I have known Yolanda for many years in the library circle but only got to know her better when we both started working part-time at the National Library after our retirement.

In 2006, our office was at the Geylang East Branch Library. Yolanda, Chay Hong, Chen Wee and myself usually went out for lunch. Yolanda preferred lunching in on her own sandwiches but sometimes joined us for lunch at the nearby hawker centre. Walking with our umbrellas to keep out the hot afternoon sun, one of our colleagues nicknamed us the “Umbrella Brigade”. Her favorite stall was Penang Delight for Penang laksa, Hokkien mee or fried kway teow. Sometimes we would venture further to Sims Place Hawker Centre for Malay food and tapioca cake, another of her favourites.

Yolanda is a meticulous worker and she willingly shares her work experiences and knowledge with colleagues. She is also always ready to help and advise whenever we asked her. It was a great pleasure working with her and I learnt a lot from her.

I also had the pleasure of her company on various occasions such as attendance at shows, taking part in organised walks, visits to exhibitions or Hari Raya food fair, dinner gatherings with friends and a trip to Kerala. Where ever we went, I was struck by her great enthusiasm and keen interests in all the activities. She is also very punctual and ever so considerate and caring for friends. We enjoyed our trip to Kerala very much and I was especially touched by her warmth, care and concern for me, her roommate.

I am blessed to have had a dear friend like Yolanda as she was one who treasured all her friends and was always happy when spending time with them. I will never forget her warm smile and expression of delight and profuse thanks when I gave her a small jar of homemade “achar” or pickled vegetables for Chinese New Year.

Contributed by Lau Siew Kheng