Dear Helen Akka,

81 years of love and affection cannot be summed up in a few words.

Helen Akka, you were 6 years old when I was born, and my other two other sisters were 4 years and 2-1/2 years old.

Amma needed help and so you took care of us with love and tender care, and strict discipline, very strict discipline. Whether you played the role of a mother or big sister, the common thread of affection ran through all your actions.

When I was nine years old, I joined the High School which you attended: two sisters with two opposite characters. You were quiet, well-behaved, and I was full of mischief--climbing trees and roofs. You didn't say anything to me in school but when I got home, I got it from my Dad.

Akka, you were very smart, and you could sew well but I, on the other hand, was sent out of the classroom every sewing period, and to this day I haven't learned how to sew. But Akka, even to the last day of your life, you were sewing tops and skirts and nighties for people in the nursing home.

I used to call you every day, and if I didn't, you would call me, and we talked for 30 minutes or longer. We would talk about your childhood days, school days, college days, and more.

51 years ago I was in Vellore hospital with a severe headache, and you were in another town, and you said that every time the phone rang, you would pick up the phone and cry thinking it was a call from the hospital to say that I was gone.

When the phone rang on June 11, 2013, I picked up the phone but I didn't cry--I had just talked with you the evening before, with my usual question: "How are you, Akka?"  And your usual answer was, "By God's grace, I am all right".

The words I heard that day still ring in my ears. They said "She didn't make it."

But now I know, you made it--because you had such a close relationship with the Lord that you were ready to go when He called you--only I was not ready to let you go.

Even now I reach for the phone thinking I can call you, and then the shocking thought that you are not here anymore.

But I know that I will see you again, and we will talk--not over the phone, but face to face.


I am looking forward to that day!

Pauline and DP David

Hi Ranjit,

How are you guys doing? I have been praying for you all specially. I know a little about how you must be feeling. No matter how old we are we still miss and love our parents and a loss is a great loss. Let us be ready to meet them when Jesus returns (very soon). 

Love,

Philip Sargunam

Our Dear Helen Aunty,


Words cannot begin to express the loss we feel. Yet we try to find the right words - any words - because we want to - because we need to. In these moments, we recognize our own vulnerability, and we pray:


Lord, I come to you

With this tired heart

And I lay my troubles here

Hoping for a new start


I have lived my life

Waiting for this day

Knowing you will comfort me

And wash my sins away

 

Cradle me in your love divine

And never let me go

Take my hand and lead me

To that mansion there

Where those streets are paved with gold

Beyond those clouds somewhere


Cradle me in your love divine

And never let me go
 

Lord, I come to you

With this tired heart

And I lay here at your feet

Hoping for a new start

Like a blanket of falling snow

Please give me a new start

 
Wash me with your tears of love

Bathe me in your perfect light

Cleanse me with your love divine

Help me see beyond this night

 

Oh, how I long to see your face

And touch the scars of saving grace


Lead me to your streets of gold

Guide me down the narrow way

Wrap me in your love divine

Help me so I will not stray
 

Oh, how I long to see your face

And touch the scars of saving grace

Save me from my foolish pride

Rescue me from my dismay

Deliver me with love divine

Help me see a brighter day

 

Oh, how I long to see your face

And touch the scars of saving grace

Lead me to your loving arms

Guide me to your holy ways

Wrap me in your love divine

Help me see you now, today



Merlin, Katie, Meera and Neela David

Dear Shanthi, Priya and Ranjit,

I wanted to express our love and condolences to you all. I am sorry that we were not able to attend Helen Aunty's funeral. We are back in the States now and my dad has shared with me about the funeral. I am happy to hear that the family got together and spent some cherished times with one another remembering Aunty. 

It's been far too long since I have seen you all. Please give my love to Phil, Leela and your children. 

I have been terrible at staying in touch over these years, but think of you all and am sending our thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs,
Vas (Mona Klausing)

Dear Pauline and DP

 We have just read the news of Helen's passing.  We are writing to send our deepest and sincerest condolences to both of you.  

