With family

Her family was very important to Fawzia. Everyone was perfect; they could do no wrong; She also cared about elderly or ailing relatives. Her first trip after arriving in Sri Lanka was to visit elderly Addo uncle who lived south of Colombo at Kalutara. He has been ailing for sometime and Fawzia was also helping him financially.

Visiting Addo uncle in 2009

Niece Sheherazan, cousin Fati, and niece Dilshad at Pondside in 2011. Fawzia took this photo.

Her favorite relative was Thai Aunty who lived in Ragama, north of Colombo. The fatal accident occurred about 2 km from this aunt's house. Fawzia was planning to spend the night at Thai Aunty's and that was the reason for our visit. Fawzia often said that "Thai aunty brought me up".

On January 14, Gihan Samaranayake, who is married to Fatima (Thai Aunty's daughter) held his 50th birthday party in Ragama. Almost all of Fawzia's relatives were at the party. These photos were taken on that evening and on the 15th morning.

With sister Shirley, Thai aunty, and cousin Shan

From left: Cousin Shan, cousin Fatima, and niece Dilshad

With Farah, Dilshad's daughter

With Dilshad

Singing. Travis, Dilshad's husband, is in the center

January 15 was our 39th wedding anniversary. Fatima surprised us with a cake as the 15th dawned.

We left Ragama around 2 am for the drive to Pondside, talking about the party and reminiscing about our relatives. Fawzia usually falls asleep soon after she gets into a car. This time, she only slept briefly, making sure I was awake!