In Memory of Mrs. Grace Samathanam
Mrs. Grace Samathanam, a resident of Mercy Home, expired at Trincomalee General Hospital on September 22, 2007, following a brief illness. She was 78 years old.
A memorial service was conducted on Sunday, September 23, at 4:00 p.m., at Mercy Home by Rev. Joseph Gnanapragasam of Grace Church. (Mrs. Samathanam was Christian and had requested a Christian memorial service.)
Mrs. Samathanam was admitted to Mercy Home less than a year ago, on January 27, 2007. She was born in Colombo on January 11, 1929, but lived in Trincomalee prior to her admission. Mrs. Samathanam was a former nurse and spent much of her life in Colombo. Her husband predeceased her as did her only other living relative, a daughter, who died in Trincomalee on February 18, 2007.
Mrs. Samathanam was extremely bright. She was fluent in Sinhalese, Tamil and English quite well and was an avid reader.
Of the brief time that Mrs. Samathanam spent at Mercy Home, Mrs. Sriyani (Mercy Home Nursing Assistant) said, "Mrs. Grace was a very kind person. Everyone at Mercy Home loved the kindness of her. She always keeps a wide smile on her face. The time she spent with us at Mercy Home will be never forgotten Mrs. Grace truly needed love and care and Mercy Home provide it persistently."
We are glad to have had an opportunity to get to know Mrs. Samathanam. Her presence at Grace will be missed by the other residents, staff and volunteers who had the privilege to know her.