We had been away for a couple of weeks when the SUDe-news arrived.  And since coming back home I have not been too well.  So, today was the first day since returning that I opened my email, and there was the news of Helen's passing.  I am sorry!!

As a young member of the Madras church, I well remember Helen.  If I recall correctly, she was still studying medicine in Madras.  She was one of those who was always at church, and had something useful and worthwhile to contribute.  In later years (before I came to Bangalore) I would return to Madras  as the pastor.  Helen was on the church board, and now, I was the chairperson of the board.  She now treated me with the respect she thought I should have as pastor.  She was always a "lady"--in the typical Thomas way, and like you, Pauline.

Thank God for the wonderful hope we have in the resurrection.  Among those whom I looked forward to meeting is Pastor S. Thomas--great preacher and man of God.  And then we shall meet and greet Helen too.  

Hope you both are well.  Look after each other.  Give my best regards to my dear friend, George!  Please pass on to him and Thambi our condolences.  

May God keep us all near to Him, draw us closer to Him, until we meet again.

Much love and blessings to both of you from both of us,

Patsy and Owen D'Costa

Ranjit,
I remember your mom being a very relaxed lady in spite of the sometimes reckless behavior of our youth........ most of the times in your case!!

She will, most certainly, rest in peace. 

Vijayakumar Puducherry

Our Dear Helen Aunty,

Few words can begin to express the loss we feel. It's impossible to capture a lifetime of memories into words, yet we try--because we want to ... we need to. We love you, and miss you.  Thinking of our own vulnerability, we pray:

Lord, I come to you
With this tired heart
And I lay my troubles here
Hoping for a new start

I have lived my life
Waiting for this day
Knowing you will comfort me
And wash my sins away

Cradle me in your love divine
And never let me go

Take my hand and lead me
To that mansion there
Where those streets are paved with gold
Beyond those clouds somewhere

Cradle me in your love divine
And never let me go

Lord, I come to you
With this tired heart
And I lay here at your feet
Hoping for a new start

Like a blanket of falling snow
Please give me a new start

Wash me with your tears of love
Bathe me in your perfect light
Cleanse me with your love divine
Help me see beyond this night

Oh, how I long to see your face
And touch the scars of saving grace

Lead me to your streets of gold
Guide me down the narrow way
Wrap me in your love divine
Help me so I will not stray

Oh, how I long to see your face
And touch the scars of saving grace

Save me from my foolish pride
Rescue me from my dismay
Deliver me with love divine
Help me see a brighter day

Oh, how I long to see your face
And touch the scars of saving grace

Lead me to your loving arms
Guide me to your holy ways
Wrap me in your love divine
Help me see You now, today

Hi Ranjit:

On Saturday evening Molly called me and told me that your mother had passed away.  I am so sorry to hear about it.
Just wanted to let you know that our prayers are with you and your extended family. 


Love,
 
Johnny Philip

Big hugs to you and your family, Leela - Darlene

Sorry for your loss - Ken

Leela. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you and your family - Mel

God be with you and your family - Sal

Sorry for your loss to you and your family - James

Leela, my prayers are with you and your husband. God bless - Paula

Leela, my prayers are with you and your family. God bless - Michelle

Sorry for your loss. Be strong. God bless - John

My heart goes out to your family. May God be with you. I'm very sorry for your loss - Ana

Our deepest condolences

Philsy and Fairwell Thomas

Please accept our deepest condolences. We will miss her wit and wisdom. We are praying for strength and comfort for you at this time

Natasha, Jonathan, Kimberly and Johnny Thomas

We will miss you

The Gills and the Mathews

Not too many, perhaps, would know Dr. Helen Masilamani, who passed away to her rest in Jesus early today in Loma Linda, California, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters  and a large extended family.
Older church members in Vepery, Chennai, and those in the Cunningham Road church in Bangalore, will fondly remember her faith, friendship, and
devotion to the healing ministry. 

