A Life That Held Many Lives - an ode to a great woman She was born where the northern winds of Jaffna learn patience from the sea— Chilipuram, a name still warm with memory. They called her Nagulambikai, and also Rajeswari, a woman shaped by duty, and by love that did not need to speak its name. In nineteen fifty-nine she crossed a threshold, loving wife to Sivakaruniam, learning the long art of shared days and quiet endurance. When death arrived too early, and took her beloved husband from the home they built, she did not bend her spine to sorrow. She stood. She became both shelter and direction, raising her filial children with a firm compassion, teaching them that education is a lamp no storm can extinguish. They grew into respect, carrying their family name upright in community and society. She knew that love must sometimes refuse. When her only son, Sivanesan, leaned too deeply into the pull of the soccer field, she turned him gently, firmly, towards books, discipline, and purpose— and from that turning rose Dr. Sivanesan, a man of standing, shaped by her resolve. Through all the years she remained a mother without pause, a wife faithful even to memory. Beside her walked a friendship rooted in youth— Seethadevi Sivarajasingam, schoolmate from Victoria College, Jaffna, where two young women once excelled in sport and learned the joy of shared strength. She leaves behind children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren— a living line of her quiet courage. Now she has laid down the weight of days. May God receive her as she received all— with patience, firmness, and enduring love. Om Nama Sivaya.🙏 - Prof (Dr) Siva Mahendran (18/1/16). May aunty’s soul rest in peace in the Lord’s abode for eternity!

Dearest Thevi. My heart is breaking for you. I just heard about your mum, and I am so deeply, deeply sorry. Reading your words about her, I could feel the immense love and light she brought to your family. What a beautiful soul—creating a home of warmth, laughter, and incredible food, and loving your children so fiercely. That is her incredible legacy.
Please know I am holding you and your family in my heart. I won't call now to give you space, but I am right here. I'll check in in a couple of days. In the meantime, I am just so sorry. With all my love and sympathy,

A truly wonderful and beautiful person with a very kind heart. She was my Mother’s Best Friend and has always been there for my family. Due to a very bad accident my Parents were hospitalised in Malaysia and she and Uncle immediately sprang into action and took us in under their care, providing us with Food and accommodation for months till my parents recovered and returned. That’s how kind and wonderful she was.
As much as I try to recall, I’ve never seen a sign of anger in her. She was always smiling, for me she will always be an Angel on Earth.
Thanks Aunty for being there for me and my sisters. We will forever be grateful for the love that you have shown us. Keep smiling and blessing us from above🙏❤️

Dearest Nuka So sorry to hear of mum's passing. You nursed her to the end. She could not have had any better daughter caring for her. It is always a shock and Geoff and I send you our deepest condolences to you and your family. You will carry the beautiful times you have had with her in your heart. These are the great treasures of life.
Much love and hugs❤️❤️❤️

Aunty's smile, cheerfulness and her aura will always be something l will remember her by..... I am honoured to have known her - a kind, strong, independent and an amazing lady.
She lived a full, fulling life...she ran life's race ..she embraced her journey...walked with strength and lived with purpose.
May her soul rest in peace.

Dearest Sister...
Aunty's cheerfulness and her aura will always be something l will remember her by...l am honoured to have met such an amazing lady. She lived a full, fulling life...she ran life's race ..she embraced her journey...walked with strength and lived with purpose.
May her soul rest in peace.

Tribute to My Mummy My Mummy was my strength, my comfort, and my safe place. She was always there for me — in my happiest moments and in my hardest days — with a love that never wavered and a heart that never judged. She had a way of putting everyone else first, even when she was tired or hurting herself. Her love was quiet but powerful, shown in the way she cared, worried, cooked, prayed, and always made sure we were okay before thinking of herself. Mummy taught me kindness, patience, and resilience, not through lectures, but through the life she lived every day. Her sacrifices were endless, and she carried them with grace and dignity. I am who I am because of her. I miss her voice, her touch, her smile, and the comfort of knowing she was just a call away. The emptiness she leaves behind is deep, but so is the love she gave — a love that will stay with me forever. Thank you, Mummy, for everything you gave, everything you endured, and everything you were. I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life. Rest peacefully, my beautiful Mummy.

