Major Norina Staples

Major Norina Staples was promoted to Glory on 3rd February 2011 and her funeral was on 15th February at Eastbourne, England.

She came as a young Lieutenant with Lieutenant Irene Holden in 1955 to Batang Melaka to pioneer the work in this village. I was a young Lieutenant stationed in Malacca Corps and was tasked to prepare the quarters for the two Lieutenants.

I recall going out with a young lad, Ng Kim Loh of Malacca Corps to clean and paint the place ourselves. I then bought some 'furniture' - two folding camp beds, some sheets, and two buckets. Old crockery, pots and pans came from the Headquarters' store room! The room was too small to put two beds.

Batang Melaka was in a curfew area and from 7.00 p.m. to 7.00 a.m. no one was allowed out. However special permission was given to our Lieutenants in times of emergency to deliver babies.

I used to go to the village once a week to help with the translation and also conduct meetings.

Norina later moved to other appointments - church, social work running Homes for children, Public Relations Officer, Editor of the War Cry and her final appointment as the Social Secretary. She served in both East and West Malaysia and Singapore.

When we were stationed in England we visited her a several times, including conducting meetings at her Corps (church) at Eastbourne.

The last time we met in Singapore was way back 2010. Lieut. Colonel Tan Thean Seng, Lieut. Colonel Pat Tan, Lieut. Colonel Prema Rajan, my wife and I had lunch together on June 24th 2010.

We give thanks to God for a life lived for His Glory. And now she is with the Lord in heaven waiting to welcome her many friends who will join her when the time comes.