From Bella , Mercy’s  great niece

The last time I visited Mani Patti, she taught me to play two player three not four. Cards have always been one of my favorite games, and it seemed like I had taken to the game pretty well. As we continued on it was even starting to seem like I just might win. But, as the game progressed, I started to notice little things: I’d see her smile when I played a good card, or sometimes when I was about to make a bad move, she’d show me a better option, but when it came to her turn to play, she’d always go for the second-best option! She wouldn’t make it obvious, she’d mix it up every now and again, but I knew then, that she was letting me win ♥️

That was just the type of person she was. She was one of the sweetest, strongest people I knew, and would always put forth the needs of others first. Every time we visited, she’d be there waiting after cooking one of our favorite meals, but not once can I remember her complaining about the pain she must have been going through.

The day she passed, I felt a physical pain inside my chest, although I knew there was nothing wrong with me. It was like I’d just returned from a long run; my lungs were tight, and I felt so incredibly drained. As I sat there, though, I suddenly got a notification on my phone; it was the Bible app. I opened it, and it took me to the daily message, and as I flipped through I soon arrived at the prayer. It said: “God, thank You for sending Your son so I can experience mercy and grace instead of condemnation.,” At that moment, I knew that while she now had a seat in Heaven, she was still here, watching over the ones she loved, and those who loved her. 

Thank you for everything, Mani Patti.

Love,
Bella

Dear Sahayini,Ananda and the rest of the Family.Our Deepest Sympathies on the Passing of your Precious Mother and Sister.
I have fond memories of conversations I had with Mercy and the times I visited her home in Sri Lanka  and also chats on Whatsapp after she moved to USA..She was a gentle Person,however a very Strong Woman of God.Always encouraging,Never focused on herself and never complained about Anything,even her illness.I learned from her to appreciate life.She was very Dear to me.I know she Loved me and my Family and we loved her too.I know You will miss her Dearly Sahayini but always know that you did the very best for her and kept her comfortable to the end.She has moved on to be with Her Creator and is in perfect Peace.She will be missed.
Trudy ,Ajit and Suasha

Dearest Saha,
I'm so sorry about the passing of your mother. She was a beautiful lady and I was blessed by her the times I talked with her at church. I'm grateful to have met her and I pray that the God of All Comfort will be with you, Ananda and the family. Love, 
Jocelyn M.❤

On Mercy’s eightieth birthday July 4th 2024

My deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss. You made your mother so proud. I am sorry her light is gone from your life. She feels no more pain. 
S.E. Arulanantharajah. 
(Mrs. Selvarani Kirupairajah' s youngest brother)

Our Dear Sahayini.
So sorry to know this sad news. She was a sympathetic lovely lady.However we have the assurance that she is in the presence of our Lord. Both of you also cared for her well.
May the Lord comfort you and strengthen you all at this moment of grief. Much love. 
Raja and  Shantha John

Very sad to hear the demise of Ariamani aunty.  She was such an affectionate and caring person. Our deepest sympathies to Sahayini and Anand. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Mum, I’m going to miss seeing you. 

Love Always, 
Hudson

Mum, thank you so much for letting me pick tomatoes from your garden. 

Love Always, 
Hudson

Dear Sahayini and family,
Words can't express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Mum. She was a beautiful woman of God and one of the kindest and most caring people I was fortunate to know. I’m grateful that God placed Mum in my life. I will forever cherish our friendship and every moment spent in her presence, but the most important thing I will always hold dear and appreciate is her reminder of James 4:15, which states, “What we ought to say is, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” Mum always reminded me of James 4:15, whether we were together or messaging on WhatsApp, especially during her illness.

My grandson Hudson also adored Mum. He loved visiting her and picking tomatoes from her garden. We will miss her immensely.

With love,
Paulette and Hudson

I was very fortunate to meet Mani in the sixties when her sister Willy and I shared an accommodation in Colombo.

We had so many beautiful occasions to meet, and she was like my little sister, always thanking me for every little thing that I did: from wearing a sari to frying sausages. I admired her simplicity, friendliness, and care for others. She was blessed with a fantastic memory, and she recalled every detail of good things but never spoke a word of her illness or what she was going through. 

After I heard the sad news of her passing, I re-read her last text to me, wishing my family well and how much she loved me. It was suffocating, to say the least. I'll always cherish her text. My head is heavy as I write this tribute . The only satisfaction in all this Mani, is that you are gone without suffering, having your daughter beside you. We will all miss you dear Mani. May your beautiful soul rest in peace.

Beatrice (de Silva)

Mercy Auntie, I am also a recipient of your kindness. Your faith in God was very steady and adverse circumstances did not shake you. I witnessed it at the time of diagnosis. You were very calm and confident. There was no trace of fear or anxiety. I am glad that you had the best treatment in the USA with  Sahayam and Ananda beside you. 
Sahayini and Ananda, you both did the best for her. I pray that God’s comfort will uphold you at this time of grief. 
With love
Chrishanthi

Aunty Mani reminded me of the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42.  In the parable, Martha prepares for Jesus by cooking and cleaning but is frustrated when Mary sits at Jesus's feet instead of helping her. Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but Jesus says that Mary has chosen what is best and that it will not be taken away from her, Mary sits at Jesus's feet and listens to him. She understands the importance of choosing to spend time with Jesus. 

To me, Aunty Mani was the best qualities of both Mary and Martha; the epitome of a heart that put Jesus first. She understood that the most important aspect of life was her relationship with Jesus and then poured the rest out for everyone who was blessed enough to know her. Her faith, love, and prayers lifted me in times that I needed it the most, she knew His word and her prayers always had such healing powers. No matter what she was going through, she just loved, wholeheartedly, unconditionally sharing only the best memories and letting everything else fall to the side.  

I am so grateful for everything you have taught me, Aunty Mani: to have a humble heart, to ask for forgiveness even for unkind thoughts, to forgive past wrongs, and to love like you did, like Jesus. Thank you, Aunty Mani, for all the valuable lessons; I will forever hold them close to my heart. I love you!

All My Love,
Shyamo

She fought a good fight, finished her course, and she is, an inspiration to everyone and also to the wider family of God. May we seek, by God's grace, to take up and carry that torch that she laid down on the night of her passing. We shall all miss her.🥀
Seelan and Family

Saha and Ananda,

May the Lord refresh you in this time. Our sincerely thoughts and prayers.

Love your family,
Gui and Jaque.

OBITUARY

Ariamani Mercy Arulrajah

July 6, 1944 – November 7, 2024

Burgee-Henss-Seitz Funeral Home Inc.

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