Gone too soon:
Today is a sad day for the IKD. God took Annette home to be with him. She passed today around 4:00pm.
Annette was a good family friend to Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai and Fuku Shuseki Shihan Maureen Woon-A-Tai. She was one of Shihan Frank’s staunchest supporters. They met in Jamaica with her sister, Frieda, and Dr. Dexter Shim in 1976. The five of them shared many adventures in Jamaica.
Shihan Woon-A-Tai knew Annette was not well. She insisted on meeting him at the airport as protocol dictated she welcomes Shuseki Shihan. She drove her car, and Shihan Frank drove with Shihan David Richards. Annette appeared frail, and they drove behind her.
However, when informed they would be testing for eighth dan, it was as if she was given a new lease on life. She hurriedly took a Zoom class with Dexter and Frieda, who resides in Trinidad. She did very well, except her stances were a little short. But that is allowed age-wise.
Annette was Mother to all karate-ka in the Caribbean, and she never failed to assist anyone medically or those needing advice, including Shihan Woon-A-Tai. The photo shows how she looked after her examination and when Shihan Frank left Jamaica three weeks ago.
Rest now, Annette, until we meet again in the big dojo in the sky.
