By Lesnat Kenan

Lilongwe, June 13, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera Wednesday afternoon presided over the send-off of late Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, former First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, at Sunset Funeral Private Mortuary at Kanengo in Lilongwe.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Minister of Local Government, a Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, said the President is in deep sorrow at the death of Dzimbiri.

"The late Dzimbiri was dedicated and hard working woman who had interest in the empowerment of women and children in the country. Her death is a big loss to Malawi; we have lost an important person as a nation,” he said.

Dzimbiri died in a plane crash that also claimed the life of Vice President, Saulos Chilima, and eight others at Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba.

Requiem mass and prayers were conducted by the Catholic Church in respect of fallen First Lady.

A large crowd gathered to pay their respect and witness the send-off of late Dzimbiri.

Other noticeable people who attended the ceremony include Former President, Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda, former Chief Justice Richard Banda, senior government officials, political representatives from various parties and religious leaders.

Born on September 25, 1964, Dzimbiri served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Balaka West from 2014 to 2019.

Her remains will be laid to rest at Senzani in Balaka on Friday.