Latchminia Pardesi

Latchminia Baljor Pardesi (Sona)

February 11, 1930 – January 24, 2026

With profound love and deep sorrow, on behalf of her entire family, we are here to honor the legacy of Latchminia Pardesi, lovingly known as “Auntie Sona” and "Aunty Gold,” Born on February 11, 1930, in Port Mourant, Guyana, to her devoted parents, Kuna and Catherine Baljor. She was the 3rd of 7 siblings: Betia, Walter, Babalou, Puk, Seeta, and Ghandi.

Sona lived a life filled with meaning, faith in God, strength, and generosity. She was a woman of wisdom and worldly knowledge. Known for her warmth, her resilience, and her unwavering willingness to give of herself to anyone in need. Her home and heart were always open, and her presence brought comfort, guidance, and peace to those around her.

In 1944, she married the love of her life, Jairam Bharrat Pardesi, in her native Guyana, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in family and devotion. Their union was blessed with ten wonderful children, and through love beyond measure, she also adopted two daughters, embracing them with the same deep care and motherly pride. Unfortunately, her husband passed away suddenly on May 24th, 1973, leaving her to raise her younger children on her own.

Sona was admired for her work ethic and her dedication throughout her life. She worked tirelessly to help others and raise her family as a housewife and farmer. She was known as Auntie Gold, or Auntie Goldsmith, as she helped run the family Goldsmith business. Auntie Gold will always be remembered not only for what she did, but for the integrity, generosity, and kindness with which she did it.

Above all, Sona was a mother steady, nurturing, and deeply loving. Her life was one of sacrifice, service, and legacy. She leaves behind generations of family who carry her strength forward.

Sona’s legacy lives on through her loving children and their families:

Jerry, "Arjune" her eldest son, and his wife, Rani.

Sona’s late daughter Radica and her late husband Bissesar.

Her late sons, Amarnauth and Delo

Galo and her husband, Peter, and her late husband, Ivan.

Jimmy and his wife, Sattie

Her late daughter Guytri, her husband Harry,

Her son Bobby and Annie

Debbie and her husband, Rudy

Prabhoutee Ann and her husband, Michael

In addition, Auntie Sona had two adoptive daughters, Parbattie and the late Cheeto.

Her grandchildren are Nadira and Raj, Derek, Susan, and her husband Mukesh, Sandra, Rovin and Liz, Jankie and her husband Wahid, Prima, her late grandson Sunil. Debbie, Seeveta and her husband James, Steven, Diana, Janet and her wife Tanisha, Evita and her husband Sanjeev, Harry Junior, Raby, Uma, Crystal, Jason and his wife, Shauna, Charlene, Andrew, Matthew, and Michela.

Her great-grandchildren are Lola, and her husband Rey, Martin, Isaiah, Kyle, Katie, Nicole, Dylan, Anthony, Samaya, Raj, Rose, Quinn, Cairo, and Brandon.

She is also survived by her many beloved extended relatives, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her love, guidance, and generosity.

Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and in the lives she's touched. She left a legacy of love and was a woman who shaped the lives of generations. Her hands were blessed to help others. Her voice was blessed to guide. She lived a life of meaningful purpose.

She will be remembered always

as a mother of deep strength,

a woman of grace,

and a generous soul who loved to have fun, laugh, and she was loved greatly.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Sona. You will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held at R. Stutzmann & Son, located at 224-39 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY, 11428, on January 27, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The visitation will also be available via live stream at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/119880.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on January 28, 2026, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am.

Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, located at 83-15 Kew Gardens Rd, Kew Gardens, New York, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm on January 28, 2026.