhaps it was her first
career in nursing that made her so caring and empathetic. Later she decided to
study accounting and gave her skills freely to the Sisters of Mercy.
Rheta’s strong sense of duty saw her
ensuring that our Mercy Associates accounts were well managed and that when we
attended meetings of the Chinese Cultural Association, we were refreshed. There
was no sugar-coating of her opinions so we could depend on her for frankness
and constructive criticism.
Rheta and her husband Professor
Anthony Chen were an inspiring couple, ever supporting each other’s endeavours.
They travelled the world together as Prof Chen, UWI Professor Emeritus of
Physics, spoke at conferences on climate change and had
co-authored a publication for the Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Vice President Al Gore.
We
express deepest sympathy to Prof Chen, children Norman, Marsha and Gail and
other family members for the loss of their beautiful Rheta Chen. May her great
soul rest in peace.
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