The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division’s Lieutenant Commander Silipa Tagicaki Kubuabola was accorded a military funeral at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.

She was buried at the Nasinu Cemetery.

She was Fiji’s first Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division female commissioned officer and service woman.

She passed away on Tuesday after battling breast cancer.

Her cousin, Rokoseru Nabalarua spoke on behalf of the Tagicaki family and the chiefly land of the Tui Dravuwalu.

“When we visited her at the hospital last week, on her deathbed, she was still praising God in the midst of great physical suffering,” he said.

Lieutenant Commander Silipa Kubuabola’s children, Ratu Manasa and Adi Ela Kubuabola. Photo: Kelera Sovasiga

“She was indeed kind-hearted, a strong person and her deep faith in God was steady, unmovable right to her last breath.”

She had paternal links to Dravuwalu Village, Naceva, Kadavu and maternal links to Mavana Village, Vanuabalavu, in Lau.

The accomplished officer was 48 years old.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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