THOSE closely acquainted with the late Sister Satya Bali say she was the epitome of compassion.
Her caring nature led to the realisation of her pet project, a home for senior citizens.
The Senior Citizens Centre in Ba is a living testament to the collective effort headed by Sister Satya.
She was the driving force behind the construction of the country's first senior citizens centre.
Her experience as a nurse exposed her to the need. With the help of her friends Gyan Chandra, Vipin Narayan and Sister Alumita Vunisina, they researched and planned and finally in June, 1999, the dream was realised.
"They wanted to give something back to the community and since they were working in the hospital they were of the view that this age group was neglected," said Dorothy, Sister Bali's daughter.
"My mother was very much involved in community work and she had dedicated her life to looking after people."
Dorothy took over the centre after her mother passed away in 2005 at 70 years of age.
Sister Bali was a former matron at the Ba Mission Hospital.
Even after her retirement, she would volunteer her skills to the Heart Foundation and the Crippled Society.
Sister Alumita, a co-founder and colleague of Sister Bali, recalls how their project was largely driven by Sister Bali's enthusiasm.
"It was through the contacts forged during her nursing career that enabled us to secure help from overseas donors to build the complex," said Sister Alumita.
"She was a devoted, loving and down-to-earth person while taking her work associated with the centre very seriously.
"Sister Bali gave the project her very best and we helped each other achieve this dream."
Dorothy said the early years were very difficult for the centre but the perseverance of its founders and staff have helped it grow.
"The elders sometimes feel neglected or feel alone at home so during the day they come to the centre to spend time with their peers and share memories," she said.
"Some of our seniors do complain of not being looked after by their families so the centre becomes a place where they can come to relax and share their stories with other senior citizens.
"We also encourage the elders to be independent and make their own farms rather than be dependent on their children."
• Sister Satya Bali is nominated for the Pride of Fiji medal in the 'Care and Compassion' category
