It was at a Sri Lankan dinner dance, held many years ago in Hong Kong, that we first met George and Fawzia. We were all seated at the same table with some other friends too. It didn't take long for Fawzia to introduce herself and our friendship began.
Having got to know Fawzia better over the years, there were many features that stood out in her. The big smile she always had wherever you met her said many things about her. You never found her being angry or stressed over anything which was a remarkable feature in her. Being gentle, honest, helpful and her caring ways were some of her other great qualities. How remarkable to have all these qualities in just one person but that was who Fawzia was.
It was very clear when talking to George and Fawzia, how they loved the outdoor life and having picked Sai Kung as their home in Hong Kong, made it easier for them to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We joined them on walks to the Sai Kung Country Park which was close to where they lived and a memorable trip to an Island close by, ending up at the newly opened Sri Lankan Restaurant in Sai Kung. Fawzia's thirst to see and travel the world was very evident in all the foreign trips she made. Simply enjoy life seemed to have been her motto.
Fawzia was a well read person and would love to talk about the latest book she had read. Her love of books and teaching went hand in hand and all the numerous students who had the privilege of having had a mentor like Fawiza have truly been fortunate. Her thirst to help the less privileged in Sri Lanka was one of her prime concerns and in her humble way, many benefited by her generosity.
Very often, when we talked about our families back in Sri Lanka, she would always make it a point to talk specially about her elderly relatives and all her cousins whom she loved dearly. Visiting and spending as much time with them was one of the first things she wanted to do as soon as she arrived in Sri Lanka. They are all going to miss her terribly.
Having attended the memorial service at a packed hall at the Alliance International Church in Hung Hom, Hong Kong on February 22nd, just showed what an impact Fawzia had on so many she met in her daily life. One saw many heads nodding in agreement to what was said about Fawzia in the tributes rendered by her friends. To see Fawzia's big smile on the screen made it all so real. It was at this service, we learnt more about Fawzia's school days, when a tribute from Geroge was read out. Her talents in all types of games and athletics and all the extra curricular activities she excelled in and enjoyed so much by her, just showed what an all rounder Fawzia had been. It was this excitement we always saw in Fawiza wherever she was.
George, Roy, Shannon and Nelum - you can be so proud of a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother ,Fawzia was to you all. For who she was. Wherever she is, she will be looking down upon you and taking care of you all, smiling that big smile. That was Fawzia.
May you rest in peace.
Sharmi
With Sharmi & Sriyal, at the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung Country Park. December, 2009
