Skip to main content

A soul that lit up the hearts of everyone - Nirmala Tisseverasinghe


"Live by life's blessings every single day". Nirmala, you sure lived by this quotation. You sure had a heart of gold. You were so simple-hearted, kind, loving, caring, and a friend to all. Thank you for being YOU. You sure ran a victorious race on earth and built a glorious intangible legacy. You sure were an example to us all. Well, I used to always see you as an earth-angel. In fact when I used to tell people about you when talking about the Villa, I used to always say "She is nothing short of an angel".


Nirmala happily chatting to the elders whom she treated like family

You really did not have to do anything that you did, but you chose to do it because helping others and being of service to others brought you pure joy. You were selfless and gave your all to everyone around. You made us all see Christ through our actions. You sure made each person at the David Frances Villa and their loved ones feel as though we were all a part of your family. May your soul rest in peace. Nirmala, thank you for everything that you were to all of us. You will always live on in our heart.

In life you do not come across people like Nirmala everyday. She was one unique person who should not be forgotten.
  • Did you know Nirmala? 
  • Has she touched your life in some way?
You can use the comments section to share your thoughts.

Comments

Fr. Lasantha de Abrew sj said…
Surely I knew Nirmala through Vasanthi Santhiapillai.
From the the day we met I was touched with her heart towards the poor.
The home of the elders which I have visited and offered mass is memorable.
She was helping my poor students for more than 15 years
Once I sent some letters of appreciation by the students and Christmas wishes to Nirmala promptly she responded saying
Fr. No need of appreciations because I know you know and God knows
Surely Nirmala had a heart towards the poor and needy
Every month I used to offer mass for her intention as it is the Jesuit Tradition of remembering the BENEFACTORS
Now at every mass I will remember Nirmala and pray for her eternal rest
Also pray for Gunam and the children whom Nirmala left behind on earth.
Surely I know that Nirmala will be interceding for my new mission in Sri Lanka after 5 tears serving the refugee friends in East Africa
God bless Niro till we meet again
Nirmala was much larger than life. She was such a caring person, a loving wife, mother, sister, relative, friend to many and above all a committed community serving person. Her loss is unbearable to so many. But we would take comfort that Nirmala has attained Eternal Peace. May God Bless Her Soul We also pray for Gunam, Sanjit, Sheryl and Her Brothers and extended Family.
Peter & Kala
I met Nirmala over 40 years ago when she married my cousin Gunam and we inherited a beautiful, kind soft spoken and loving acca. She was a wonderful wife, and mother and blended seamlessly into the family! She was everything to Gunam Anna and a precious mom to her two children. She was one of the most hardworking people I have come across, who did so much for her family with love and care. I always looked upto her with awe and wondered how she managed to accomplish so much. On mother’s day I reach out to her without fail to let her know that I aspire to be like her and that she raised two phenomenal children. She always gave credit to God and said “Dharshi you are doing great, teach them well and leave the rest to God” I will miss Nirmala acca and I pray that her soul rests in peace! May God grant her eternal rest and give Gunam annah, Sanjit ,Shera and her loving brothers Jude, Anto and Joseph the strength to bear this great loss.
You will be always loved and missed
Dharshi and Wijay Asirwatham and children
Selva, Nilakshini, Amilia & Alisha said…
Niro Akka as she was fondly called by us, was a gentle loving and caring person. She dedicated her life for her Family. Always with a smile on her face no matter what adversity she confronted. She has left a big void in the lives of many who had the privilege of loving and knowing her. Her faith and trust in the Lord, showed us what it means to be a true Christian. We pray, the Lord gives strength and courage to all her loving Family that she leaves behind. May he welcome her into His Heavenly Kingdom, where she will be in ever lasting Joy. Rest in Peace in the presence of the Lord, Dear Niro Akka ЁЯЩПЁЯП╝❤️
My darling Nirmala akka a simple, gentle, kind, loving, generous, unassuming, forgiving and thoughtful soul. She was married to my cousin Gunam anna and blessed with her children and grand children Sanjit, Nimisha, Shera, Mervan, Anaya and Amali. It will be a miss if I don’t mention her brothers Anto, Jude and Joseph (Jochie) and their families. Akka treasured them all. She put family ahead of herself. She sacrificed sleepless nights, long shifts, endless hours of cooking to make others happy. Fondly known as “Mary’s Kitchen” she will prepare a feast fit to feed the Melbourne gang. Xand, Aidan and I had the privilege to be with them for over a month in Melbourne and she cooked every possible dish and prepared a spread of meals to satisfy and spoil the boys and me rotten. I got closer to akka since that visit and over the years. I had the opportunity to be the little sister she never had and she welcomed it with open arms. We spent hours chatting, sharing and confiding.. She inspired me with every phone call. Her simple view on life, lack of expectations, ability to forgive and forget, retain confidence, laugh at situations that were so insignificant was just amazing. She helped financially and emotionally countless many. But never wanted the right hand to know what the left hand did. She tells me “why help and tell others how much you did, how hard it was how much you struggled”. It loses its value and no one needs to know baba. She did not believe in being seen at church at the front row or to be the highlight at a function, but always behind the scenes quiet but living the life Jesus asked of us. A true disciple of God. She had zero regrets. She achieved all her dreams she fulfilled all her commitments and desires. Building the seniors home in Wattala is just one such dream. We were blessed to be there and see the beauty of the home and residence. She had a feisty and protective side too. She stood her ground and was stubborn. Some stories made me laugh! Her last trip however difficult she fulfilled with the same tenacity and determination. She called me from Kerala, India and said “baba I am here darling” I made it. Today I will rest and relax. Tomorrow I will do more. It was a privilege and honour to know her, love her, and be her little sister. I told her akka I am not waiting for Eulogy to say this, I want you to know how much I love you and how much you mean to me. She laughed and said to me in Tamil “why baba are you saying farewell to me” then she said no I am glad as I want to say the same to you. What we shared was unique and special. A bond that I will take with me till we meet one day! For those who truly knew and loved Niro akka there are common things they will say “simple, humble and kind”. Gunam Anna Sanjit Shera I cannot imagine the pain and void. No words can comfort you. The best way you can honour Niro akka is to cherish her memories and live her legacy. She taught us how to live and how to die both in complete grace with God privately. May her love surround you and may her precious soul rest in eternal peace. Xand, Aidan and Christine Lawrence.
Blossom Augustine said…
Niro Akka was a simple, humble, and gentle soul who lived life to the fullest, despite any challenges she faced. She had a purpose and chose to live it by giving of herself unselfishly. She was hardworking, kind, and generous to all who met her. Niro Akka, was devoted to her family, Gunam Anna my cousin, her kids Sanjit, Nimisha, Shera, and Mevan, including her grandkids, Anaya, and Amali. She leaves behind a void which will be felt by her family and her brother's. It must have been truly fulfilling for Niro Akka to dedicate her life by caring for the sick, terminally ill, and marginalized people, doing God’s work in the nursing home. She was truly a disciple of Christ! May her soul rest in everlasting peace. With love, Blossom, Rennie, Alfred, and Andrew.
Marian Jeyarajan said…
I am sad and shocked by this news. I have known Nirmala since she was a young girl, we were neighbours, went to the same convent and she has always been a beautiful person, a great friend and sister. We chatted often about all the great memories during our time in Sri Lanka and I have many fond memories of all the fun and laughter we had here in Australia. Nirmala was such an amazing friend, I am going to miss her early morning WhatsApp messages wishing me a good morning in English, Tamil and Sinhalese! She was such a hardworking and inspirational woman, she touched so many lives and was so dedicated to serving others. My husband Rajan and I will miss her dearly and remember her in our prayers. May her soul rest in peace. Our deepest sympathies to Gunam, Sanjit, Chera, Jude, Anton, Joseph and their families.
Love Rajan and Marian Jeyarajan
Amirdhini Fernandopulle said…
It’s very difficult to think Niro Akkah is not with us anymore. We are in shock and sadness of our dear Akkah’s death. She was a loving, kind hearted, gentle soul and will be missed. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and a grandmother and caring sister. We pray for her dear family at this difficult time.
May darling Niro Akkah’s soul rest in Christ’s love. ЁЯЩПЁЯП╛
Amirdhini Nilkamal and Anish Fernandopulle
It is very sad that of Nirmala accas shocking death.she was so close to her brothers and a sister to us too.may her soul rest in peace....