OM Shanti 🙏
Please accept our condolences. Charismatic personality which is seen on her face, Her blessings WILL BE ALWAYS AND IN ALL WAYS with you family, nanbhare.
Regards, Mohan's Hyderabad, India

Aunty was like mum to me also. Always smiled and talked with me anywhere we met - in temples, functions and at public places like when doing shopping, etc. Her innocence spoke through her smiles and pleasing countenance always. Once my mum’s schoolmate, she was always respected as a compassionate lady who knew no malice against anyone. May her soul rest in peace in God’s abode for eternity!

அன்புள்ள அம்மா... உங்கள் பிரிவு எனக்கு மிகுந்த வேதனை அளிக்கிறது ... உங்களுடன் இருந்த இந்த ஆறு வருடத்தில் நான் மிகவும் சந்தோஷமாகவும் பாதுகாப்பாகவும் இருந்தேன். என்னை நீங்கள் உங்கள் சொந்த பிள்ளையைப்போல பார்த்துக்கொண்டீர்கள்🙏😥🙏 இன்று உங்கள் இழப்பு வேதனை அளித்தாலும்...!! நீங்கள் செய்த நன்மை உங்கள் ஆன்மா சுவர்க்கத்தில் போய் சேர கடவுளை வேண்டுகிறேன் . 🙏Really miss you amma 🙏

My deepest sympathy for Siva's family. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Mdm Nagulambikai personally, it is clear to me from the love, stories and values she passed on that she was a remarkable woman. She raised a family which reflects her kindness, strength and compassion, and her influence loves through them. Her life was one of meaning and care, and she will be remembered not only for who she was, but for the goodness she inspired in those around her.

Aunty was a beautiful soul. She was my mother's best friend and loving and kind aunty to us. She was always there in our times of need. She and my mother were best buddies and whenever there was a crisis

Aunty Sivakaruniam was a kind, caring and a loving person. During couple of visits to Singapore, we enjoyed her hospitality. A truly noble and an inspiring lady. May her soul rest in peace.

Pl accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. She was a very nice person and was always present at SCTA events to support your dad. God bless 🙏

I will always remember Maami for her warm smile. She was not only mum’s good friend, but had always been around to lend her support during both happy and sad occasions. I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to know her. You will be missed dearly.

Wishing our dear and cheerful Aunty a peaceful journey. Her constant smile and loving habit of always checking if we had eaten will forever stay in our hearts. May God bless her soul. My condolences to all of you and your family. 🌷

I had the privilege of meeting Mrs Sivakaruniam, a remarkable lady when her daughter Thevi became part of the Chelliah family. Whenever my mother and I met her, aunty Sivakaruniam impressed us with her kindness, caring, graciousness and caring manner. We always felt welcome at her place. She is now in eternal peace🙏

Dear Chinnama,
It’s hard to believe you’re no longer with us, But I take comfort in knowing you passed away peacefully. I will forever cherish our conversation in 2024 during my last visit to Singapore, where you gently reminded me “Sivananthan please take care of your health”. You’ve been such a big part of my life for over 68 years, Your smile, and your vibrant spirit will be deeply missed. May God take care of your kind soul and give you eternal peace. Om Namashivaya. You will always have a special place in my heart my dear Chinnamma With love,
Sivananthan Kajang, Malaysia

Mummy, saying goodbye to you, on the 18th January 2025 is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. You were not only my mother, but my strength, my comfort, and my constant support. You filled our home with love, warmth and laughter, always through your beautiful n yummy cooking and your joy in bringing people together. No one ever left our house hungry, and no one ever left without feeling welcome. You were an amazing cook and a natural entertainer, but above all, you were an incredible grandmother. You helped look after my children with so much love, patience and devotion. They were safe, cared for and deeply loved in your presence, and that is a gift I will forever be grateful for. The memories you created with them will live on in their hearts always. Thank you, Mum, for everything you gave us – your time, your care, your sacrifices, and your unconditional love. Our lives are richer because of you. You will always be with us, in our meals, our gatherings, our stories, and in the love we pass on to our children. Rest peacefully, Mum with Pappa. You are forever loved and forever missed.

My sinnama was a very cheerful, happy go lucky person who was very helpful n a close confidante . A good cook n a homemaker i used to live with her during my holiday trips from KL since 1973. A Very sincere person n may Lord shiva bless her in her next journey . Om Nava Shivaya 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿.

