C. Kitty Nanaya

Wife of 52 years to her beloved, late husband Nani
Beloved mother to Nita and Nisha
Precious Grandma  to Tara, Aneka and Kiran
Dearest mother-in-law to John and Neel

Tributes from the Heart:

From Nita: My Mummy

My earliest memories of my mummy: Beautiful, elegant and funny. I loved to watch her apply her makeup and drape her sari. I was known to help myself to her lipstick, eyeliner and high heels as a toddler!!

A strong lady with unwavering determination, the most intelligent person I’ve known who not only achieved  the highest professional status in her field with a Doctorate in Education after 40 years of experience in teaching but also a perfect mother and grandmother who loved us dearly.
Her students in Somalia and Poona, both in schools and university loved her for the caring teacher she was.
She came from humble beginnings and inspired us to achieve our personal best at all times, both in our professional and everyday lives.

Throughout my life she has been my ultimate role model and guide: Firstly as Nisha’s big sister, then a school girl, medical student, postgraduate surgical trainee, wife to John, mother to Tara and Kiran and finally a Specialist Surgeon.

She was larger than life, mischievous and had her wicked sense of humour until the end calling us monkeys, the grandkids little monkeys and tickling my palm as I held her hand in her final hours.

I thank her for everything that she did and for making me who I am.
I know she will watch over us forever .

From Nisha: My precious mother

My precious mother was a book of endless chapters,
Family and friends colored the pages, as did her many adventures.
Her life spelled out quite a panoramic drama,
But her most coveted titles were “Mrs” “Mom” and “Grandma”!

A very spiritual soul, a fearless warrior with quiet strength,
She embraced many skills and continued to regale us at length
With a twinkle in her eyes and mischievous smiles
She enjoyed teaching, cooking, knitting, texting and traveling many miles.

How fortunate am I, to have basked in her glory,
For she gave me the courage to write my own story
As I add to the pages of this endless book, I know her beautiful spirit will guide this endeavor
And in my heart, there is no doubt that my precious mother will be with me, forever.

From John: Grandma Kitty,

I first met her and Nani in person in 1992, when Nita and I announced our engagement. She had learned previously that I had a great love of cashew nuts, so whilst we were living in England, she would frequently send a packet of these nuts over for me.

She and Nani treated me very well as their future and, from 1993, their first son-in-law. They travelled over to England, from India for our wedding as my parents were too old and frail to make the reverse journey.

Over the years since then they made many, highly appreciated, visits to first England, then New Zealand and finally, Kitty visited us in Townsville, Australia in 2019 when we first settled there. I enjoyed her Indian cooking, especially as it was so different from that in the standard Indian restaurant, which is from North India, whilst they originated from South India. Her cooking of Italian food was also enjoyed by all.

I was very impressed that she had achieved a PhD in Education just as she was retiring. This also, though, gave her more time to spend with her daughters’ families, especially the grandchildren.
I will miss her.

From Neel:
Whenever I think of my mother in law, I cannot but reminisce about her culinary skills. Not only did she introduce me to Coorgi cuisine, but she constantly experimented with other dishes as well. So much so that I cannot remember too many occasions when she served me a repeat dish.

Her curiosity and interest in matters far and wide were exemplary. And she became a role model for all of us, especially her grandchildren, when she succeeded in getting a PhD at an advanced age.
She was a teacher to all throughout her life, and overall a kindred spirit.

Mummy we will miss you. May you rest in eternal peace in your heavenly abode.

From Tara: To Grandma, with Love

Throughout my childhood, I enjoyed clowning around with my grandparents, made possible because they travelled halfway around the world to spend time with us. Grandma even familiarised with technology to make video calls. Between the moments of mischief, she taught me so much - from knitting, sewing, and cooking, to how to live life to the fullest. She taught by example, always striving for what was important including family, charity, education -even getting her PhD after teaching for over 40 years. She made the most of life, always acted with love, and is an inspiration to so many.

From Aneka: My dearest Grandma

My Grandmother was a fiery woman - an educator, a creative, a rebel - always unafraid to fight for what she believed in and stand up for those she loved.
Her deep passion for her craft and her unending love for her family shone through in every single thing she did. Whether it was spending hours toiling away in the kitchen, or praying endlessly that we would find success and happiness in our lives, it was glaringly evident that her family always came first in her heart and mind.
Even in her final moments, she was constantly inquiring about our welfare. “Have you eaten? Have you slept? Are you taking care of yourself?”

Such is the selfless and unconditional love of a grandmother.

From Kiran: My Grandma

My Grandma was a smart and energetic lady. She was 82 going on 22, always joking with me and displaying her playful personality. She was the mitochondrion of our family, always being the powerhouse! She was a biology teacher who achieved a PhD in education. She helped to maintain strong cohesion within the family. Grandma always listened to me playing the guitar and helped me with my biology homework when I was in year 7. She was the best cook in the world! She was a very spiritual person who lived a life of no regrets, and I am grateful that she will be at peace now.

In lieu of flowers or cards our family would like to request donations to any charity of your choice in Kitty’s memory