KUCHING: Nurse Jessie Paya Jok was into her last month at her job.
She was planning to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery next year.
But her dreams have all been dashed.
The 44-year-old was killed in the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang on Tuesday.
Her close friend, Caroline Sawai Joseph Chungat, 43, a nurse at Miri Hospital, said Jessie, or more fondly known as Paya, had told her that this month would be her last assignment with the FDS.
“That conversation last month was the last between Paya and I. She told me this month would be her last with the FDS as she was planning to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery next year,” she told Bernama.
Caroline said she had known Paya since 2005, when they were both community nurse trainees at the Health Ministry’s Malaysia Training Institute in Serian.
Throughout their 21-year friendship, she said Paya was a soft-spoken person who did not talk much, but always brightened the atmosphere around her with a smile and laughter.
“Throughout more than two decades, I never once saw her lose her temper or raise her voice at anyone.”
“Paya’s kindness and sacrifices were also evident during her service at Bario Health Clinic, where her sincerity won the affection of the entire community,” she said.
Caroline said Paya would use her own money to cover the travel expenses of patients who needed to be referred to Miri Hospital.
Caroline also knew another nurse killed in the crash, Debra Moset, 40.
Debra, she said, was known for her friendly, approachable nature and fondness for joking around.
Caroline added that her last conversation with Debra was in February.
