Time flies, but her memory will never fade

Already a year has passed since Joan was taken from our midst so suddenly and unexpectedly. Yes time flies, but her memory will never fade, lingering in the hearts of those who knew her so well.

She has left her footprints in many of our lives. We were enriched by her love, care and concern and are ever so grateful that our paths crossed on this earth.

She had a penchant for making friends and keeping them, be they far or near. She would go out of her way to do things for her friends, of whom there were many and from all walks of life.

I remember the first day I met her. It was in the ladies’ room of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. She was a smart young woman and many stood in awe of her, admiring her from afar. She dressed well, she spoke well, she carried herself well and brooked no nonsense. She was always very practical for life had taught her some hard lessons. Our friendship blossomed from there on.

She rose to great heights in the Central Bank but never forgot her humble beginnings and the people she had met along the way. She sought them out and kept in touch with each and every one, big or small. She had this enormous sense of equality and humaneness to embrace them all. She had her faults, who doesn’t; but fought to enforce what she believed in.

She was a sincere friend, loving mother, devoted nana, caring sister, conscientious worker. Indeed she was one in a million.

Her spirit lives on flourishing in the hearts of her beloved children and grandchildren. Their magnanimity and hospitality speak volumes of Joan who lives in them and through them. May your soul rest in peace Joan and may your spirit stay with us forever.