Nirmala Acca has been an invaluable supporter, guide, and caregiver for me and my family thought our Australian life. It is our sincere hope that her kindness, support, and wishes will remain etched in our minds forever. Thanks for everything you have done for us. We have missed you a lot and are always grateful.
Kaluarachchi Rathnayaka said…
I have known Jude's family over 35 yers.I was lucky to associate with Jude's mum for a long time.when jude migrated to Australia she was living in a house(demolished)now occupied by the elders home.I used to go their with my wife and spent lot of time with her.she talked about her children.she loved her kids.she talked much about Nirmala.I have known Nirmala as a humble human being.she never intented to hurt anyone's heart.she treated her servents as her family members.It is very sad that she left us as God wish...may her soul rest in peace
Yogarani Sutharsanam said…
We were student batch of 1973 at St. Anne's convent, wattala. Studied with my ever loving and everlasting childhood classmate NIRO. Our school journey started in Grade 2 as Niro one year younger than us and she got double promotion in Baby class and straight a way she jumped into our class Grade 2 and joined with us. She was very brilliant in studies, specially in Mathematics.

Also,she was talented in sports and Grade 8 she became a School Junior Champion as she won the Junior Championship Cup. During that time, we were all very proud of her that our classmate had lifted the CUP.

She has never liked anybody in sad mood. Always she wanted to do some fun and laughter and made everyone in jolly mood. This was Niro's special character.

She always said Yoga! I can't forget my school life in whole in my life. If God asked me anything you want, I will ask God, to give my school life again with my same classmates as so much she was bound with us.

