A grandmother, mother and an inspiration to us all

A tribute to a grandmother on her 12th death anniversary on January 28

Memories of Achchie Marie for my sister and I begin from a very small age as we were both fortunate to have been overly protected as infants and spoilt as young teens and young adults. Achchie Marie as she was fondly known to us and our cousins and friends alike, was an immense tower of strength and character. I remember quite well as a mischievous child when I had many of those numerous arguments with her how she would say “you will realize what you are missing when I am gone”. Indeed I miss her immensely now and wish she would have never left us.

She loved us all as her own children. Achchie Marie taught us what integrity and what love and faith in God could do. She lost her partner as a very young woman when my grandfather passed away suddenly. She as a single mother brought up three children who blossomed as young adults. Her most prized possession was Sumithra (fondly known to his nieces and nephews as Mama). He was her hero and her most loved treasure. This does not mean she loved her other two kids any less. She always knew that the three children she had brought up on her own would some day be independent adults who would grow up to be fine parents and examples to their own young children.

Both Dammie, my mother and Amara (her dear sister) have grown up to being great individuals. Achchie’s tough traits seem to have filtered down to both these daughters who have become fine examples to us, their sons, daughters, nieces and nephews.

Achchie Marie was also a great character both loved in Church and around her friends and family. She was involved in a lot of charity work for St. Theresa’s Church, Colombo and also helped many young up and coming people in her own little way. Her famous saying was that “Charity begins at home” and how well she used its context goes beyond words.

Achchie loved us all and always wanted the best for her six grandchildren. Her love for late Viraj Aiya, Viranthie Akkie, Shevanthie Akkie, Shehani, Shevan and yours truly was immeasurable. I still remember how Achchie would argue with my father about sending me for cricket and rugby as she thought these were two dangerous sports that no grandson of hers should ever participate in. Achchie is also fondly remembered for her famous ribbon cakes, love cakes and specialty desserts. The weight problems in our family are constant reminders of how we loved her cooking and her desserts. I have and I will always miss Achchie Marie even though I might have not always agreed with her on numerous subjects, be it religion, politics and life in general. She loved life and she loved her family and her two sisters alike (Nalini and Suma) and she would not have had it any other way.

May eternal rest be granted to her always!

Achchie, wherever you are I would like to say that I love you and I miss you. I am only sorry I never got to say these words to you in person and I would always regret this. May God bless you always.

(Grand son)

-Navin de Alwis