Withana A.D. Chandrasoma, age 91, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 9, 2021 at the Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Round Rock, Texas surrounded by his children, their spouses and grandchildren.
He was born on January 9, 1930 in a small village outside of Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was the eldest of his 7 siblings, and grew up with 5 other siblings from his father’s previous marriage. He was married to Amitha (Goonetileka) Chandrasoma, who was the love of his life for over 42 years.
Withana began his career as an insurance agent with Ceylon Insurance, until he met his wife, Amitha. They were great partners in building their life together. His wife was a Montessori teacher in Sri Lanka, and immigrated to the United States in 1967 to seek out a better life for her new family. Withana and their three boys immigrated to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1968. Their dream to own and operate Montessori schools was realized in 1976, when they moved the family to Austin, Texas where they opened their first school. They eventually secured a permanent location for their school in south Austin. With the success of the first school, they were able to open two more schools in Austin.
Withana and Amitha were also immigrant pioneers. They assisted many of their family members and friends to realize their dreams of building better lives in the United States.
With the passing of his wife, Amitha in 2003, Withana decided to retire.
He was an avid gardener. He was well known for raising all kinds of exotic tropical plants used in Sri Lankan cooking. He grew Moringa trees and sold the drumsticks to the local Indian markets in Austin. He also grew and shared Sri Lankan curry leaf plants with his friends and family.
Withana had so many friends and family throughout the United States, Sri Lanka, and the world. He was well traveled, visiting Asia, Europe, and the Americas, making many friends along the way. He loved a good chat, and people loved chatting with him. He was generous with his time and experience, and truly, Withana never met a stranger!
He was preceded in death by his wife, Amitha Chandrasoma; his parents, W.A.B. Appuhamy and Pinnawala Podhamine; his daughter-in-law, GiGi Parker-Chandrasoma; and his brothers and sisters, Kustan, Gunasena, Sirisena, Kamala, Soma, and Gnana.
He is survived by his loving sons, Mihira, Dilum and Sajeewa and their spouses Babs, Surangi, Kirk; grandchildren, Brittni, Colby, Meg, Shehan; great-grandchildren, Mila, Gwen; and numerous nephews and nieces. He leaves behind his brothers, Sarathkumara, Karunasena, and his sisters, Wimala, Nanda, Shiela and their spouses.
Withana will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and a friend to all who were fortunate to meet him. He was a remarkable human being who lived an exceptional life. He will be missed by so many. All those who miss him shall find comfort in the words of the Buddha, “All component things are transient and all that are born, terminate in death.” “Anicchavata Sankhara Uppada Vaya Dhammino” May Withana attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Lakeway, Seton Hospital, St. David’s Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Hospital, and all those who took time to visit, comfort and support him.
We would especially like to thank the staff at Brookdale Lakeway. They were instrumental in making Withana’s last years happy and vital ones. He would often comment on how much he loved being at Brookdale.
The family will receive all who would like to remember him from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., in the Chapel of Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Austin Buddhist Center, Austin Buddhist Vihara, or to the charity of your choice.
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