Still I can remember in Grade 10, there was a English spelling competition & suddenly English Team scheduled that will be held in 1 pm on the same day. During that period Niro was our Class Monitor. So, Niro said Yoga you have to participate. On that day morning we all played netball in rain and all my uniform was very dirty. So, I said Niro, how can I go to the stage with this dirty dress? She said don't worry I will arrange and she took me to her home (very closer, next to our school) gave her Uniform as both we were the same height & size, without asked permission from the principal, Niro took me on her own risk. By the God's sake nothing had happened & I won the competition on behalf of our class. She was very happy and she always give full efforts to face the challenges & won all kind of activities.

Our friendship not ended up with school life. It is beyond that. More than 60 years we maintain our friendship till now and forever till we live in this world.

Every year she visits Sri lanka and arrange the get together at her home, Wattala. On the last 7th of April, we all met her at her home. I felt that she was not in good health as she talked in frustration as I have never expected from her as she said I don't know this is my last visit to here. I felt so sad and not showed her my feelings & told her our life target is 80 years and not to worry.. she laughed.

I said when you reach Australia do all the medical check up, take full rest as she said she was very tired these days. However she agreed and said yes, I wanted to do all the tests.

Still I can't beleive as she has departed from us. But her heart, mind & soul still are alive among us.
May God grant her peaceful Rest in Kingdom of Heaven.

She was a kind hearted to all and she was much attached to my family members too.

We pray God to grant peace of mind for her loving Gunam & the children families, Jude, Anto, Jochie families whom Niro left behind on this world.

"рокிро▒рок்рокு роОрой்ро▒ு роТрой்ро▒ு роЗро░ுрои்родாро▓் роиிроЪ்роЪропроо் роЗро▒рок்рокு роОрой்ро▒ு роТрой்ро▒ு роЙрог்роЯு
роЖроХро╡ே роОро╡ро░ுроо் роХро╡ро▓ை роХொро│்ро│ ро╡ேрог்роЯாроо்"

Ever loving Classmates- Yoga, Poorani, Saro, Subo, Eileen, Rohini, Angelina, Rajesh, Anna Pearl as well Saroja(Australia )
My dear Friend Niro
I still can’t digest that you have physically departed from us. We all find it extremely difficult to communicate through St.Anne’s Sweet Sixteen WhatsApp group, you created this group so as we all can chat, laugh and cry. we are all crying; why did you leave us? I know when I talk to you over the phone you always say “I am ready to go as I have fulfilled my goals. Yes true you have done everything but you are still a young lady, your family and friends need you.
We love you Niro
Your soul rest in peace

Saro (Sydney, Australia)
Kingsley David said…
"Indeed, we belong to God, and indeed, to Him we return" (2:156)

The most enduring of what is left behind when one passes on from this temporary life are deeds that carry weight in the life after and the memories thereof in the minds and hearts of those still living.

My family and I were blessed to have spent more time with my cousin Niro this past year than anytime previous, and be touched by her selfless empathy and care for others, and her deep appreciation for the importance of family ties.

At a time of loss and sorrow for our family, we're comforted by the thought of a life manifestly lived for others - as Niro's clearly was - often carries its true reward in the lifeafter by the Grace of God.

Steadfastness and continuing in the service of others would be a fitting testament to our memory of my cousin Niro.

"Indeed, we belong to God, and indeed, to Him we return" (2:156)
Indrani said…
I know Nirmala through my sister Yogarani, who was her best friend. Whenever Nirmala & Yoga go anywhere I sometimes join. They were class prefects and I still remember those days when they would walk around school like twins with their plaits.

Nirmala, was a kind hearted soul and always put others first and supported them fully. She was very humble and simple. When she opened a care home, it showed how giving she was and how she wanted to help those in need with her caring personality.
Ever since I moved to London, Yoga would still send me pictures of when she sees Nirmala all the time and would keep me posted. She always looked beautiful and fresh in the pictures and I always thought of how she never ages.

I was so sad to hear about her passing. She is one of a kind and I know she will be the angel by our sides. Rest in Peace Nirmala, you will be thoroughly missed but will be loved forever.

From Indrani (Yogarani's sister)
Priya Satasivam said…
My dear friend Nirmala
I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the very sad news. I sent you a message to invite you to my house early April. You always replied my messages immediately, returned my calls, Always remembered to send me Birthday wishes. I knew something was wrong when I didn't hear from you.

I have known Nirmala since 1964. We were class mates from Grade 2 to Grade 10 at St. Anne's Convent.
Sat next to each other a lot in the class. Nirmala lived walking distance from the school. She takes us to her house when she gets a chance and feeds us with her mum's yummy food.
I remember the Big Jamboo Tree. During the season, she gives each of us a big bag and lets us plug as much as we want. It was a lot of fun. Our bike ridings, visiting other friends. Excursions, movies, other functions organised by the school, five of us were always there hanging around together .Good old days.

Nirmala is really Lovely, very helpful, caring even then, when she was a little child.
Nirmala! I am thankful for our time.. Very sad that you have left us too early. Really going to miss you.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Lots of Love
Priya

Dear Gunam and Family
We are sending our most heartfelt condolences during your time of grief. We all have experienced a great loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Take care.
Satha and Priya