Felicia Wimalawanthy Jeyarajah

Felicia Wimalawanthy Jeyarajah, born in Sri Lanka on July 13, 1931, was a true trailblazer. She was among the early group of women to graduate from University of Peradeniya, where she trained to become an educator. At 5’2” and draped in a sari, she commanded respect at the helm of many classrooms. She was the third of nine Selvadurai children— perhaps she adopted her steely, straightforward demeanor in her early years. She married Reginald and had Renuka, Arjun, and Rohan. She nurtured their curiosity and ensured they attended the best schools. Each of Felicia’s children are now leaders in their respective fields.

Felicia was wry and practical. She and Reggie brought up their children in Zambia, leaving their home country amid rising political turmoil. She fielded new social challenges with grace, dignity, and humor.

Once, she was hospitalized at a ripe, old age, and her medical team initiated end-of-life planning, however, Felicia wasn’t interested in dying then. She told her family that she’d wait until the next election. This happened seven years ago— hundreds of king-size Hershey bars, dozens of slices of cheesecake, and five rings (three on her third finger) later. What better way to mark the passing days?

Felicia took her final breaths surrounded by loved ones on September 25, 2024. She is survived by siblings Letitia (late Vernon), Timothy (Indranee), David (Christine), Stephen (Gnana), Paul (Debbie), and Rohini (Luke), children Renuka (Mark), Arjun (Jenny), and Rohan (Shemara); grandchildren Amaya, Mishthi (Lucas), Angeli (Julian), Yasmin, Nicholas, Shehan (Bhargavi), Prashan, and Shara; great-granddaughter Sona; and the wonderful Healthcare Resort of Plano staff. She is joining Reggie, Anton, Pat, and her parents.