Hannah Swarnarani (Rani) Theivananthampillai

I pen a few words with great sadness over the loss of aunty Hanna Rani Pillai. Aunty Rani held a special place in my heart and as I sit down miles away I think of all the fond memories I have of her and aunty's husband uncle Dr Pillai. Whenever myself and my parents visited their home in Jaffna, uncle and aunty made sure we had a platter of food to indulge in including sweets and savouries. Of all aunty's skills the biggest is that she could walk into the room and make it bright just like a ray of sunshine. Rani aunty, you may have passed on but your memories should always live on within every heart you touched. I know you are in a much better place now you will be never forgotten and will be loved by many forever. Rani auntys simplicity was a forte, religion was no barrier to her friendship with people. Aunty Rani was a dedicated wife to her husband Dr. Pillai, a loving mother to her children Rajan, Dr. Chandri and Priyan and a good person to her neighbours and relatives. I hope aunty Rani will be a good human being to all living beings in the universe.

Paul I’m so very sad to read this. Your mum was such a kind soul with a deep and loving faith. I know she will be at peace

Thank you Rani for all the wonderful memories. So many benefited from your hospitality and Bible studies in your home in Pitt St. Memories of Christmas dinner in your home, learning how to make flat bread and other recipes and sharing food. The multicultural Bible study was awesome and the people that attended are now scattered around the world but the seed is there. May there be much fruit. My son who was in high school would do gardening with you. You and your lovely husband were a blessing to our family.

Dear Amma, You were so strong and independent all the way into your mid-90s! I am so thankful that you were able to leave us peacefully while knowing the Lord was taking you home. I am thankful for how you stepped in to care for our family, particularly in my early years when Mummy was ill. I will cherish the memories of you teaching me how to sew, paint and cook - you were certainly very talented in those things among many others. I also will remember your laugh and how you were able to enjoy the simple things. But mostly, I admire your commitment to your faith which grew stronger with time despite the adversities that you faced. You are an inspiration to me and I hope to follow in your footsteps. Lots and lots of love, Ruth xxx

Dear Mummy, It has been a great privilege for me to be your favourite (only) son-in-law. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and caring for me as one of your own. Thank you for looking after Chandri, Ruth Shanti and me on our visits to New Zealand so well. I really enjoyed our times together and particularly enjoyed your cooking. I shall miss your sense of humour and your virtually-silent bouncy laughs. Thank you for surrounding your family with prayer and I'm so glad that your wish to be with the Lord has now been granted in such a dignified and peaceful way. With love, Chris (Warren)

Rani aunty and Pillai uncle were two of the first few people my family and I met in Dunedin. The warmth that we felt at each encounter cannot be expressed in words. There was always tea and biscuits (which we devoured while listening to their wonderful stories of travel and history), but there were also the beautiful meals aunty often made for us and others when we were younger. Each time we visited, their beautiful home seemed to have welcomed yet another soul that needed some TLC. I will always remember the delectable “rich cake” aunty made for our wedding - the love and care she put in it was felt in every bite. Thank you for your kindness Rani aunty and rest in peace. You’ll always be in our hearts ♥️

Rani Pillai was my mum-in-law, but to me she was & will always be my ‘Mum’. She was a wonderful person & treated me like a daughter. We had many great years together. She was a great cook & taught me many of her dishes, but it was never the same as hers. I loved & adored Mum. I will miss the precious phone chats during birthdays, Christmas & Easter. (Mum never forgot to call on my birthday). I had the privilege to talk to her late July. We prayed together & she gave me her blessing & her love. I had a feeling this was our last chat. Mum, you will always be in my heart. Thank you for the being my mum too. I will miss you, but am consoled that you are now with our Lord. Be happy & rest in peace. Love always Joy

We thank God for Rani Maarmie who was an aunt who touched many of our lives by her love, prayers & encouragement.She was always joyful even in her difficult times & her strong faith was very evident to us. Thankyou for sharing your Godly dependence & talents in Art & cooking over the many interations we were able to have with this special aunt over the past yrs .We treasure the beautiful memories you have left behind. Glad you are in Paradise that you longed to enter & be with your maker. A life well lived & to be celebrated by all whose lives you touched in someway. Padmini Gnanaharan & family.

Rani Maamie, we praise God that you are in paradise with your Lord and saviour forever. Your eyes were fixed on Jesus even in difficult circumstances. Thank you Rani Maamie for your love, kindness and encouragement to me throughout my life. I fondly remember the special holidays with you in Nuwera Eliya and Nallur when I was a child. You lived out Paul’s words “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… “ Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ We thank God for your life here and your impact on so many. We will miss you but rejoice that you have taken your place at the Lord’s banquet! Dharo, Majella & Sebastian

I hope this tribute captures the essence of my feelings for my beloved aunt, Rani Mamee. Though her presence in my early years was brief due to her family's move abroad, her two visits to Vancouver, Canada made up for her long absence. She brought joy into our lives with her laughter, her stories, and her indomitable spirit. The bond she shared with my uncle was something truly special. Every country he chose to live and every challenge he took, she stood by his side, with remarkable strength and grace. Her unwavering love for him was a testament to the power of a devoted wife. She was his confidante, his partner, and his greatest champion. My aunt had a way of making everyone feel valued, seen, and loved. I was indeed impressed with her strong faith in God and divine healing. To Rani Mamee: Thank you for the unwavering support and the boundless love you gave to my beloved Mama. Your legacy lives on in our hearts, through the values you instilled in your three children, and in the love, we continue to share with them. Rest in peace, dear Rani Mamee. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. With enduring love, Sam, Angela, Michelle, Kathryn, Eva and Samantha

Rest in Peace Rani Aunty. Remembering with Thanks all the affection you showed us ... and of course the delicous cakes. Kumaran and Family and Saras Nava, Singapore.

Rani has been a tower of strength to those who came to her home, a gentle word of encouragement, a cup of tea, and a safe place.