Kulsum Nauth

Mrs. Nauth was born July 10, 1924 in Leonora, Guyana to parents Rajani and Muhammed Bakridan. One of 10 children, she was the eldest daughter, who left school early to take care of her younger siblings. As a result, she was a firm believer in education and encouraged her family to reach their fullest potential.

As a young woman, Mrs. Nauth learned the art of cooking and sewing and took care of the finances of the house. Her sisters fondly remember family trips to the countryside to visit their grandmother where they sang together and took delight in the fresh air and fresh milk of the region.

Mrs. Nauth fell in love with Raj Nauth and they were married November 14, 1950 in Georgetown, Guyana. The couple had three daughters and opened their home to all, including family, friends and a number of animals over the years.

As a mother, she taught her girls the importance of a clean and tiny home, being self-sufficient and including God in your life.

She was also an active member in charity work, helping to organize Guyanese Indian cultural events with the Sarya Sai and Maha Saba and Brankumsris organizations in Guyana, and later to in the small community in South Dade, Miami.

Moreover, she was an extremely creative individual who had a passion for fashion and the culinary arts up until her death.

In the early '90s, Mrs. Nauth made a new life in the United States with her husband, caring for him until his death on July 25, 1994.

Those close to her remember her excitement of becoming a U.S. citizen. When asked, "Mrs. Nauth, are you willing to take up arms for this country?" Her response, "I don't know to fight but I can cook." She also believed in the power of the vote. An ardent reader of biographies, she was fascinated by leaders from Mahatma Gandhi to Bill Clinton.

Later in life, Mrs. Nauth enjoyed watching Bollywood films, traveling around the world, and cooking wonderful dishes from her homeland. She also loved singing songs from her childhood, talking to her sisters, and spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and great granddaughter. She spent her time between her daughters in Miami, New York, and Virginia.

Known for her smile, Mrs. Nauth's good-natured attitude and warm personality was a comfort to those she came into contact with over the years. She was a kind and selfless person who dedicated herself to family, and will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Nauth is survived by her three daughters and their spouses Sakeeta (Harridath) Mohabir, Shameena (Fazul) Baksh, and Tara (Albert) Baldeo; grandchildren Amar, Nadia (Sean) and Sachin; and great-granddaughter Sarla.

She is also survived by her sisters Isha Kumar, Shiroon Goolsarran, Nazmoon Ali, Sherene Singh, and their families; brothers Hyder Ali and Ramzan Ali and their families; sister-in-law Deoranie Dyal and family; and brother-in-law Basdeo Nath and family.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, September 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Branam Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements will be held Thursday, September 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a cremation service.