Aunty Agnes and Uncle Anil – darling Chachi and Chacha- are among my happy childhood memories spanning India, Hongkong and London. Uncle was a wonderful, calm, deep human being, and Aunty brought such positivity and energy to everything she did. She was quick to appreciate others’ achievements, and readily made friends. Many years ago, she introduced my son Raoul, now 25, to the joys of hot buttered toast when he was two; she bounced my daughter Amani, then tiny, now 24, in and out of the waves on the beach in Goa, earning a place in their memories as ‘Woopsie doo Chachi”!
After losing her beloved Anil a few years ago, it was a difficult journey for darling Chachi, as she battled loneliness and her own major health issues. Her daughters Tania, Francine and Shonali were her joy and delight, and their love and concern, along with the kindness of their partners and her grandchildren must have been a great consolation to Chachi. Nonetheless, the brave and uncomplaining face she wore whenever we met or spoke, even when I knew from my Mum that she was to go into hospital or had just come out of hospital, was inspirational and amazing. Chachi always showed interest, affection and concern for others: the wonderful generosity of spirit which enabled her to reach out to others to offer cheer and comfort, never burdening them with her own pain, made her a dear and cherished figure in my life.
Aunty Agnes had deep faith in God, and I am sure that she has found her rest and peace in the arms of her dear Lord, beside her darling Anil. May she be surrounded by blessings, and may she bless the lives of us all from heaven, as she did on earth.
R.I.P.
Susan and Raj Viswanathan, Raoul, Avantika and Amani xxx
Susan
10th March 2019