She is perhaps one of the earliest
Adventists to complete medical course in India, and in spite of much pain
and problems, persisted in her faith in God, chose to spend all of her life
in bringing healing where there was sickness, joy in the midst of sorrow,
dignity to those less fortunate, and even in her last days a sense of
Christian hope and help to those who sought for a thread to hang on in the
home where she visited daily with those who lived there.
    
Her children would no doubt call her blessed; her siblings would hail
her for the model of Christian charity and patience that she lived; her
large band of nephews and nieces would see in her a life to emulate; her
large army of friends and admirers would say, when would we see again an
Adventist who lived (that is a lot different from preached) her faith?
    
Dr. Helen, who walked this earth for eight decades or so, is the oldest
daughter of Pastor and Mrs. S. Thomas. If Pastor Thomas was an evangelist
and a pastor par excellence, Dr. Helen was the physician in whom I could
leave my mind, body and spirit in safe and healthy custody.

Dr. John Fowler

Dear Mano
Thanks for your mail. Sorry to hear of Helen Aunty's demise. Well, Nirmala always asks about her as she is always grateful to her for all that she had done for her especially during her pregnancy and delivery for both our boys. Every time Aunty visited India, Nirmala would make it a point to see her. She is terribly upset and as always prays that her soul may rest in peace. If you get further information as to the exact cause of death please do mail.
Convey our condolence to Shanti, Priya & Ranjit.

Love

Kumar Acharya

You have been a great person in my world! Please tell God I am a good, kind person to him! I love you!

Meera and Neela David (ages 10 and 7)

I am going to miss you a lot. Remember when I told you that this probably happened because you didn't drink enough milk

Chelsea Thomas (age 6)

Ranjit,
I was very sad to hear of your mother's passing but do know that she is now at peace and extremely proud of the man you are. In time, your sadness will be replaced with smiles when you think about her and remember the wonderful person she was and the memories you made together. You and your family are in my prayers

Laura Parker

Its difficult for me to summarize what my grandma did for my family, and what she meant to us. We have literally spent our entire lives with her, and throughout the duration of that time we were blessed to have with her, she shaped our lives in so many ways. With each lesson she taught us and experience we shared with her, she has helped make us the people we are today. 

For my brother, sister, and I, she was more than just a grandma. She was a second mom to us, guiding us and caring for us in ways that bound us so tightly to her. That bond is her legacy to us, an unforgettable and incomparable love that warms my heart just thinking about it. 

We had a connection with her that gave her as much joy as it gave us, the way we laughed with her, held her, kissed her on her forehead, there was such an abundance of affection and warmth about her, and the time spent with her are memories that we will treasure for a lifetime. 

There will be so much about her that we will miss, watching the Laker games was one of her absolute favorite pastimes, and it will simply not be the same without her there. 

Her vibrancy, charisma, laughter and smile made her so much fun to be around, with enough personality to light up the darkest room. I cannot put into words how deeply we will miss her, but beneath the sorrow of her passing lies a comfort in knowing she lived a full, enriched life with many joys and accomplishments, and that someday we will be with her again.

Prianthi Masilamani

Margaret Helen Masilamani – a life lived full to the brim and overflowing!

