Her loving acts of kindness, words of counsel will always be remembered

Savithri Esther Chandrapal entered eternity on April 9. Savithri akka, as she was known among the clan, was the eldest child of nine, born to Vinacithamby Veluppillai of Vadaliyadaippu near Pandateruppu and Pararajasingham Neelathadchiamma of Lawton Road Manipay, who were then living in Gampaha.

They moved to Negombo where she did her schooling at Ave Maria Convent, living in the boarding. During holidays, her father, a PWD Overseer, would take her to Jaffna. For her higher studies, she attended Jaffna College at Vaddukoddai.

Chandrapal annan and Savithri akka were studying for their GCE A’Ls hoping to enter Medical College when their courtship began.

Annan, sponsored by the American Ceylon Mission, went to the Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore, South India, while Savithri akka went to London to study nursing and worked in a hospital in London.

On completion of his MBBS, Chandrapal annan joined the Green Memorial Hospital, Manipay. Savithri akka returned from UK, and they were married at the Manipay Church in 1969.

After a few years of service with the Mission, Chandrapal annan joined the Vadamaradchi cooperative hospital at Vallai Uduppiddy Jaffna. This was a newly built, fivebed hospital managed by Dr Chandrapal and an apothecary with other auxiliary staff. The Chandrapals were living in Atchuvely at that time. In two years the hospital expanded into a 40-bed one, with a large outpatient clinic.

They had two daughters, Chithra and Subathra, during this time. In April 1973 the family left for the U.K. for higher studies. Dr Chandrapal specialised in ENT in London, during which time a third daughter Harithra was born in Yorkshire.

After seven years in England, the family returned to Sri Lanka in January 1980. Dr Chandrapal started his private clinic at Atchuvely in Jaffna and it soon developed into a very busy practice.

In early 1985, they decided to migrate to London, and having given their daughters a sound education, saw them marry partners of their choice. They were blessed with grandchildren, and loving inlaws, forming a close-knit family unit in London.

Savithri akka was well looked after during her latter years amidst her deteriorating health. She was even taken to Manipay for excellent care amidst a homely environment. Later she was admitted to an aged care facility in London. During the current pandemic, the children took turns to visit and keep in touch.

Savithri’s siblings are ever grateful to her for the way she took extra care of their needs, maintaining a close relationship with them throughout her life, through loving acts of kindness, words of counsel and encouragement.

My wife Yogi and I had a rare opportunity to spend a week in 2015 with them in London. The period we spent with them is still fresh in our memories.

May Savithri akka find rest eternal.