Mom’s anguish after the spa pool tragedy: ‘Now sing at God’s feet’

A woman described as a “beautiful taonga” and about to begin a new chapter in her life tragically died taking a night dip in a spa.

Roxi Ansari, originally from South Carolina, was eager to leave her foster home in Whangarei for a new job in Gisborne.

Instead, her devastated family has seen her fired at a church service broadcast live from 13,500 kilometers away after she drowned on October 7 due to a medical episode.

Since then it has been known that the 35-year-old worker suffered from an undiagnosed brain tumor.

Her heartbroken mother, Constance Hanna, a resident of the United States, was shocked by the events of the past week, but consoles herself that her “bubbly” daughter packed so much into her time on earth, determined to improve everyone’s life. .

“Roxi lived her life for the Lord. She did not compromise her faith or beliefs. She lived each day to the fullest and without regrets. Now she is singing at the feet of God.”

The family was now preparing to celebrate their life in South Carolina this weekend, with an outdoor memorial planned at a picnic spot near a stream.

Hanna said that the night her daughter died she had spent a night with friends before traveling to Gisborne.

“She came back to pick up some things and have the going away party. She should have come back the next day,” Hanna said.

“When she came back from her going-away party, she said, ‘My back hurts, I’ll go have a spa and then I’ll go to bed.’ The next morning, the lady heard the alarm go off and found it.”

An autopsy revealed that Ansari had a brain tumor that medical experts said caused a seizure when he was in the pool.

Police confirmed that they were called to sudden death at an address on Karoro Rd, One Tree Point, shortly before 5.30am on October 7.

The death had been referred to the coroner.

While it was difficult to accept that she had died, Hanna said there was an element of comfort in knowing that her daughter did not suffer, having no idea what was happening internally.

“She literally fell asleep and woke up in the arms of the Lord,” Hanna said.

The couple had spoken the week before to quickly catch up before she embarked on her new mission in the land that had become her “most sincere home.”

“She had talked to me about trying to start something to help troubled youth and families. Anything she could do to help people, that was her heart,” her mother said.

Until last month, Ansari had worked with the government’s He Poutama Rangatahi initiative, a program to get Northland youth into jobs and training.

Hanna said the family was touched by the steps taken to honor Roxi after her death. This included a tangi at Kaikohe in Kohewhata Marae and a funeral at C3 Church in Whangarei.

“My whole family is in awe of the way Roxi was grafted in. She had so many people that she called sister, or cuzzie, or aunt. They loved her like she was one of their own. We have been overwhelmed by everything that has happened. Done by her and how she was treated, “Hanna said. “There are no words to be thankful enough.”

She described her daughter, a devout Christian who had studied worship and worship at Hillsong Church in Australia, as dedicating her life to helping others and making an impact on people wherever she went.

In recent days, Hanna had been inundated with messages from people around the world who could not believe the tragedy. It included members of his daughter’s New Zealand C3 church family who were recovering from the events of the past week.

“It was a shock to everyone. It was quite difficult.”

He thanked everyone for their generosity, special memories, and prayers during this difficult time.

“There are so many wonderful comments and words. She was truly amazing. Thank you all for loving, accepting and keeping her,” he previously wrote to supporters on Facebook.

Ansari’s aunt, Cheryl Hudson, said she loved living in New Zealand, a place where her heart felt like home.

“I had just FaceTimed her the week before she passed and was very excited about her new journey.

“She will be so missed.”

In a Facebook post, C3 pastor Trent Membrey, who attended Monday’s funeral, said Ansari’s death was a terrible loss.

“It is a tragedy and it is very, very sad,” he said.

It came as he was about to embark on an exciting new chapter in his life, moving to the east coast of the North Island.

“As most of you will know in the last few days, she was talking about moving to Gisborne and a new season. Perhaps her new season is about to be her best season with our Lord in eternity.”

He paid tribute to the parishioner, saying that she was a beautiful friend, sister, and leader who impacted the lives of many people.

“We love Roxi so much. A beautiful and amazing girl. Beautiful gifts, beautiful talents. She was definitely one of a kind.”

One of those who deeply felt her loss, friend Rachel McGillan, said Ansari did a lot for the young people and everyone she knew.

“A beautiful taonga Rox has been for many of us,” he wrote.

The church and family have set up a crowdfunding to help pay for funeral expenses and related costs with $ 11,458.74 raised on the Givealittle site and $ 10,488 on a family fundraising Facebook page launched in the US.