The personification of good breeding and refinement

Gertrude Dimbulane was born in Gampaha near Welimada, Uva. She, and her four sisters were boarded at Hillwood College Kandy, and her brother Ananda, at Trinity College, where he excelled at Rugby. Gerty, as she was fondly known, had been a promising student, but her schooling had come to an abrupt end when her mother fell gravely ill. She had been a tower of strength to her father, and to her younger school-going siblings during her mother’s period of illness and her eventual untimely demise.

Some years later, Gerty fell in love with a cousin, the handsome Hector Rambukpotha, whose other great passion was cricket. Hector was the typically laid back, easy going country squire who regularly turned out for the STC OBA Uva X1 well into his sixties. They loved each other dearly, and the sacrifices Gerty made during their marriage will remain a testimony to her strength of character, and her unwavering loyalty to the man she loved. Hector passed away suddenly, in 1978. Once again, Gerty put her shoulder to the wheel and took full responsibility for her young family, quietly fulfilling all her obligations.

By the mid 80‘s her brood had flown the coop and she was in complete control of all her affairs and totally independent. Quite recently she admitted shyly that during this period, “the little fellows in the village used to come to our place for lunch on the way home from school every day“. Her kindness and compassion knew no boundaries.

She subsequently spent a year in Melbourne, Australia when she visited her daughter at the time of her confinement. She joined the local library, and spent long hours doing what she loved most – reading. Her charming manner endeared her to many, several of whom called on her whenever they visited Colombo.

From 1997, Gerty spent her twilight years with her daughter at Pamankade in Colombo up to the time of her recent, brief illness. Never once was she heard to complain, or utter a word in anger. She looked forward to having visitors, and only relaxed when she knew her guests were being well looked after. Her generosity was quite unbelievable. To her, giving a tip to a domestic aide going home on leave was as important as giving a birthday gift to a wellheeled relative , and she would dig deep into her resources with equal gusto.

She was showered with love and affection by her family, and nephews and nieces. Her younger sister Ira would call over regularly carrying armloads of books, fruits, and titbits. They would have long chats, often reminiscing about their trips to and from boarding school by train from Badulla, and “the naughty boys” going to Trinity who used to play pranks on them. Their father, “King” George was another favourite topic of conversation – obviously they thought the world of him.

On June 10 this year Gertrude celebrated her 96th birthday surrounded by her loved ones. She looked radiant, and content. Her birthday parties were always looked forward to by her nieces and nephews, their children and grand children, but this year, somehow, it felt very special. She sat quietly when her great grand nephews and nieces fell at her feet worshipping their beloved “Athammi”.

This wonderful, selfless, lady, the personification of good breeding and refinement, breathed her last on Sunday, September 8, this year. She left as she had lived, with composure and dignity, and a burden to none. Farewell, sweet lady, you will always remain an inspiration to those who loved you.