Shila Suresh Soneji

Shila Soneji celebrated 76.8 years of life. On June 17th, 2020, she passed away with dignity beside her loving husband of 50 years. She also left behind her daughter and son-in-law (Sina and Vladimir), son (Samir), six grandchildren (Vasant, Sachin, Sohail, Salila, Riya, and Rashmi), and 16 hosta plants that she watered religiously. Shila was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and showed her affection through food. Lots and lots of delicious food. On a typical day, she cooked a feast before sunrise, and then roused her children by clapping her hands loudly and telling them they were late. Her bhel puri was legendary and she only shared her taco salad recipe with blood relatives, and reluctantly so.

Shila was a realtor since 1978. She probably sold you your house, or at least thought she could have gotten you a better deal. She remembered all of her past clients’ phone numbers and could amortize the monthly payment on a thirty-year mortgage in her head. Yet, she could never find a pen, which is ironic because she frequently “borrowed” pens from doctors’ offices. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere and treated her clients like family.

Throughout her life, Shila overcame many health challenges, some chronic and others purely random (e.g., being struck by lightning). For the past ten years, she sported a third kidney because she thought the scar would make her look fierce in front of her friends at the pool. She never let any sickness set her back.

Shila was born in Mumbai, India in 1943 and was fondly known as billi (cat) to her sister (Surekha) and three brothers (Sharat, Surendra, Shrenik). She met her husband-to-be in 1969 and moved to Jamaica soon after they married where their two children were born. Shila lovingly called her daughter ‘Sinkodee” and happily participated in her nakra (high-maintenance activities). She spoiled her maro (my) Samir and frequently noted that he was delicate (to be fair, he is). She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them.

Shila’s warm, kind, and loving heart touched us all. She lived with grace and compassion. Although Shila has passed, her memories live on through her recipes, her negotiating skills, and the joy her family has already found in sharing her stories. We celebrate and honor Shila today and forever.