Kind, playful, loyal and steadfast – Ong Mei June (affectionately known as ‘June’ by her loved ones).
Family has always been June’s priority. She loved her parents, her siblings and especially her niece and nephew who have been living with her since they were born. After the easing of the COVID-19 travel restrictions in May 2022, June was finally able to visit her parents back in Malaysia. She was so happy to be with her family and even bought flight tickets for the next Chinese New Year reunion upon her return to Singapore.
Every year, June celebrates her birthday with her niece and nephew, with the last being her 38th birthday celebration on 24 May 2022. Unfortunately, on 1 June 2022, Jane suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage and remained unconscious since her admission to the hospital. Prior to the admission, June had no existing medical condition. As such, it was tragic and devastating for her family to hear this news and they had to rush over from Malaysia.
During her admission, many of June’s friends, present and former colleagues visited her and shared anecdotal experiences with her family. June’s family was awed by how many of June’s friends expressed that June had been the reliable one who always put their needs above her own. She was the thoughtful one, prioritising her family and friends before herself. Her friends recounted how June would answer late night calls and accompany them through the night when they were in need. Despite her tight schedule, she would always make time for her friends. “June is like vinegar in sushi”, said Yijia (June’s friend). June was a person who avoided being the focal point, but was always the one who brought everyone together in harmony.
June came to Singapore and worked as a cake artist about 14 years ago. With a strong passion for her career, June often dedicated her time to her crafts. She was the one in the family who would always prepare a special cake for the family’s celebrations. Her creations often reveal her unique childlike personality which brought joy to her customers. She also spearheaded the initiative of supporting home bakers during the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period. Frances (June’s colleague) was impressed yet puzzled that June, as a person who worked in a bakery, would even buy cakes to support the home bakers.
Just as June was always ready to help the people around her, her family shared that June would agree if she could save someone with organ donation. Despite the medical team’s efforts, June passed away on 13 June 2022. On that fateful day, June saved six patients and gave hope to their families. Even after her passing, June continued to make a difference and inspire others. The family greatly appreciates the healthcare professionals who looked after June during her 12-day stay in the ICU and the relatives and friends who spent their time with June during her last precious moments.
Mei June – the kind angel.