A very soft spoken person and always with a very nice smiling face. Will always cherish beautiful memories of aunty.

Nesan. You were privileged to have such a loving, kind and caring mum. Hope her unconditional love for her family and the good memories you carry in your heart will comfort you in the coming days. I will always remember your mum’s gentle and sweet demeanour.

Our dearest and beloved Baby aunty. I an my family can never ever forget your luving mature, kindness & hospitality that you had showered upon me & my family whenever we come down to visit you, my beloved Sitappa & your luvly children. I still remember the day when you got married in Chulipuram & how beautiful you looked beside my handsome Sitappa. You were a like a second mother to me, the way you took care of me n showered me with your love each time my family & i visit you in Spore. You were A Beautiful Angel who Walked on Earth, always smiling & looking happy to see all of us. You were like a younger & luving sister to my beloved Papa & Mummy. I'm deeply sadden & very sorry that i'm unable to attend your funeral due to unfortunate circumstances. Michael & i will definitely attend your 31st Anthiyesty ceremony & prayers. My dear brother Selvan is in S'pore to attend your funeral on behalf of me & my family. You loved me & my brother ad your own children. My love & thoughts are forever with you my darling snd beloved Baby Aunty, til we meet again. May your Great & Beautiful Soul Rest in Peace at the feet of Lord Shiva, Om Namah Shivaya. 🙏🌹🙏 From Michael and Pushpa

Ammamma was the heart of our family, a source of wisdom and warmth, and she can make a house feel like home. Although no words can fully capture everything she was or how much she meant to the Cheliah Family, I hope this tribute gives you a glimpse of her love, her laughter and her strength. I had a connection with my Ammamma that felt like no other connection with any family member. She was the one that could provide the right advice and words when I needed it. She listened to my stories as though every word mattered, she had a way of making everyone feel welcome and she turned simple moments into cherished memories. Ammamma had a quiet strength, what we’ll miss most about her are the small gestures that showed how deeply she cared. Above all, she instilled in us values of generosity and compassion. These are the qualities that continue to shape me even now. Every evening, she lit a lamp and prayed for our wellbeing, not asking for anything in return. In those moments I learned humility and the importance of caring for others. Ammamma also embodied resilience. She had lived through difficult times, yet she carried herself with dignity and found joy in simple things. She showed me that true wealth comes from love, kindness and shared experiences, not from material possessions. She could make everyone feel seen and heard. Ammamma was a person who loved freely, laughed often and supported each other without question. Thank you Ammamma for every lesson, every embrace and every story. Though you are no longer with us in person, your spirit lives on in the love you showed and the family you helped create. You will always be in our hearts.

Thambi Boy Maami, as we affectionately called her, was a kind and good-natured person who smiles radiates with such warmth. She played a big part in our lives as my sisters and I were growing up. She and my late mum shared a bond beyond words, often sharing parenting advice, cooking recipes, shopping, going to temples … They forged such a beautiful friendship, always looking out for each other even in their later years of lives. Maami, I will cherish all the lovely moments we had shared as family. Thank you for showering us with all the love. You will be missed you dearly.

my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to you, your sisters and respective families on the demise of your mother. Wishing you strength during this period of mourning.
You take care!

Dear Members and Friends, It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Nagulambikai Sivakaruniam on 18 January 2026 in Singapore. She was the beloved mother of our TSNT member Thevi Chelliah (and her siblings in Singapore), mother-in-law of Thiagus Chelliah, and cherished grandmother of Venaska Carmoni Chelliah, Deshan Chelliah and her other grandchildren in Singapore. On behalf of the Tamil Society of the Northern Territory, we extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Thevi, Thiagus, and their entire family during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this great loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace. In sympathy,

Tribute to Mrs. Nagulambikai Sivakaruniam With deep respect and fond remembrance, we pay tribute to Mrs. Nagulambikai Sivakaruniam, a proud Ceylonese lady who lived a long and meaningful life, passing away peacefully at the age of 89. She was a woman of quiet strength, grace, and dignity—someone whose values, kindness, and resilience shaped the lives of those around her. Rooted in her heritage and guided by compassion, she carried herself with humility and wisdom earned through decades of life’s experiences. To her family and loved ones, she was a pillar of love and guidance; to all who knew her, she was a gentle presence and a source of warmth. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the lives she touched, and the values she passed down through generations. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her family find comfort in the rich life she lived and the love she leaves behind.

