One week ago, my family and I were deeply saddened by the passing of my grand-aunt, Phyliss Aviet (née Dragon) — the youngest sister of my grandfather, Clifford Bernard Dragon, and the last of the five Dragon siblings. With her passing, my grandmother, Frances Millicent Dragon (née De Souza), now remains the last of the ten Dragons — siblings and their spouses.
Though Aunty Phyliss was our grandaunt, she was truly like a grandmother to my siblings and me. She treated my mother as her own daughter and often stayed over at our home. We have many fond memories of her — teaching us card games (we’d joke that she ran a “mini gambling den” when she stayed over), playing board games, watching movies, hosting cheese-eating parties, and sharing stories of her youth and of our grandfather in his younger days. She even choreographed a Mother’s Day dance for my sister and me to perform for our mum.
Aunty Phyliss was a lifelong educator — she taught at May South Secondary alongside my grandfather and later volunteered her time to teach boys from boys’ homes and even inmates in prison. She even taught my siblings and I English and would test us on our grammar and spelling when we were in Primary School.
Apart from teaching, aunty Phyllis also loved to do arts and crafts and would make beautiful hand-crafted cards for my family and I and all her loved ones. Knowing I loved sea turtles, she once made a card with a design of a sea turtle for my birthday. She was truly creative, thoughtful, caring and most of all, loving.
On behalf of my mum, dad, sister, and brother, we offer our deepest condolences to Uncle Gary Gary Aviet Gary Aviet and Aunty Sharon Sharon Aviet. Aunty Phyliss is now reunited with her beloved husband, Major Jules Clive Aviet, and their daughter, Charmaine.
To Uncle Gary — thank you for your unwavering love and dedication in caring for both your parents. The 12 to 13 years you spent as their caregiver is a testament to your strength 💪🏻
May your soul rest in eternal peace dearest aunty Phyllis and we look forward to playing "Jin Ramee" and eating cheese you with again ♠️♥️🧀