RITA SILVA (Alwis) passes away
Rita apparently passed away in November 2024. She has not kept in touch with many people, and I am trying to get more details. If anybody has more information, please send it to me so I can update this post. I think she was a Paediatrician.
The photograph is from the sig book collection.
She was a quiet but bright girl and did very well in the 3rd MBBS and the Final, where I think she topped the batch.
Rita was married to Sam de Alwis, a Manager at the People's Bank. He died some years ago. They had no children.
Rita was a Paediatrician, and her last Station was Gampaha.
She was very involved in Social Service. Her passion was breeding Dogs. She had Dobermans and Labradors. She was a keen member of the Kennel Club and has won several gold medals at their annual Dog shows.
The passed away toll is now 61.
Thanks to Suri and Mahen for the information about our valued batchmate. I received the news of her demise with great sadness. I first met Rita in Nugegoda in 1962 where she lived, when we were in the Block. Her family was known to my grandparents with whom I was staying. I often saw her in the bus stand or shopping in Nugegoda. Rita was a quiet soul but so very kind. I remember her polite ways and courtesy. Perhaps she was rather shy. Whenever we met pounding the long corridors of the GHC or the faculty we smiled and nodded. I never met her after the Great Dispersal of 1967.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope Rita had a good life and a rewarding professional career. I thank her for her contribution to the life in the faculty and our friendship although so very brief.
May her Soul Rest in Peace.
Rita's photo brings her back to life as this was exactly the image I have of her when I saw her first in 1962. I have often wondered what happened to her and this news although so sad brings some closure.
ReplyDeleteFROM MAHESWARAY NADARAJAH
ReplyDeleteI was saddeded to hear that Rita passed away. I knew her fairly well in the Faculty as she was a "S" like me (I was Singharayer). I didn't have any contact with her after qualifying. Please convey my condolences to her family and may she Rest in Peace.
From Chira
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to hear the passing away of our batchmates one by one.
My condolences to her family.
May she rest in peace.
Chira
Hi this is Suri
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to hear of Rita's passing. I remember her as a quiet girl who was always kind and soft spoken. I must confess that I don't have many recollections of her.
I learned from Chandra Silva ( who is her cousin ) that she had left her house and property which is in the heart of Gampaha town to the Caretaker and family who looked after her . She had been almost bedridden for a couple of years due to intractable Vertigo. So it seems as if she had cut herself off from her family as well.
May Rita's Soul Rest in Peace.
As ND has remarked, the Signature photograph that Speedy has published brings Rita vividly back to memory.
I am so glad that I was inspired to get our batch photographs published in our 40 th Anniversary Reunion Souvenir in 2007. This was possible only because Lama was the Dean of the Faculty of medicine at the time , and released the photos to be returned in 24 hours . I am so grateful to Lama for this. I find that I often flip through the pages of the Souvenir and look at the photographs and think about my dear Batch mates particularly those who have departed.
Suri, that Souvenir was one of the best things that happened. Thank you and the rest of the Organising committee for doing it.
DeletePlease convey my deepest sympathies to her family. Due to some illness she could not sit for the Finals with us and she topped the batch in the repeat examination.
ReplyDelete