My grandmother was a very lovable person.  She was like a magnet.  Everyone fell in love with her wherever she went.  After our loss, our phones were ringing non-stop from weeping relatives and friends.   Even people outside our immediate family considered her a part of theirs.  She made everyone feel special with her presence and affection.  

My grandmother loved cooking.  Even with two bad knees, she would insist on making a wide variety of Sri Lankan dishes for the large parties my parents host.  The food she made was very traditional with extra servings of pol kiri.  Dieting was impossible with her around because she always wanted us to eat.

 Although her body aged, her mind stayed sharp until the very end.  She had a Facebook, gmail, and Kaiser Permanente account.  She checked her symptoms and medications on google and had all the names and purposes of her pills memorized.  She knew how to go online and check the status of her visits.  Even the doctors could not help but giggle when she asked intelligent questions and explained her ailments.  They were impressed by her medical knowledge and the sharpness and wit she displayed in her old age.  She watched the Sri Lankan news on her laptop every night, and we would often go to her to find out what happened.  She even ordered her own cane from Amazon.com.  She was a tech savvy grandma.

My grandmother was a firm believer in Buddhism and understood the dharma very well.  She was very selfless and always thought of others before herself.  She loved everyone and would often say that everyone has weaknesses even herself.  She would lecture me often, but she had a way of communicating that made me want to listen.  

I was very close to my grandmother, as she raised me while I was in Sri Lanka until the age of five.  After I came to America, I would see her every few years when I went back to visit.  It was always a joyous family reunion.  She stayed in Sri Lanka and took care of her parents until they passed away.  Once all of our other grandparents passed away, we decided that it was best to bring her to the US.  Here, I got to know her once again.  My grandmother was very dear to me and I loved her very much.  Although I wish that she could have stayed with us longer, I'm glad that she lived a full and happy life.

From Nalin (This was the eulogy I gave at her funeral)

We are sorry for your loss. Mrs Madawala was such a great person, She will live on in our memories forever. May her attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!!!
Wijitha & Sisira Gunasekara.

Finding the words to express the sadness I feel these days isn't easy, but I want nothing more than to honour my Aththamma for the amazing woman she was. I am lucky to have had someone like you in my life and it's honestly very hard to accept that I wasn't be able to see you at least one last time! Your kindness, your selflessness and your gentle nature made me feel so happy and safe, and even though you were so far away I always felt your love and knew you were there for me. Seeing just how many lives you have touched with your loving heart makes me so proud to have been your granddaughter and I will always treasure the moments we shared. I hope that you are free from all pain and suffering, and that you find nothing but happiness. 
I love and miss you so much Aththamma,
From Shalini

My Aththamma is the most joyful person I knew. Always happy, funny and up for a laugh. I have so many memories with her, I don't even know where to begin. The number of beautiful dresses she created for me, my siblings and cousins are countless. I feel so very lucky to have had you as my Aththamma. Thank you for all the dresses with their intricate details, the food you made, for teaching me sewing, looking after me, and being there for me. But best of all I'm glad that I got to spend so much time with you. I still can't believe that you are gone but I hope you are in a better place. Love you Aththamma

She was known to me as 'Kurunegala Nendamma' since my school days.She was a kind,caring and friendly lady who was well respected by everybody known to her.
Her charming smile lights up her beauty and her character with an ability to turn even most saddest moments to happy atmosphere .It was remarkable that how she displayed her courage to bear the immense pain when her loving husband passed away suddenly during their trip to Dubai almost two decades ago.I admired her courage and it was unforgettable. 
May she attend Nibbana !

May Anula Akka be remembered for her compassion loving kindness toward her students and family as well as her generous efforts on behalf of the Sangha. A lovely person for all to  have known, May all beings be well, happy, and peaceful, Susan Singh ( Washington Buddhist Vihara Board)

She is known to me as 'Kurunegala Nendamma' from the time I saw her during my school days. She was a cheerful and friendly lady who loved life.She could lighten up any room and make anybody happy on even the saddest day with her smile.It was remarkable how she displayed her courage to bear the pain when her husband  passed away in Dubai almost two decades ago..If she was here today she would tell us not be sad and her smile and a big hug would certainly cheer us up.May she attend Nibbana.