On March 11th 1926, in the city of Pondicherry, the capital of French India, Solomon Thomas…a young Adventist evangelist and Albana, his beautiful bride, welcomed their first born, a girl they named Margarita Helena. The first of eight children… five girls and three boys, she played an important role at home, helping her mother raise her siblings while her father traveled across the country, doing God's work. Margaret Helen, as she would officially change her name to later, was a romantic dreamer as well as a resolute girl, almost to a fault. At a very early age, she decided that she would become a medical doctor and worked toward that goal.
She did her schooling at various Christian schools in Southern India and was always at the top of her class and a favorite among her teachers. Every year, she received the top honors in her class in all the subjects. The only prize she did not receive was the attendance prize and that was because she would not attend school on Sabbath. Her path to medical school was not an easy one in spite of her academic accomplishments. Due to financial hardship, her parents often asked her to quit school but she would plead that if she ever slipped in her grades, she would comply with their wishes. Of course, that was something she never had to do. When she graduated from medical school, she was one of the first Seventh-Day-Adventist women doctors in India. Her deep love of learning and competitiveness remained a signature characteristic her entire life.
In October of 1949, she married Duff Samuel Masilamani, a man she met in the Adventist church in Madras while she was in med school and they began their life together in the same city. They had three children, two girls and a boy…Shanthi, Priya and Ranjit. Both Duff and Margaret or Helen, as she was known to friends and family, were strict parents and emphasized the importance of a good education. In spite of working full time at one of the local government hospitals, she always made sure that she helped her children with their homework. She was relentless in her efforts to make sure her kids went to good schools. Both her daughters were always at the top of their classes throughout their schooling and her son…well, boys will be boys, I guess. She was delighted to see all three of them pursue higher education and receive their master's in organizational management, teaching and business administration. 
More notable than her educational accomplishments and personal drive was her altruism. After her day at the hospital, she would come home and attend to patients, usually children, who came to see her, sometimes at odd hours of the evening and well into the wee hours of the morning. Most of them were poor and couldn't afford the normal consultation fee so she would see them free of charge. Many of those patients became lifelong friends. The doors of her home were always open to friends and family, many of whom lived in their home over extended periods of time…while acquiring an education, getting a foothold starting out on a career or just needing a place to stay for a while. To most people, she would be remembered as the woman who gave more than she received.
Her twilight years were spent doing the things she loved to do spending time with her grandchildren; organizing her extensive collection of stamps and rare coins; watching game shows like jeopardy and wheel of fortune and her favorite sports team, the Los Angeles Lakers; listening to her wide collection of Tamil and English Christian songs; sewing and gardening when her health permitted and above all these, keeping in close touch with her family and friends, even those who lived in India, always remembering birthdays and anniversaries. In the last couple years, due to health conditions, she stayed at the Linda Valley nursing home, where she was a source of inspiration to the staff as well as the residents. On June 11th 2013, she succumbed to a massive heart attack and was called to the Lord. She leaves behind her three children and their spouses, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, six siblings and their families and a host of friends and relatives around the world.
You would often catch her humming or singing one of her favorite hymns, ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus'. After having lived a life full to the brim and overflowing, she won't have to sing it, from a distance, anymore because she IS safe in the arms of Jesus!

Dearest ma,

I will immensely miss you. Thank you so much for all that you did for our family. We were all blest to have you in our home for 25 years. You were always there for the kids, helping to raise them when they were little and being their friend when they grew up to be young adults. I will never forget the cooking lessons you gave me. I enjoyed watching you watch the Laker games and getting so excited and animated when they were winning. Most of all, thank you for loving me as your own daughter.

I am looking forward to seeing you in the Great Resurrection when Jesus comes. In the meanwhile, I promise to continue taking good care of your son

your loving daughter (in law),

Leela

Sorry to hear of Helen Aunty's demise.  

Well, Nirmala always asks about her as she is always grateful to her for all that she had done for her, especially during her pregnancy and delivery for both our boys.

Every time Aunty visited India, Nirmala would make it a point to see her. She is terribly upset and as always prays that her soul may rest in peace.

Kumar

Phil, Priya, Elizabeth and Nathaniel,

Please know we are here for you and want to help in any way we can. We will be praying for comfort and strength for the days ahead of you.

We love you all very much.

Mike, Leslie, Samantha and Adam

Phil, Priya & family,

You are in my prayers and am asking the Lord to hold you close.

Love
Cathie & Todd

Dear Aunty Priya, Uncle Phil, Nathaniel and Elizabeth,

Our hearts are breaking for you during this devastating time. Praying for peace and comfort for you all. Let us know if you need anything.

We love you guys!

Nina & Marcus

To Phil, Priya, Elizabeth and Nathaniel

God be with you.

