A courageous lady she was idolised by all of us

It was a gloomy evening with a thin drizzle on Wednesday, April 27 when I entered the highway from Aturugiriya to proceed to my sister-in-law, Eileen Dane’s residence at Hendala. Eileen was in hospital, critically ill. Our immediate family and relatives had organised a prayer ceremony that day to invoke blessings for Eileen’s speedy recovery.

She was a courageous lady who had bravely fought through many serious medical encounters and I was confident she would come out of this episode as well. Then I received the dreadful news from the hospital that Eileen had breathed her last. The thin drizzle had ceased and I felt it was misty all around.

Eileen Dane, a proud product of Bishop’s College Colombo began her career at the Central Bank and remained there loyally until her retirement with an unblemished record. A charming, charismatic and selfless personality, she was much loved and cherished by everyone. Perhaps her first encounter with death was on January 31, 1996, when LTTE terrorists crashed a truck laden with powerful explosives through the main barricades of the Central Bank building. Eileen who was in one of the upper floors, stumbled down the stairways all the way to the street below and fled for her life amidst fierce fighting between the military and terrorists. She escaped the ordeal unscathed, but was deeply saddened by the death of 91 persons and the over 1400 casualties.

The following year, 1997 was the most challenging and devastating event in her life, when her much adored husband, Col. Nizam Dane made the supreme sacrifice by laying down his life in defence of his motherland. She was absolutely shattered. No amount of sympathy from her nearest and dearest and closest associates sufficed to console her. The devastation led to the deterioration in her health.

Eileen had a strong affinity with her only daughter Romola. Theirs was a special relationship filled with abundant love, understanding and caring. Eileen was equally fond of Naushad, Romola’s husband and was particularly passionate about her three grandchildren Rishard, Hayathi and Tehani all of whom have excelled in their academic pursuits. They will miss Eileen dearly.

As years rolled by her health continued to decline and she had to undergo a few surgeries. She faced each of those medical challenges bravely and came out a winner. After one such delicate brain operation she smilingly told me in lighter vein, ‘I was at the doorstep to the land of no return, but was rejected’. I replied, ‘Born again, you would not go anywhere again’.

Despite her failing health, she dedicated her time to charity and the welfare of the needy. She was an active member of a number of charity organisations, besides personally assisting the poor and deserving. She was a person with purity in thought and action, compassionate of the aggrieved and distressed. She was an excellent counsellor who lent a patient hearing to a disturbed mind and who with her kind words of advice consoled and healed the minds of many.

Eileen Dane was the senior-most member of our close knit family. She was much respected and idolised by all of us. It was a great pleasure to enjoy her company at our family functions and get-togethers. At her 70th birthday celebrations she was at her dazzling best, enthused to the utmost and delightfully excited with the large gathering of family, friends and associates. The renowned band, “Flame” led by Naushad Rasool provided the musical entertainment adding glamour to the happy occasion. This was a glowing felicitation and tribute paid by us to Eileen, our mentor and guiding star.

Sleep lightly my sister, may God shower you with his choicest blessings so that your soul may rest in peace.