Like a flower that blooms hers was a life happily lived
Sherene Marina Bernadette or just ‘Nona’, as she was affectionately called by her near and dear ones, passed away peacefully with the dawn of Christmas Day, last year.
Bernadette was the seventh in a family of 10. Those were the days when people generally had large families. Salaries were comparatively low, yet the Cost of Living was very much within the reach of the poorest of families, so much so that those who received a small wage could save, may be, a large slice by the end of the month. Such was the order of the day then.
Bernadette’s father, a Police Officer, managed to bring up ten children with the meagre salary Police Officers drew then. But that was enough.
Bernadette, as time went by, married and had a family of her own with two children, a boy and a girl. Her daughter, now happily married, went to live in Italy where her husband worked. The son opted for business. Bernadette’s husband, Patrician from Kotahena, a loveable person, adored his wife all the time making her happy and attending to her needs till her last.
She maintained a rapport with both her close and near relatives, as well as her friends.
A God fearing lady, she never missed her religious obligations. She was 62 at the time of her demise, a life happily lived and spent.
It is said that a life lived short or long, has achieved its full potential; just as many a flower is born to blush unseen, wasting its fragrance in the desert air. Every flower, therefore, a unique creation and Bernadette was such a one.
A new life of fulfillment and happiness for ‘Nona’ has begun where she now lives in a land of glory, somewhere beyond the sunset. May the Lord overlook all the faults or errors that she may have inadvertantly committed during her sojourn here on earth. May she rest in the Peace of the Lord. ‘Requiescat in pace.’ Mike to some, dada to most, Loved and admired to the utmost, Always smiling, always gay, Kept everyone happy with his ready wit. 4th of May is his Birthday, Would have been 100 had he lived to this day, Left us at 70, Oh! What a sad day, But God knew best and took him to rest. We loved you dear Dada, We know you knew that, Through good times and bad, You were ever by our side. The years have swiftly passed by, We have missed you very much, Our family is now larger and spread far and wide, Your dream to go places would have been fulfilled, Lord hold us safe and our Dada dear, Under the care of your loving embrance, Till we meet him again on those heavenly shores, We wait for the day we could see him again.
Dr. Cecil Godamunne died a few days ago. We were saddened to learn that this ‘father figure’ of Kandy town is no more. He had passed away at the ripe old age of 90 years.
Whenever we met, be it at his home in Kandy town or at the headquarters of the oldest Buddhist Association in Kandy – the Kandy Buddhist Association he displayed strong character. He was no doubt, a good Buddhist. As President of the KBA for long years he steered the association to be a powerhouse.
His great concern to save animal life transported under cover of darkness to the Kandy abattoirs market is well known. Another interest was to keep the poor housed in the Mavilmada Elders’ Home happy. Dr. Godamunne had a great fund of goodwill and support from people, from near and far .
This outstanding Trinitian, Buddhist worker and medical man will be long remembered for his outstanding service. Today the bells in Kandy toll loud with notes of high praise for his memorable service to animal welfare and humanity.
May he reach and enjoy the bliss of Nibbana.