Aacha was there for us at all the important stages in our lives
On June 19 this year, three days short of her 83rd birthday, Padmini Cooray, our Aacha, passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia. Aacha was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother.
All of us grandchildren were fortunate to have had Aacha play a big part at some stage in our lives. When our cousins Shamil and Shenal were younger, Aacha and Seeya would go and spend time with them in Canberra during the holidays. Shamil was fortunate to have Aacha present at his wedding. Aacha made sure in the months leading up to the wedding that she would be there for the special day. She was extremely proud to witness the first of her grandchildren getting married. She longed to see all her grandchildren married.
Krishni, our youngest cousin, called Aacha’s house her second home, where she spent most of her school holidays and many weekends. Krishni fondly recalls how Aacha gave her milk (“kukka”, Aacha called it) after her afternoon nap.
Aacha was a second mother, as our own mother lived overseas. She was there to care for us and nurture us. Every Sunday she cooked for us. She did that right up to a couple of weeks before she was admitted to hospital.
She was worried when we had late nights. She took all our problems and worried about them. We joked that she carried the world’s problems on her shoulders.
Her children were everything to her. Her house was like a photo gallery as our family photos were there for all to see.
She was a devoted and loving wife to Seeya for 54 years. She was very concerned about Seeya’s health. Whenever Seeya was sick, he would pretend to be well and go for his walks and visit the shops. There was no escaping Aacha. She made sure Seeya stayed at home when he was not well.
It is four years since Seeya passed away. We all miss him. Seeya was entirely dependent on Aacha. She showed immense strength and courage to live on her own after Seeya passed away.
We are deeply saddened by Aacha’s sudden passing away. She was such a loving and caring person. We are forever grateful for all she did for us. We were blessed to have had an Aacha with us during the important times in our lives.
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