Sherril Louisa Netto, co-founder of the NTA School for Refugee Children in Alor Setar, succumbed to cancer on Wednesday. She was 37.
Marianne Kameron, 47, who set up the school with Netto, said her passing came as a shock.
She said Netto kickstarted the school in 2011 after being moved by stories of Rohingya children going door-to-door in Alor Setar begging for food.
“Sherril couldn’t stand the thought of these children being deprived of an education. She parted with her savings to set up the school. Later, she would give up half her salary monthly to keep the school afloat.
“She was the engine that powered this school,” said Kameron.
To date the school has provided some 400 refugee children with primary education and a decent meal daily, she added.
Marianne’s husband and co-founder, David Kameron, 50, said that, for over a decade, Netto was also instrumental in raising funds in the Klang Valley for the school.
It was set up by the New Thessalonian Apostolate, a lay Catholic humanitarian organisation under the patronage of the Bishop of Penang.
“Sherril was a clear and consistent voice for the voiceless, in particular refugees and people on the peripheries,” said Bishop Sebastian Francis.
“We will miss her presence and energy. She will continue to be remembered and be in solidarity with all of us who will continue the mission and service she fulfilled so well,” he added.
Fr Bernard Hyacinth, a Catholic priest serving at the Church of Jesus Caritas in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, praised Netto for defying societal standards and sticking to her convictions to do “unpopular” work among refugees.
Delivering the homily at the funeral mass held for her at the Church of the Divine Mercy in Shah Alam on Friday, he said:
“To some, it is hard to understand why she chose this path. Indeed, she experienced doubts and faced her own frailties, weaknesses and definitely criticism for what she was doing.
“And yet, she stood by her convictions and chose to pour out her life in the service of the people, especially migrants, refugees and others in need.”
Netto’s childhood friend, Nadia Heng, 37, who grew up with her in Port Dickson, remembers how she was always passionate about helping others.
“Sherril cared for stateless people and their children, and wanted to give them the best education and one square meal a day.
“She has told me countless stories about these children – how they persevered despite adversities. She was moved by the tragic ways the Rohingya people were treated in their home country,” she said.
“Sherril is a beautiful being, an actual angel walking on this earth,” Heng added.
Speaking on the family’s behalf, Netto’s brother Noel said:
“Sherril was full of joy, empathy and always looking out for others. Her passionate service of the poor, the abandoned, the rejected and the lost was an inspiration to our family. We are so very sad and miss her dearly.”
She is mourned by husband Anand, parents Silvi and Mary, and siblings Noel and Sunita.