Love
Mom

Our dear Priya,

Words fail us when we need them, for how do we comfort you as you grieve for the loss of one so dear as your Mom.

But God has promised to be with you and hold you close to His heart. May His presence comfort you, and Phil, and your children.

We thank God that you and Shanthi and Ranjit are here together.

Please accept our deepest condolences.

With love,
Aunty Juanity & Uncle Justin

Dear Phil, Priya, Nathaniel & Elizabeth,

Fondly remembering your mother; you are in our thoughts & prayers.

Love,
John, Debbie & Joshua

Mama,

It is truly hard to believe and accept that you are no longer with us. You were a powerful presence in my life and I know you still are. There are many things I learned from you that shaped me to be a better man.

I wrote this poem a few days after you left us and, in it, I have tried to sum up a few of the things I learned from you. It is my tribute to the woman I remember hanging onto as a little kid; who took me with you when you went to minister to those patients in their humble homes; who showed me there was nothing I couldn't achieve if I set my heart to it; who was the bravest, strongest person I knew as a kid. I hope you like these few lines I wrote for you.

Fly gentle…fly high
Nothing hurts the spirit like a heart that doesn't try
Words I would remember when, on paper wings
I soared with hopes to touch the sky
Fly gentle…fly high

Fly gentle…fly low
So you hear the sounds of whispers wherever you go
The prayers of those who, smiling, bear a burden
That they try so hard not to show
Fly gentle…fly low

Fly gentle…fly far
Just let the light within you become your guiding star
And carry you to places you only dream of from
The little corner where you are
Fly gentle…fly far

Fly gentle…fly near
Always staying close to my breast that I can hear
Every heartbeat, every sigh, every breath as it becomes
One with the anthem of the spheres
Fly gentle…fly near

Love,

your son, Ranjit

Dearest Mama,

How suddenly you left! Although you were 87 years old, how unexpected it was, and how unbelievably sad!

Thank you for everything you've done for us - especially for all you did for Ross, Danny and me all those years ago in Madras and over and over again - and for the beautiful outfits you got Sandhya and Sachin.

Thank you for giving us a love for reading. I remember you taking us to the second-hand bookshops in Moore Market and Kellys in the holidays. Because you taught us to love reading, I know I would find it hard to truly feel lonely or bored.

Thank you for giving us a love for learning. I can still remember you asking us to take sea sand in our hands at Marina Beach and saying that all the learning we could ever acquire is equal only to the sand in our hands, and all the learning that is there to be acquired is equal to all the sand on the sea shore. And so you made our children's minds understand Avvaiyaar's words of wisdom:
"Katrathu kai mann alavu; kallathathu ulagalavu."

I will miss speaking to you every day. I will miss hearing you pray over the phone on special occasions (the last time was for Danny on his birthday on 24 May) or whenever I was worried about something.

I will miss you, ma......

Your daughter,
Shanthi

Dear Shanthi, Ranjith, Priya and family,

Thinking of you and your families during this time of sadness. We send you our love, kind thoughts and prayers.

Daniel and Parimala John

Shanthi, Priya, Ranjith and family ... Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.

Love
Beul and Kavi

Gran always had a huge hug and words of encouragement for me. I remember how happy she was when I told her I am becoming a pediatrician. I will miss her dearly.

Sara Farooqui

Hi Ranjit, Priya and Shanthi,

I met your mom (Aunty Helen) once only when she came to Vancouver years ago. 

God bless you in your time of sorrow.

Clarice

Ranjit, Leela and family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. Strong women are so important in our lives. I would have loved to have met her.

I hope that some day soon you will have only good memories that bring smiles to your faces.

With love,
Beth

Dear Ranjit and Leela, Pri and Phil,

God bless and comfort you in your loss.

Love.
Sukumar and Mano

Leela,

My prayers are with you and your family.

Velma

Dear Ranjit and Leela 

Our thoughts have been you since we learned of the sudden passing of your Mom. In the moments of deep sadness, may you be comforted by the assurance that you have done all you could to care for your beloved Mom and to shower her with love.

