Francisca Tanudharma

Francisca Tanudharma best known as Elly (which means “Shining Light”)    

        In the far continent of Asia, in the South Pacific. There lived a couple in the northern coast of Java Island of Indonesia. Their names were Setia Muhadi, the husband and the wife, Estiwati Muhadi (proceeded Elly in passing). Setia was a successful owner of a soap company. Although, Setia and Estiwati had five children already, to their surprise, Estiwati became pregnant once again. She felt this pregnancy was different and it filled her with joy.

        Finally, on May 14, 1937 the sun rose early and painted the sky in white and pink. Estiwati  gave birth to twin girls. Two beautiful bundles of joy were born in front of her eyes. Her husband noted her eyes were glistening. She stared at her babies and held them in her arms tightly. Estiwati believed that God had secretly sent her these wonderful gifts. Estiwati said, “Hallelujah!” They named the twins Elly and Poppy. Elly means “Shining light” and Poppy means “Beautiful flower”. 

       The twins loved and enjoyed each other very much. Two years had passed and World War II had just began. The family had to adjust their lives to the changes that was happening around them. Often time they heard the siren and their family had to run to an underground bunker to escape the parade of shooting. Elly could hear the sounds of the bombs blasting in her ears. They stayed in the bunker silently until the siren’s sound was over. She saw the British Army and the American Soldiers marching through the town. Despite the turmoil of war, the twins were still showing their love and faith for each other and it only strengthened their bond. This was special. It showed that love overcomes the hatred of war. The twins made the Muhadi Family’s love grow stronger. That love allowed them to overcome the hardships of war.

        We are here to now to remember, rejoice, and to memorialize the life of Francisca Tanudharma (“Elly”). Elly would like to be remembered for her faith, her joyful spirit and her courage. Elly who was a beloved wife, a playful sister, a great mother and grandmother, and a good friend to many. She also was a devout Christian. She served the Lord by being active in her church. She made sure that all her children went to mass and Sunday School. She read her Bible as if she is having her three meals. She loved cooking, baking and sewing. 

At 21 years old, she met her husband, Imbang Tanudharma (who proceeded her in passing). Imbang had studied for his chemical engineering degree at the Institute of Technology in Bandung. Elly and her family lived in Bali, Indonesia. 

Elly was the youngest amongst her six siblings (five proceeded her in passing). Elly is survived by her twin sister, Poppy Sutadji of Jakarta, Indonesia. Two children, Pastor Thomas Tanudharma (wife Christine) of Singaraja, Bali, her daughter Dr. Theresia Tsay (husband Peter) of Long Island, New York. Three grandchildren, Cynthia Tanudharma, Stevanus Stanly Tanudharma and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.          

Eventhough she was hospitalized off and on since the end of June, Elly stayed positive and courageous. Despite her terminal diagnosis and her hospitalization, she never gave up fighting. She always had a positive outlook about life and always try to encourage others around her to have that same positive attitude. No matter how ill she was, she never projected negativity about her condition. Elly was a “Foodie” eventhough she could not have it, all she wanted while in the hospital was her wonton soup, general Tso’s chicken and her McDonald’s french fries. That would make her feel happy and content. She always said that our body and soul are in the hand of God. And only God would determine when he was ready for me to come home. Until then, I am hungry, I am hungry! Wonton soup, General Tso’s chicken. 

Elly passed away on December 13, 2021 at the age of 84 at Stony Brook Hospital. Now, she has returned home to the lord. Farewell Mommy and rest in peace, you will live forever in our hearts. We will miss you dearly, we love you. 

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