R.I.P – Naw Paw K’Wor – 1919 – 2014

Funeral Of Respected Karen Stateswoman, Naw Paw K’Wor

Naw Paw K’Wor, a respected revolutionary, teacher and much admired scholar of the Karen, Hta poems, passed away aged 95 after a long term illness on February 24th at her home in the Thai border town of Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son Province. Her funeral service will be held today.
Naw Paw K’Wor was the matriarch of a family renown for its role in the Karen struggle for equality. Naw Paw K’Wor was married to the former Karen National Union, Chairperson, General Saw Tamala Baw.
Naw Paw K’Wor’s children took up their parents fight and they include KNU members, General Saw Meh Aye Sein, General Saw Pi Lar Sein and the first woman to hold a senior KNU’s leadership position, Padoh Naw Zipporah Sein. Naw Paw K’Wor other children are active with Karen community based organizations.
Saw Pi Lar Sein, one of Grandma Naw Paw K’Wor’s sons spoke to Karen News about the passing of his mother.
“Grandma passed away at 4:20 am [on Monday]. Grandma’s illness has been getting worse since last Thursday. She has been struggling. Sometime she felt better, but at times she had a high fever. Grandma died peacefully in her bed. Grandpa [General Tamala Baw] is sad for the passing of his wife.”
Grandma Naw Paw K’Wor, 95, was born in Shwegyin town in Bago Division in 1919. She married General Saw Tamala Baw on 15th October 1943.
Naw Paw K’Wor contributed to the Karen struggle as a teacher as a revolutionary and as was involved in the church.
Karen Refugee Committee (KRC) Joint Secretary, Naw Blooming Night Zan, spoke to Karen News about her respect for Naw Paw K’Wor and what she contributed to the Karen struggle.
“I recognized Grandma [Naw Paw K’Wor] as a mother of our revolution. She was a real practical person and reared her children in the best direction. Her death is a big lost to me.”
General Saw Tamala Baw and Grandma Naw Paw K’Wor Paw celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 15th 2013. Grandma Naw Paw K’Wor is survived by her eight children, 33 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.