Unable to Visit as Titiek Puspa is Sick, the Youngest Sister of the Legend Feels Very Heartbroken

Kapanlagi.com - The youngest sister of Titiek Puspa, Sumarningsih, was present to escort her sister to her final resting place. The funeral was held at TPU Tanah Kusir, South Jakarta, on Friday (11/7/2025). She admitted to being very shocked when she first heard the news about Titiek's declining health.

"Yes, when I heard that Mbak Tiek was sick, I was already shocked, and then I couldn't visit because I wasn't allowed to. Then when she passed away, I was very sad, I felt a great loss," said Sumarningsih at TPU Tanah Kusir, South Jakarta, Friday (11/4/2025).

As the 7th child of 12 siblings, Sumarningsih grew close to the late Titiek, who played a role more than just a biological sister. She admitted that she made Titiek a place to turn to in various life situations.

"Mbak Titiek was like a sister, like a mother, like a friend, yes, in many ways because as a friend, she could be talked to, and as a younger sister, she could be loved by her younger siblings," she said.

This closeness was formed from the small yet meaningful attentions always given by her sister since they were young. One of the most remembered things is Titiek's habit of sharing her blessings with her younger siblings.

"She often gave money to her younger siblings," she said.

1. Last Meeting Last Month

The last moment they met happened a month before Titiek passed away. Although brief, Sumarningsih felt grateful to have had the chance to meet and see her sister in good health.

"Last month," she said.

At that time, there were no signs of anything bad that she felt. According to Sumarningsih, her sister looked healthy, even seemed fresh as usual.

"No, there were no premonitions, Mbak Tiek felt fresh all the time. She was healthy, so there was no feeling (of discomfort), suddenly she fainted. Maybe she was just tired after playing, then fell and her head might have cracked because of the fall," she explained.

2. Lasting Memories

As a younger sister, she often reminded Titiek to reduce her activities and pay more attention to her health. However, her sister always responded with calm and wise advice.

"Yes, I often remind her. Just accept it, whatever happens, happens. And don’t dwell on the past, just do good things," she said.

That message became a very lasting memory, especially considering Titiek's role in the family as a substitute for their parents. She was the one who took on significant responsibilities after several of their older siblings passed away.

"She was like a mother because she was the oldest among all of us since three of my older siblings had already passed away, and Mbak Tiek was the fourth child, so she felt like a parent to her younger siblings," she explained.

Titiek’s attention to her family even extended to personal matters, including taking care of her younger siblings' marriages. All of this was done selflessly and wholeheartedly.

"Yes. She took care of all her younger siblings. My marriage, along with my siblings', everything. Even the twelfth one was married by Mbak Titiek," she said.

3. The Last Eid

Titiek Puspa © KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso

The last Eid should have been a moment to gather together, but Titiek's declining health caused those plans to fail. This made Sumarningsih feel she lost a precious opportunity.

"That's why all of this, whether it's Eid or whatever the occasion, is for Mbak Tiek. I was just about to go to Mbak Tiek, but during Eid I can't visit her, why? They said the illness is too severe," she said.

Now, the departure of the sister has left a deep wound for the extended family. However, amidst the sorrow, Sumarningsih hopes everyone can let go and pray for Titiek to find peace by His side.

"That's all, and let's all pray and offer our sincerity so that she can step lightly. Thank you," she concluded.

(kpl/aal/phi)