Vijaai Kanthi Edirisinghe

Vijaai Kanthi Edirisinghe, a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend passed away on June 13, 2026 at the age of 73 in the presence of family. She is survived by her husband, Gamini, her children, Dulnari and Supun, her son-in-law, Yanaal, and her cherished grandson, Amaan.

Kanthi’s generous spirit and her loving nature shaped everyone around her, from her children, to her husband, to her siblings. They all valued her opinion and looked to her for guidance. She forged her path in life, making sure that her life was of her own making. She became a trailblazer and an inspiration to her family, especially to the younger generation.

Her life, which was a testament to love, compassion, and dedication, began on November 4, 1952 in Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka. She grew up, married, and formed her family in her beloved Sri Lanka before immigrating to the United States with her family in 1982. Although she moved from her homeland, she never forgot her country or her people. She organized countless events and fundraisers throughout her lifetime for causes such as Sri Lankan Tsunami victims, Sri Lankan Veterans, and Sri Lankan orphans whom she helped gain an education. She also offered support, advice, and guidance to newly-arrived Sri Lankan immigrants. Moreover, she rallied with fellow like minded Sri Lankans for peace and an undivided Sri Lanka through the Sri Lankan Patriots.

Kanthi was a great advocate for education. As an educator, she spent many years shaping the lives of her students with creative instruction. After arriving in the United States, she chose to further her academic career by obtaining an AA degree from El Camino College and a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach. She completed these achievements while simultaneously caring for the needs of her young family. And in true Kanthi fashion, she graduated Summa Cum Laude, making her parents and family proud and inspiring others to pursue their own academic achievements. She then put those skills to good use as a computer systems analyst for the Los Angeles Community College District during a time where there weren’t many women working in tech. Her creative coding and innovative approach to solving problems was impossible to overlook.

Kanthi’s love for God was prominent. As a devout Catholic, her faith enriched her life, and she chose to share her love of God with others. She hosted numerous prayer groups and prayer services. She would also ask God to help those whom she felt needed assistance or guidance. She put her faith into action in the US by feeding and clothing the homeless in Los Angeles. In order to strengthen her faith and bring people together, Kanthi worked with both Catholic priests and Buddhist Monks on important causes which helped a multitude of people.

She will be remembered and missed dearly by her parents Joseph (late) and Winifred, and her siblings Kalyani and Ananda, Kusumal and Nelupa, Shanthini and Anton, Lakmaal and Mereeka, Indunilka and Yasantha and their family members.

It has been said that “death is the last chapter in time, but the first chapter in eternity.” While Kanthi’s passing has saddened us all, we can find comfort knowing she has ascended into the waiting arms of the Lord and has found eternal peace. A life of love, compassion, and dedication has delivered her to the everlasting love of the Lord and to heaven.