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Tributes from family and friends across Bahrain are pouring in, as they mourn the passing of Bahrain-born Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez’ mother, Kim, a long-time resident of the kingdom.
Mrs Kim Fernandez, 71, fought a long and brave battle against cancer, and passed away yesterday at Lilavati Hospital And Research Centre in Mumbai, India at 8.25am local time.
“She loved spending time with her family, travelling the world and new adventures,” her daughter Geraldine told the GDN.
“She made friends everywhere she went. It was an honour to know her and be loved by her.
“She is in heaven now, after passing away peacefully, surrounded by her family.”
She was cremated in India yesterday.
In addition to her daughters Jacqueline and Geraldine, Mrs Kim Fernandez leaves behind her husband Elroy, and her sons Warren and Ryan.
Malaysian-Canadian Mrs Kim Fernandez lived in Bahrain for more than 50 years and was set to turn 72 years old today.
She had been admitted to hospital for approximately two weeks prior to her death.
A previous report had incorrectly stated she had died last week.
“She worked with us for more than 20 years and she was a lovely person,” said GDN Media’s sales director Alison Lillywhite.
“Not only was she very meticulous in her work, she was also a friendly and lovely person around the office.
“She was also very hardworking, at one time doing three jobs to support her four children.”
In 2022, multiple news outlets reported that Ms Kim Fernandez suffered a stroke and was hospitalised in Bahrain.
After studying at the Sacred Heart School in Bahrain, her daughter Jacqueline made her Bollywood debut in 2009, with a role in the Hindi action-comedy Aladin.
The 39-year-old actress-model’s career took off since winning the Miss Universe Sri Lanka pageant in 2006.
Ms Jacqueline Fernandez called her mother an ‘inspiration’. “My mom always supported me,” she added in a previous interview. “I miss her a lot.
“I live here alone without my parents. There are these two people who have been so strong and they have been such an inspiration for me which always keeps me going.”
The family are hoping to have a memorial service in Bahrain and India in her memory, with more details expected to be announced once confirmed.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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