Remembering dear batchmate Zita Perera Subasinghe- Two years
Tempus fugit. It is two years since we lost our dear friend and colleague, Zita. This beautiful post was sent by her son Rohan.
This blog is about new entrants to the Colombo Medical Faculty of the University of Ceylon (as it was then known) in June 1962. There were a total of 166 in the batch (included 11 from Peradeniya).Please address all communications to: colmedgrads1962@gmail.com.You may bookmark this page for easier access later. Header image: Courtesy Prof. Rohan Jayasekara, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (2011 - 2014). Please use the search bar using a key word to access what interests you
Rohan Subasoghe, Zita's son sent this beautiful memory of Zita.
ReplyDeleteI renewed my friendship with Zita, when she returned to Sri Lanka and assumed duties at Karapitiya. Later when she was working in Colombo she performed cataract surgery on my father-in-law.
ReplyDeleteMay she Rest in Peace.
Thank you Speedy for sharing Zita's Poem sent in by Rohan.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe that it's two years since our precious Zita left us.
A vivid Kaleidoscope of memories flood my mind when think of her.
Her warm personality, her
quiet sense of humour, her many skills both in the creative and performing arts......I remember beautiful personalised cards created by her that we received on our birthdays, her skilful performances on the guitar and key board . I treasure the collection of poems written by her later in life covering a range of topics .
which I keep on my bed side table.
I remember her compassion and skill , restoring sight to so many patients. I remember with pride her academic and professional achievements pioneering Laser Surgery in Sri Lanka and serving as a much sought after Consultant Opthalmic Surgeon , and as the President of her College.
But most of all I remember her as a dear dear friend, always ready to give a helping hand , a comforting and encouraging word when needed and a delightful companion. I consider myself very blessed to have had a friend like Zita.
I find comfort in the sure fact that we will meet again one wonderful day Beyond the Sunset.
Your erstwhile "Body Partner" Suri
From Dhushy Vedavanam
ReplyDeleteThank you Mahen for posting the photos of dear Zita and the comments.
I met Zita for the first time at a London get together with her husband Joe. She was so kind to me when I discussed the problems with my eyes and the forthcoming operations in my eyes for Glaucoma.
She advised me and kept in touch with me from that day onwards until her final days.
She monitored me at every stage and gave me so much hope and advised me to go ahead with the surgery. Her encouraging words and prayers went a long way.
I could never ever forget such a great person who shows so much of kindness and compassion.
I was so fortunate to have struck a friendship with her.
I shall always remain grateful to dear Zita.
May her good soul rest in eternal peace.
Dhushyx🙏
I cannot imagine 2 years have past since Zita left us.
ReplyDeleteI miss her terribly as she was a dear friend of mine. Always a smile on her face, never talks ill of any one.
Being a poet, an artist making beautiful greetings cards and a musician.
I will never forget how she and Joe entertained my whole family in their house in South end on sea and later taking us to the sea front.
I admire her courage in fighting her medical problems with a smile on her face.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Chira
Zita was a truly remarkable person, and it was my great fortune to have known her. If indeed there is anything after death, Zita will surely be in the best possible place.
ReplyDeleteHer courage and determination in her final illness are a lesson to all of us. She went through a lot of difficult treatments and procedures, not for her sake but for the sake of her husband Joe, and her children. She knew how much her life meant to them, and this gave her the courage to persist and endure. I was firmly convinced that she did not fear death and was prepared to leave with dignity, and in fact, she told me so. But to the end, her thoughts were on her loved ones and not her.
Her life story is one of devotion - devotion to family, friends, patients, anyone in need and humanity in general. She was moved by the trials and tribulations of others and was always willing not just to step in and help if she could but do it in a sincere and loving way without expecting any personal rewards.
She firmly believed that all the good things we do to others and to ourselves must be done while we are alive. Not only did she believe in it, but she also practised it. That is typical of Zita- she practised what she preached.
Zita, we all miss you terribly. May you rest in peace
Thank you Rohan for those lovely poems and thanks to Mahen for publishing them in this Blog. Zita loved this forum and contributed much and commented on many. She was ever present with Joe at all our London reunions and spoke warmly to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI love the Christian concept that one day we will meet again. Until then Zita may you Rest in Peace.
Kumar
ReplyDeleteThank you Rohan and Mahen for this wonderful tribute to Zita. She was a valued colleague and friend, outstanding doctor and humanist.
Kumar
Thank you for all your kind words. They mean a lot to to me, my sister Nisha, and dad Jo. The loss is a fresh as it was 2 years ago but we carry it with us and the positive presence my mother had is still felt around us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rohan. We share your love for an exceptional human being
ReplyDeleteRohan, Nisha and Jo, Thank you for giving us another glimpse into the person your mother/wife was. She is greatly missed in the blog .
ReplyDeleteMay you, as well as her grandchildren find comfort in the joys you all shared with her. May she be at Peace.
Mahen, Thank you for the post .