Our deepest condolence!!! . May she attain Nibbana by shortenning Sansara. Keerthi and Family.

She was my grade four teacher...still remember her voice....and her lovely smile... Rest in Peace....

Dear Aththamma,

You were truly the most amazing grandparent any grandchild could have. I will forever cherish all the memories, cuddles and giggles I had with you. I want to thank you for all the times you took care of me, for all the delicious meals you made for me, and for all the love and support you gave me throughout my life. You were also the only other person who understood my crazy love for dogs, and I'm going to miss not being able to share that with you. You lived a full and great life, and so even though you're gone in person, you're still alive in all the memories you created with those around you. I will miss you so much, and I wish you a wonderful and blessed afterlife. Love you so much Aththamma. From Dinu.

I have only met you twice but got to know you so much. Aunty you were such a bright light to Lakshi and Tissa's home. You sat through house parties beautifully attired in your Kandyan saree from the evening late into dawn to listen  and enjoy the singing and dancing, smiling all the time. You wanted to be part of the group. You were such a wonderful,  kind and lovely lady.  A guiding light. You will be missed so much. But you have reached a superior place and will always live in our hearts. May you attain Nibbana.

Dear Anula Akka, 
May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirwana, to stop the painful cycle of birth, decay & death.....!

I can't even begin to describe the sadness I feel at having one of the kindest, warmest, most selfless, and most beautiful person in my life leave me. My Aththammi loved me wholeheartedly from the day I was born, and for every milestone I achieved, she was right there with me, supporting me, encouraging me and guiding me. Even thousands of  kilometres away, Aththammi never wavered in her love and support for me, and I can only hope that she knows how much I truly love and appreciate her. I am extremely happy that I got to see her when I came to the USA, that month I spent with her will be the month I cherish the most. I am so glad she saw me getting into med school as well, as she was my biggest support and advocate that I could do it! She believed in me. I hope you are proud of me Aththammi, and I hope to continue to make you proud. You lived a long and great life, and I will miss you so so much. I love from the bottom of my heart! From your grand-daughter, Sashika.

Though I did not know her personally, I feel Your loss, especially knowing how close all of you were. Our thoughts are with you Lakshi, Tissa and Nalin and the rest of the family members at this very difficult time. May her samsaric journey be short and trouble free. 
Ayomi, Vidya and Himadri Kariyawasam

Fond memories of her visit to NZ. She took care of us when We were in K'gala.  A great personality, lovely nature, kind gentle heart, smile always we going to miss.  Our deepest sympathies,May she attain Supreme Nibbana. Rukman Madavi & Dasun

We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. May she attain Nibbana!

Our deepest sympathies,May she attain Nibbana.

Nisha Indikati

Your kind,  wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts.

Deepest Sympathies. I met your mother in law only once and she was a such a nice and friendly person. Sorry to hear the sad news.

Our  Deepest sympathies on passing away of  your Mother/ Mother in law, Mrs Anula  Madawala, May She attain Nibbana,

                                                                 Jagath and Wathsala

Our condolences on the passing of your mother, may she attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!
Kaushalya & Tilak Panapitiya

Please accept our deepest condolence on the demise of your dear mother/ mother-in-law/ Grandmother. We met her only once but she was such a lovely character that the impact she made that day left her in our memories for the rest of our lives. May Dear Lord grant peace to her soul and heal the sorrowing hearts at this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies on passing away of your beloved mother/mother-in-law,Anaula Medawala. May she attain Nibbana.
Piyatilleke and Manel Herath

Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Our deepest sympathies are extended toward you and your family. Please know that we are here for you.
Kala Lanka Foundation of Washington DC,
President and Board of Members
(Upali Perera)

Our deepest condolences on passing away of your dear mother. Our prayers are with you.

Precious Anula Nandha, it just doesn't seem fair that someone as beloved as you should have left so soon.  You always smiled, you made us all so happy just being around you.  Your compassion and kindness was for everyone.  Thank you for your love and sweetness.  I love you and will miss you deeply. 
May you attain the ultimate bliss of Nirvana.
Lakshi, and family we join you in your sorrow, please accept our deepest sympathies, with our hugs,
Hiran, kumudini and family

OBITUARY

Anula Madawala

July 4, 1933 – February 16, 2016

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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