When I saw my mother after almost a year, threedays before her passing, all I wanted to do was pick her up in my arms and comfort her as she had done countless times to me and my sisters. Now she is safe in the arms of God.

It was always comforting to have her around especially in times of crisis. She had the ability to make one feel that all will be well. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer over 10 years ago, I desperately needed her presence because I felt confident that with her around everything will be alright.

She was fortunate to have lived a very rich life having lived in and being exposed to the culture, people and environments of places such as Panadura, Chilaw, Matara, Akuressa, Hambantota, Kandy, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Pagoda, Nugegoda and Colombo. In addition, she had travelled all over Sri Lanka including very remote areas which I can only imagine. She even climbed Adam’s Peak when I was only fourmonths old. She has also done her fair share of globe trotting.

I will always remember the fun and laughter of all when she packed a car load of children and took us all on picnics to the Mihintale hills, swimming to Malwathuoya and numerous other exotic places. Those days seemed endless. She always found time to help disabled and unfortunate people while being a devoted wife and mother. She raised funds for the Deaf and Blind, taught sewing and embroidery to female inmates at the Welikada prison among other charitable deeds. I still remember the prison van coming home to pick her up and drop her off. She didn’t care about what people would say, all she cared was about teaching a skill to these unfortunate women.

All who played cards or scrabble with her would agree that she had one of the sharpest minds at the table. As children when we lost to her, she would graciously reduce our losses. She knew everything that went on. Nothing got past her. Not even our secret phone calls to our boyfriends.

I have had many visits and phone calls from friends whom I haven’t heard from in 30 years. When they heard of my mother’s passing away they remembered with nostalgia the "good old days at Pagoda with Aunty Doreen".

Her 7 grandchildren and two great — grandchildren brought her immense joy. Sometimes when I would be talking to her long distance, she would become completely oblivious of the fact that I was at the other end, why? Because Akash and Aneesh had turned up and she would start talking to them while I was counting the minutes waiting for a response. I knew then that all was well.

I like to read a letter from my son to his grandmother written last month.

"Atchi,

I have known you my whole life. It has been more than once that you have travelled half way across the world just to spend time with our family. You looked after and cared for me when I arrived in Hawaii, California and you have taught me invaluable lessons in honesty, patience and appreciation for the things I have. I can remember many times when I was young and in a bad mood for whatever reason, and you were there to comfort me.

You let me know that feeling sorry for myself does nothing and appreciating what I have and continuing to live a positive life are the most important things. To this day I have that mentality and it helps me cope with everything in life, be it good or bad. When I was 21 and visited you in December 1999, we had an intriguing conversation on the beaches of Beruwela.

You asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I told you and then I asked you what you wanted to do when you were my age. You spoke of your life as a young adult and what you had wanted out of life. Although very different to my goals, you achieved them for the most part, which in turn provided you with a happy adult life. I always think of that conversation these days when I am deciding what to do with my life. It provides me with hope and perspective which, as I grow older, are increasingly hard to find. Our endless card sessions will never be forgotten, I only wish they would continue. Your contributions to my life as well as your children’s lives are obvious as we all are prospering and capable of overcoming adversity. I love you and will always remember what you meant to me.

Love -Ajit"

On behalf of the family, I’d like to thank Bishop Swithin Fernando, Loki as we affectionately call him, Father Bennet, the Sisters of St. Margeret and other clergy for giving her the spiritual support. Bishop Swithin Fernando was praying over her when she passed away.

We like to thank Dr. Srinath Seneviratne for his patience, dedication and warmth when taking care of her physical needs. Being the brilliant pianist that he is, he played the piano for her many times bringing joy and happiness in times of depression and pain.

We like to thank our relatives and friends who were there for her on all occasions and made her happy.

I’d like to thank Chrisantha and Dush for providing a beautiful and comfortable home for my mother. I cannot find enough words to thank Dush for taking care of my mother while the three of us were away.

Thank you all very much.

Dobs, Ma, Atchi, Loku Atchi, Doreen, Aunty Doreen, Hamu, Loku Hamu, by whatever name we called you, we all loved you. Thank you for everything you were to us. We will cherish your memory till we meet on that beautiful shore.

May the holy angels rock you gently in your well earned rest.
- Dirmali Boteju