From the morning, a steady stream of people thronged her residence in Taleigao to pay their last respects. Residents, supporters, party workers and well-wishers queued for hours for one final glimpse of the leader, remembered by many as approachable, compassionate and committed to public service.
An emotional scene unfolded as family members, including her husband and Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate, sons Rohit and Amit, and other relatives received mourners. Draped in the Tricolour, her mortal remains were taken in a flower-decked hearse from St Michael's Church, Taleigao, to the St Inez Crematorium. Babush was overcome with emotion as he paid his final respects to his wife.
Leaders cutting across party lines paid homage to the late MLA, underlining the respect she commanded across the political spectrum. Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Governor of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, ministers, MPs, MLAs, former legislators, CCP councillors, Taleigao panchayat members, senior government officials, businesspersons and representatives of various organisations visited the family and offered floral tributes.
Her mortal remains were first kept at her residence and later taken to St Michael's Church, where members of the public paid their respects before a prayer service. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, BJP Goa president Damodar Naik and others helped carry the bier before handing it over to Babush Monserrate and their son for the final journey. At the crematorium, the State accorded full honours to the departed legislator, with police personnel presenting a ceremonial guard of honour before the last rites. Babush, along with sons and family members, lit the funeral pyre in accordance with Hindu traditions, bidding a final farewell to his wife.
Earlier, during the prayer service, an emotional Babush said Jennifer's absence would be felt for years to come.
"She is no longer physically with us. Her values, her love, her smile and her spirit will forever remain in our hearts and in the hearts of the people she loved and served. Today, I know that not only our family, but the people of Taleigao feel this loss deeply. Many have lost a person they admired, a trusted friend and a kind-hearted human being who genuinely cared for them. Her absence will be felt for years to come, but her legacy of love, compassion, humility and selfless service will continue to inspire us all," he said.
Many supporters broke down as the funeral pyre was lit, bringing to a close the life of a leader whose political journey and close connect with the people of Taleigao earned her affection across communities. Her final journey reflected both the State's recognition of her public service and the deep personal bond she shared with thousands of her voters and well wishers.
