Grief has engulfed a Nadi family following the deaths of the country’s oldest known Girmit descendant, Gangamma, and her son, Saha Deo, just days apart.
Gangamma, 110, of Solovi Lane in Nadi, was laid to rest yesterday, a week after her death on January 14.
A few days later, tragedy struck again when her 73-year-old son died last Saturday from illness after being admitted at the Lautoka Hospital.
Great-grandson Avneel Subramaniyyam said the family was still struggling to come to terms with the double loss.
He said his great-grandmother had not been sickly and only complained of weakness two days before her death.
“I was with her at home with my mom and dad when she took her final breath,” he said.
Mr Subramaniyyam described Gangamma as hardworking, selfless and deeply spiritual.
“She was very hardworking, always selfless and devoted to both cultures — Christianity and South Indian culture,” he said.
“Since her father-in-law came from India as a missionary, she was devoted to both.”
Gangamma was nationally recognised during her lifetime, receiving the 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal at State House and a medal marking 146 years of Girmit.
She is survived by one son, one daughter, 26 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
“We are really going to miss her.
“People in our community knew her like a lady queen. From her name, we are known as the Gangamma family.”
Gangamma was cremated yesterday at Wailoaloa, while her son will be laid to rest on Friday.
