Plant a tree in memory of Qanta
An environmentally friendly option
Loading...
G
Graeme Cuthbertson posted a condolence
Saturday, February 16, 2019
When I first met Qanta I was struck by the benign but fierce force of power that emanated from her, she seemed to me as someone who, through taking life on her own terms, had gained a source of courage and deep inner strength that seemed to me at least to vibrate around her. But always in the most positive and life affirming way.
She commanded my immediate respect, and she was someone that I knew I could trust, and who always held others in a higher light often than they held themselves.
She became an unquestionable, natural mentor for most of us, especially those of us who were younger than her, not that she was that old at the time, but it seemed that she gleaned such a huge amount of meaningful life experience from her years, and a deep level of self-awareness that had distilled into a charismatic and magnetic aura that literally seemed to pull you toward her. Yet her power was always benign. She was so easy to get to know: quiet, gentle and always positive. Qanta always made time for you. An expert listener who would always make you feel like the most important person she knew when you were with her. Sùch a gift. Personally, for me, she was like a bridge between two very different cultures - Western and Korean, but also as a central pillar of the ex-pat community who helped me to feel welcome. She seemed to know everyone and everyone seemed to hold her in the highest regard and with a deep respect. She tamed easily and was a match for even the most rowdy Northern Brit blokes amongst us. Nothing seemed to phase her. Whenever I was going out to meet with the other people in the ex-pat community whether for a night out or a day trip somewhere, if I found out Qanta was going I'd think 'Yes!!' or 'excellent!'.
I'll never forget the first time I met her on a group night out on one of my first ventures out into Incheon, which for someone new to the endless labyrinth of fluorescent streets that conjured an odd sense of uncanny, jovial eerieness. I had begun to feel slightly overwhelmed asking myself about the sanity of just ditching everything that I knee back home to come to this truly alien place. I had a moment when I suddenly realised how easy it would be to become isolated and find yourself cut adrift from the rest of humanity as a white 'alien' in a massively overpopulated city. Such thoughts most likely the profuct of a shot or two too many of soju combined with lingering jet lag. Yet they were at that moment suddenly very real, I had the overpowering urge to bail, but had no idea where I was or any clue about how to get back to my apartment. Sapping my confidence these thoughts turned into flailing attempts at conversation that seemed to increase the sense of disconnection I was feeling. And then Qanta was there, talking to me, smiling at me with her huge, beautiful smile that filled you with her warmth and shining from a pure inner beauty. I have no idea what we talked about only that we laughed a lot, and she listened to me most likely whinging and whining until I had whined it all out, and she stuck with me becoming an anchor that helped me to stabalise the soju storm and regain my confidence. I still remember clearly now sitting with her outside and the rest of the group we were with as the sun came up. If I close my eyes I can see her talking to me and smiling, thinking about what an amazing person she was, a total stranger, who felt like someone I had known forever but in the most genuine sense. The golden dawn light seemed to shine through her and I remember thinking how
very beautiful she was. The sun pouring through her hair and into her, wonderful smile.
After that night she became as she did with so many, a much cherished friend, who I only wish that I had spent more time with. But will be forever grateful for the time that I knew her and for her friendship that although I only knew her for a short time, it was and always will be a friendship that I treasued. What a wonderful, uniquely beautiful woman she was.
When I left Korea I had hoped that we would cross paths with her again sometime. Both I and my wife from Leeds who I met in Korea for whom Qanta had had a similar impact.
When we found out that she had passed on the disbelief completely silenced me. I can't imagine what her daughter, family and closest friends must be going through. The sense of loss you must all be feeling is without words to describe it. You have my deepest sympathy. Truly.
Qanta was quite simply a wonderful human being who through her presence gave revealed life's profound beauty. And my memories of her is still alive with that beauty -- a true gift.
Thank you, Qanta. God bless you and all those that you love.
Graeme x
T
Tom Barker posted a condolence
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Like so many people here, Qanta was one of the first people I met when I arrived in Korea in 2001.
She was an amazing woman and friend who made my first couple of years in Korea the most welcoming and enjoyable experience anyone could hope for. Her intellect, knowledge and fiercely held views taught me a great deal, and helped make me better person - for which I will always be grateful.
S
Sarah Wilson posted a condolence
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Qanta was one of the first people I met when I moved to Korea in 2001. I remember meeting her at Bupyeong station. She had been living in Korea for several years by the time I got there. She was such a great friend to have around. She was so welcoming of new people and was an amazing cook! It was always great to be invited to her house for dinner! She lived life to the fullest with lots of laughter, love, and travel! I am so happy I got to know Qanta and miss her so much! RIP Qanta and thanks for all the memories!
M
Michelle Detlaff posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Qanta was such a lovely warm and welcoming person. She was one of those people who you could turn to, who would not judge. She would just "get you" almost instantly. She was encouraging and supportive. We met when I arrived in Korea around 2000-2003. She welcomed us back to her place with food and drinks and gave a sense of home in a far off place. You knew she would be there for you, if you needed her. A great sense of humour and fun, with a creative artistic side too. Sadly missed by many around the world. Love and hugs to Lulu. Her strength and wisdom will be in your heart always.
N
Nick Chaddock posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Happy times in Incheon as part of that original expat community. Such a special time to be in Korea together. A brave and intelligent lady who then moved on to the international school circuit - bravo Quanta! RIP.
B
Ben Martin posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Qanta was a great person and a great mother. I spent time with her in Korea and she always displayed nothing but kindness towards others. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet her.
A
Anne posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
I met a lot of wonderful people while living in Korea, but Qanta was one of the most important to me. She was one of my closest friends during my time in Incheon. I missed her so much when she and Lulu left for China.
I was in Shanghai in September. I was going to message Qanta to catch up, but I was so busy and I knew I was going to be back in 2019 so I thought "next time". I will regret that lazy decision forever. I wish I we could have had dinner and drinks one more time. I wish i could have hugged her goodbye one more time.
Thank you Qanta for being a wonderful, funny, smart and interesting friend. I will miss you. ♥
B
Bernard Hughes posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Who would know that that evening in Geckos when she was leaving Korea would be the last time we would see her!
A lot of fun and laughs (and theatre !) over the years.
We are sorry Lulu and Mick and family and other friends .
XXXXX
Bernard Hughes
Kirstie Bromenshenk
س
سید رفیق احمد posted a condolence
Saturday, January 26, 2019
بہت دکھ ہوا
انا للّٰہ وانا الیہ راجعون
بھائی محمد احمد، بیٹی اور دونوں بہن بھائی کو یہ صدمہ برداشت کرنے کی توفیق عطا فرمائے آمین۔
S
Shahid BUtt posted a condolence
Friday, January 25, 2019
May Allah grant her a place in Heaven and give you all strength during this sad time.
M
Mansoor Nasir posted a condolence
Friday, January 25, 2019
Inna Lillahay Wa Inna Elayhay Rajaoon. It was very sad to hear the demise of Qanta shah Sahiba daughter of Syed Muhammad Ahmad Shah Sahib. May Allah grant Maghfirat to her and elevate her spiritual status in the heaven! Ameen
Loosing some one like her, is a big loss for Shah Sahib and his family.
May Allah shower His mercy upon the grieved families. May Allah enable them to bear this lose with patience. Ameen!
who we are:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Funeral Service is a community run service that caters to the needs of the Ahmadiyya Jama`at in the GTA. If you want to learn more about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at please visit our official website at www.alislam.org
Contact Us
location
1194 Matheson Blvd. East
Mississauga, ON L4W 1R2