PANAJI: Goa came together on Monday to bid a final farewell to former Minister and Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate, as thousands of people from all walks of life gathered to pay their last respects.
Jennifer Monserrate, 56, passed away on Sunday following a prolonged illness at a private hospital in Dona Paula. Her mortal remains were placed at her residence in Taleigao, where political leaders, government officials, party workers, family friends and members of the public paid floral tributes throughout the day.
A funeral Mass was held at St. Michael’s Church in Taleigao, attended by leaders from across the political spectrum, reflecting the respect she commanded beyond party affiliations. Following the Mass, her funeral procession made its way to the Hindu Crematorium at St Inez, Panaji, where she was cremated in accordance with her final wish.
The funeral procession witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with ministers, MLAs, former legislators, local representatives and citizens accompanying Jennifer on her final journey. Many remembered her as a dedicated public representative known for her compassion, humility and accessibility.
Condolences poured in from across the state, with leaders acknowledging her significant contribution to Goa’s political landscape and her distinction as the first woman elected from the Taleigao Assembly constituency.
Jennifer represented Taleigao for three consecutive terms and served as a Cabinet Minister between 2019 and 2022, holding the Revenue, Information Technology, and Labour and Employment portfolios. During her tenure, she was the only woman in the Goa Cabinet and played an important role in implementing several key initiatives.
She entered public life as Chairperson of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat in 2005 before being elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly in 2012. In 2019, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with her husband, Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate, and successfully retained the Taleigao seat in the 2022 Assembly elections.
Jennifer is survived by her husband, Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate, and their two sons, Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate and Amit Monserrate.
As a mark of respect, the Goa Government declared a two-day state mourning, with the National Flag flown at half-mast on government buildings and official entertainment programmes suspended across the state.
