The quiet saviour of the poor

Clyda Hildred perera

"Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand does" are the words of Christ. These words had been carried out to the letter, we realized, by our sister Clyda Hildred Perera when she passed away on December 24 at the age of 82.

Those who came in never-ending line to pay their last respects came chiefly because they had been comforted many a time by her kind words. It was only at her funeral that we came to know how she had helped the poor financially without our knowledge, though she was is no way one of the affluent. Her generosity was multiplied a hundredfold by the assistance given by neighbours, friends and relatives at her funeral.

She loved having fun and found great pleasure in singing. She sang and even danced at the Christmas party given by the parishioners of the Dalugama Church the previous year for elders. We never did think it would be the last time.

She was greatly concerned about those near and dear to her and would select gifts for them at Christmas with great enthusiasm and eagerness to suit their tastes.

We shall miss her very much at Christmas, but we hope and pray God will fill the void in our hearts with the thought that she has gone to a better and happier place.

May her soul rest in peace!

By Mrs. H.M.W. Abeywickreme