Aunty always had a welcoming and encouraging smile. I used to bump into her during mother’s medical appointments at NUH. That smile took away the dreariness of the appointments at the hospital. Always very friendly and engaging in conversations, it was nice to bump into her. I also had interactions with her in the early days of helping make mothagams during Vinayagar Sathurthi. Definitely good memories for me. Will miss Aunty dearly! May She be at Peace!

My dear Renuka( Nuka) So sorry to hear about the passing of your mum . You were a dutiful daughter in caring for her especially when she needed it most. I remember her slight but powerful figure every time I saw her when we were a lot younger. She was always an inspiration on how the small can be mighty in the way she handled her home. God bless her soul and may she rest the eternal rest in peace. You take care of yourself too. Much love and big hugs. ❤ Indra

Dearest Akka( Renuka) and family On behalf of the Ramasamy family, we would love to express our love and feelings for our favourite Clementi Mamee ( Baby Aunty) It definitely has been truly heartbreaking and devastating news for all of us with regards to the passing of our beloved Clementi Mami. She was my dad's cousin sister. My dad always joked that the relationship can be traced in 7 different ways through the different inter-connections. Since they're the same age and grew up in Jaffna ( Chulipuram village) together, they both were very close and had lots of wonderful memories from their childhood days to share. I personally grew up watching how they would joke and tease each other. Despite their differences in views, they always cared for each other acs calked each other special loving endearments. She was also very close to my mum, another cousin to her by blood. Their daily phone call updates and chats filled with joy and laughter livened up our homes. This would be something truly missed especially by my mum (amma). Clementi Mami was known to be a very kind and warm hearted person. Her bright smile and scrumptious meals would always be imprinted in our hearts and minds. Her cooking especially her ginger rice and chicken curry would be one of the many fond memories I have of her. This year's birthday would feel abit different since mami and I celebrate our birthdays one day apart and she would always try to wish me for my birthday. Good bye mami and thank you for loving your cousin brother, cousin sister, their children and grandchildren as your own. May you rest well now. We Love you a lot. Om Namashivaya.🙏 Much Love, Ramasamy uncle and aunty, Selvi, Selva, Raja, Vino, Sunthari, Esu, Diviya and Kaashini 🩷

Nallachi was a kind n compassionate person. She was support to my mum when my brother left us. She kept in touch with my mum when she was alone. I will always remember her kindness n cheer fullness. May her soul be in peace

Dear Ananthy and family Nallachi ( chinnama) was a compassionate person. She stood by my mum when we lost my brother at a young age. She was with my mum most of the 31 days prayer period. She had been a reliable shoulder to lean onto. She has always been a very cheerful and good person. May she rest in peace always. 🙏🙏🙏 With Love, Chandrani and family

Chinnamma I will always remember your beautiful smile and kind hospitality. Sittappa and you make a perfect couple. God bless both of you. Om Namasivayah

My dearest Renuka (Nuka) The great memories of happy times with your mother will always be with you. You were blessed with a wonderful mother and that is a great gift. Your mum and her love for you will live forever in your heart. ❤ Stay strong and be well in this hard period in your life. Love to you and many, many hugs from your Singapore sista in Philadelphia(US) Elizabeth Surin Ex-classmate and close friend of Renuka( eldest daughter)

Dear Renuka You know we have been family friends for decades. At least 5-6 decades at least. I call your mum , my special aunty, Aunty Siva. Her sweet smile and warmest welcome were always there for me and my family. We have been going on many outings over the years. Her advice on life was very precious and she would give practical examples while smiling all the time. That gives me more confidence in carrying out my actions. I love her and I will miss her tremendously. May she Rest in Peace. Much love to my Aunty Siva! Yours lovingly Mrs Vijaya Ranjan ( close Family Friend)

Dearest Renuka Your mum, Aunty Siva,is such a lovely person always with a genuine smile. I carry this smile in my mind always. Whenever I speak to her, she relates with my conversation and many times give helpful advice and suggestions. Meeting her in many temple functions or when I visited her with you, Renuka , your mum made me very happy as she always had her kind words for me. I always had a good feeling when I’m with her and I know she’s a very kind soul. I will miss my nice Aunty Siva very much. Love always Yasodha ( close Family Friend)