Pura Carlos Idea Mohan

The youngest of three children, Pura was born in Sariaya, Quezon, Philippines. In 1967, she followed her sister to Washington, DC, where she would build a life and become a true Washingtonian. Before moving to the United States, she graduated from St. Theresa’s College in Manila in 1965. Upon arriving in Washington, she attended Strayer University, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Business.

That same year, Pura began her career at the International Monetary Fund. Over the course of 36 years, she worked her way up to Documents Officer before retiring in 2006. Her career took her around the world on official assignments, and along the way, she made countless friends and lasting memories.

In 1968, Pura met the love of her life, Vishaw Kumar Mohan. They shared 58 years together and were married for 47 of them. A proud Catholic Filipina, Pura wholeheartedly embraced Vishaw’s Indian heritage and culture. She learned to prepare authentic Indian dishes, celebrated religious holidays with her family, and became one of the Indian Cricket Team’s most enthusiastic supporters. She proudly followed the team through World Cup appearances in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland, India, and Sri Lanka.

Pura was a true social butterfly who never met a stranger. Her home in Washington was a gathering place for family and friends, where she joyfully hosted Thanksgiving, Christmas, Diwali, and countless other celebrations. She organized annual family reunions and high school reunions in Manila each February, always bringing people together with her warmth, generosity, and infectious spirit.

Family was at the heart of Pura’s life. She shared a particularly close bond with her cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Within her family, she was lovingly known by many names—Baby Auntie, Babes, and Ate Pit—each one reflecting the special place she held in the hearts of those who loved her.

A lover of travel, food, and a good time, Pura was also an avid NBA and WWE fan, a gifted painter, and a devoted foodie. But above all else, she was the most loving and doting grandmother to her two grandsons, Jaden and Ethan, whom she adored beyond measure.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arcadio Vendiola Idea and Dolores Carlos Idea; her brother, Arcadio Idea, Jr.; and her sister, Maria Dolores Carlos Idea.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Vishaw; her two children, Abhimanyu (Mister) and Monica (Missy); her son-in-law, Anthony; and her two grandsons, Jaden (Makulit #1) and Ethan (Makulit #2).

A gathering to celebrate Pura’s life will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Family and friends are warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated as we come together to celebrate Pura’s extraordinary life and the love she gave so freely to all who knew her.