Local comedian Abigail Chay hosts afterlife farewell ceremony

Many people approach death as a “taboo” subject as it might bring bad luck or misfortune.

67-year-old comedian Abigail Chay, however, hoped to bring a different view to the topic through her recent afterlife farewell ceremony.

Sponsored by Nirvana Memorial Garden, the ceremony took place on 10 July at Centre 42 Black Box Theatre as part of a stand-up show.

Chay listens to touching eulogies by loved ones

Born Caesar Chay Tuck Kwong in 1959, Ms Chay was born male before undergoing sex reassignment surgery at age 22.

Singaporeans may remember her for her role as Aunty Abigail in the Channel 5 sitcom Under One Roof, making her the first transgender woman to appear on national television.

Her farewell ceremony on 10 July saw moving eulogies by Ms Chay’s entertainment friends.

During the ceremony itself...