"Pari", as she liked to be called, was the quintessential old world aristocrat that flourished even in the new world. She has hosted dinners for the First Lady of Sri Lanka, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. But she also cooked for the poorest of the poor families, feeding almost half the village at several points. In her village in Jaffna, at a time when knowing a few words of English was considered miraculous, she spoke with flawless grammar and could quote both Shakespeare and the Bhagavad Gita. The graph of her life was filled with extreme peaks and valleys. She had been the Matriarch of the most respected household in the village, but also suffered through the war. Yet she never faltered, trooping on with grace and quiet strength like only she can. Perhaps as a reward for this kindness, she lived long enough to see all five of her Grandsons enjoy success and got to cuddle, kiss and play with all five of her beautiful Great-Grandaughters. She spoke to us only in English, when no one else in the household could. Her fluency was far superior to any immigrant we knew. We saw her as someone who came from the most sophisticated, regal background possible. The best testament to her selfless nature was how close she was to her son-in-law, with whom she had an extremely affectionate relationship, as well as her daughter-in-law. It's impossible to calculate the amount of sheer goodwill she accumulated over the years to pass on to her children. She would look after all of us in whatever manner she could. Now she can look over all us wherever we are. RIP Appamma.