The blessings of those years of loving service will return to you in ways unnumbered.

May you and your children be comforted.

With love,
Aunty Juanita and Uncle Justin

Dear Ranjit,

I am at a loss for adequate words to express my sadness for you.

I had the opportunity of knowing your Mom when my dad passed away in 1976. She was very helpful to our family.

May God give you strength during this time of incredible loss.

We have the blessed hope that we will see our loved ones when our Lord returns.

With regards,
Ribbel, Robert and Rachel (the Dhasons)

Dearest Shanthi, Priya, Ranjit and each member of your respective, loving families,

Your dearest mother is now in the very personal loving care of our God and she now rests in peace, having lived a full, useful life with us. God bless her.

With love and prayers for each of you,
Uncle Vicky

Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers and if we can do anything for you, please let us know.

We will pray for strength and comfort for the days ahead.

Love
Mike, Leslie, Samantha and Adam

Dear Ranjit,

It seems like only yesterday you all were laughing and joking, dealing with the challenges and frustrations of caring for your beloved mother, and now you've all been stung by the unwelcome visitor - death.

The good news is that there's nothing more than this and you can now look forward to the "blessed hope" when your mother will be returned to your family circle.

In the meanwhile, cherish the memories of the happy, loving mother that was with you for almost all of your life. You and Leela did your best, even though you may be tempted to think otherwise. There comes a time when we all realize our limitations but the Lord understands. 

As one who has experienced this, let me assure you that the Lord is with you and will bless and comfort you.

I admire and applaud you and Leela, and your family, for being there for your mother. It's a sacred privilege that you embraced wholly and carried out patiently.

May you all find peace, comfort, and strength at this time of loss and grief. It is my prayer that soon it will be replaced by the joyful reunion with your loved one, something we long for and look forward to.

Wes

Our loving Ranjit, Leela and family,
With much love and prayers
Auntie Florence and Uncle Albert Miller

To the family: You are in our hearts and prayers

Alfred Pragasam and family

It was great to have known her and all four of you. My mom really loved her a lot and was happy to renew the friendship

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

To the family: You are in our hearts and prayers

I have oh, so many memories that date back to childhood and the times our families spent together, but one thing I will never forget and that is when I stayed with your family in Thackers Street and was unfortunate enough to contract smallpox.  I remember how your mama was my only companion through those lonely days when I had to be isolated, and how she bathed me with saffron and neem leaves when the pox subsided.  Will always thank her for that.  Helen aunty, a fond goodbye.  May God rest your soul.  Shan, Pri and Singhy - thinking of you all.  Love you, Mano, Canberra, Australia.

Kilpauk Garden Road-my second home away from my barracks. Many memories return at a time like this. 
Though time changes many things, memories are a constant, and though we cannot dwell on them, it's comforting to be able to reflect on them in time of need.
Aunty Helen is remembered with fondness.

To the Family:  I enjoyed getting to know "Aunty" this past 1 1/2 years at the nursing home.  She was always cheerful and had a pleasant smile and we enjoyed talking about India, her family and her friends.  Whenever there were pictures of family on facebook, I showed it to her and we will talk about that member of her family.  My mother and I miss her so much already because we pass by her room everyday.  We will continue to remember her.

My condolences to the family and to you ranjit.

Thank you Mama for opening your doors to me . Thank you also for all that you have done for me. You were awesome and you will be remembered fondly. To Singhy, Pri and Shanthi, Thank you too.

Your mom always had a cherry hello for me when I knocked on the door or called on the phone. She was a great lady.

To the family: I think of you all the time and am keeping you in my prayers. *hugs*

My dear friend, my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your Family. Love and Peace from my heart to yours. Keep your Mom alive with memories, daily thoughts and chats. As always your Mom is in your Heart and an Angel on your shoulder.

OBITUARY

Dr. Margaret Helen Masilamani

March 11, 1926 – June 11, 2013

Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services