Obituary for Soma Perera
PERERA, Soma- Soma (Dias) Perera passed away peacefully at home in Niagara Falls, on May 20, 2023, at the age of 87. Soma’s family thanks God for her long and happy life. Predeceased by her darling husband Francis (2021). Soma was born January 17, 1936, in Millawa, Sri Lanka to parents Ceciline and Wiliyam Dias. Cherished mother of Sharmila (Keith) and Sujeeth Perera. Adoring grandmother of Dylan and Catherine. Sister of Punya Wickremaratchy, Hema Pathmaperuma, Sumana Senanayake, and Walter Dias.
Soma attended the School of Physiotherapy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where she met Francis and began their lifelong love together. Soma and Francis went on to have rewarding careers as physiotherapists in Sri Lanka and Australia before immigrating to Canada in 1973 with the encouragement of lifelong family friends Melville and Yanthie Perera. We are grateful to Melville for paving the path for many physiotherapists in Niagara. Soma worked as Manager of Physiotherapy at Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital, until retiring in 1992.
We remember Soma as wife, mother and grandmother, for her hospitality and for her devoted love and care towards her family, relatives and friends. Soma cherished husband Francis, who was the love of her life. Soma cared for Francis as he aged with enormous love and energy and stayed by his side at their home for many years. Their children cared for Soma and Francis and followed her example.
Soma also treasured and provided for her children and grandchildren. Soma leaves a legacy of love, of sharing her gifts and talents, her love of nature and having meticulous attention to detail. She valued good education and set a high standard for her family to follow by her example. Soma and Francis were delighted that their son Sujeeth joined them as a physiotherapist.
Soma was a woman of great faith and was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Scapular Church for many years. She was a member of the CWL and of the Canadian Federation of University Women. Soma and Francis welcomed many visitors to Niagara Falls from across the globe. They enjoyed travel, including pilgrimage to holy sites with family and friends. Their most memorable trip was to the Holy Land with Fr. Peter Rowe, whom they greatly admired. Soma entertained the gourmet cooking group at their home and took delight in ensuring that all who entered their home enjoyed her cooking. Soma and Francis spent many happy hours together in their garden and passed on their love of gardening to their children and grandchildren.
Soma’s family would like to thank our relatives, friends and caregivers for accompanying Soma on the last part of her journey in her home. Thanks to Dr. Dec and team, Dr. Ostrowski, and to PSW Thelma for her exceptional patience and care for Soma. Thanks to the PSWs from Paramed and Bayshore and coordinators for caring for Soma.
We are grateful to Fr. Peter Rowe, Fr. Rinchon, Fr. Michael Basque and the Carmelite Sisters in Sri Lanka for guiding Soma.
Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Scapular Church, 6557 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, on Saturday, June 24th at 10:15 am, followed by a memorial mass at 11 am. Donations to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul at Our Lady of Scapular Church would be appreciated.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morseandson.com
Soma attended the School of Physiotherapy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where she met Francis and began their lifelong love together. Soma and Francis went on to have rewarding careers as physiotherapists in Sri Lanka and Australia before immigrating to Canada in 1973 with the encouragement of lifelong family friends Melville and Yanthie Perera. We are grateful to Melville for paving the path for many physiotherapists in Niagara. Soma worked as Manager of Physiotherapy at Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital, until retiring in 1992.
We remember Soma as wife, mother and grandmother, for her hospitality and for her devoted love and care towards her family, relatives and friends. Soma cherished husband Francis, who was the love of her life. Soma cared for Francis as he aged with enormous love and energy and stayed by his side at their home for many years. Their children cared for Soma and Francis and followed her example.
Soma also treasured and provided for her children and grandchildren. Soma leaves a legacy of love, of sharing her gifts and talents, her love of nature and having meticulous attention to detail. She valued good education and set a high standard for her family to follow by her example. Soma and Francis were delighted that their son Sujeeth joined them as a physiotherapist.
Soma was a woman of great faith and was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Scapular Church for many years. She was a member of the CWL and of the Canadian Federation of University Women. Soma and Francis welcomed many visitors to Niagara Falls from across the globe. They enjoyed travel, including pilgrimage to holy sites with family and friends. Their most memorable trip was to the Holy Land with Fr. Peter Rowe, whom they greatly admired. Soma entertained the gourmet cooking group at their home and took delight in ensuring that all who entered their home enjoyed her cooking. Soma and Francis spent many happy hours together in their garden and passed on their love of gardening to their children and grandchildren.
Soma’s family would like to thank our relatives, friends and caregivers for accompanying Soma on the last part of her journey in her home. Thanks to Dr. Dec and team, Dr. Ostrowski, and to PSW Thelma for her exceptional patience and care for Soma. Thanks to the PSWs from Paramed and Bayshore and coordinators for caring for Soma.
We are grateful to Fr. Peter Rowe, Fr. Rinchon, Fr. Michael Basque and the Carmelite Sisters in Sri Lanka for guiding Soma.
Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Scapular Church, 6557 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, on Saturday, June 24th at 10:15 am, followed by a memorial mass at 11 am. Donations to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul at Our Lady of Scapular Church would be appreciated.
Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morseandson.com