Goodbye, Mrs. Moor

Before passing away, Ninik had visited her grandmother in the hospital. "We could no longer communicate with our grandmother as she was already in a semi-conscious state," she said, while lowering her head to suppress her sadness.

According to Ninik, her entire extended family last gathered during her grandmother's 96th birthday celebration. At that time, Bu Moor kissed all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but there was no time for conversation because, according to Ninik, her grandmother already looked tired.

One thing that Ninik continues to remember about her grandfather is the message to her to always be patient and strong as a woman.

"Be patient, Nik, you have to be patient and strong as a woman. But also, don't forget about the natural role of women," Ninik mimicked the message from her grandmother, which she will always remember and follow.

Sadness also surrounds Kusuma Dewi (86), who is still working at Mustika Ratu. Kusuma and Mooryati worked together to come up with the idea of creating the Miss Indonesia pageant. "I am very sad. Ibu Moor is my role model. The last time I met her was her 96th birthday in January," said Kusuma with a trembling voice.

For Kusuma, the late woman was a great inspiration to him. "I went back to school for my PhD because I was inspired by Mother Moor, who earned her doctorate at the age of 70. So, I decided to pursue my PhD as well," he said.

Active and humble

Bu Moor is known as an active woman. In addition to founding Mustika Ratu, which produces many beauty products, she also established Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa Jakarta, a traditional Javanese-based health and beauty care center.

Sumiati, an employee of Taman Sari, recounts that Bu Moor is the type of entrepreneur who directly immerses themselves in the field and directly handles Taman Sari. Sumiati, who has worked at Taman Sari for 19 years, remembers well that when she first joined Taman Sari, she had to undergo training for three months. Not stopping there, it was Bu Moor herself who trained her.

“Mrs Moor teaches various types of massage which are the basis of Javanese massage, the main service at Taman Sari. Previously we had to learn anatomy and which points can and cannot be massaged, 15 oils for massage, etiquette and how to serve guests well. "Basically, we study the soul, body and soul," explained Sumi, Sumiati's nickname.

After completing the course, she had to undergo a one-month trial period by practicing what she learned with fellow course participants. After graduation, she was deployed to serve guests at the spa. Now, Sumiati has become a trainer for new therapists, both internally at Taman Sari and at the Mooryati Soedibyo Education and Training Institution in Jakarta.

Idi Subandy, a mass communications and lifestyle expert who was an editor for Mooryati Soedibyo's book, Transforming Woman's Voice, remembers Mrs. Moor as a noble, aristocratic, successful businesswoman, but still showing humility and politeness. Idi admitted that he learned many life lessons from his introduction to Mrs. Moor.

One of the advice that Idi still remembers is when Bu Moor said, "Never feel smart and great, because it makes us arrogant. Arrogance is actually our weakness. Work hard in doing anything, as if we are doing something that we think is the best thing in our lives."

Because he holds such a view, one day when Idi met Bu Moor to discuss the final manuscript of the book, Bu Moor asked very seriously and sincerely, "According to Mr. Idi, do the language and words in my book appear arrogant? Please read it carefully and show me later."

After the book was finished, continued Idi, Mrs. Moor sometimes still sent short messages asking how Idi and his family were doing and didn't forget to pray for goodness. "From small things like that, for a great female figure like Mrs. Moor, maybe we can learn a lot of things," said Idi.

Goodbye, Mrs. Moor.

Also read: A Story of Tenderness, Firmness, Tenacity and Self-Confidence