Sumintra Ramlakhan

Sumintra “Leela” Ramlakhan dedicated soulmate of Harry Ramlakhan for 55 Years, Mother of 4, mother in law of 4, Grandmother of 5, Sister to 8 siblings, Auntie and Friend to many, passed away with serenity and grace on Friday October 19, 2018. Sumintra Ramlakhan lived the first 23 years of her life on the beautiful and idyllic country of Trinidad and Tobago. She was the daughter of Jairam Singh and Sujpatie Singh both of Indian descent. Her ancestry leads to Punjab India. Many of our family’s customs, foods and mannerisms transcended from her heritage (we all know the woman rules the home). Her life in Trinidad was one of joy and happiness but most of all responsibility. As the oldest daughter in a family of 11 children; she embraced the role and responsibility of part big sister, part parent and part counselor and guide. She was the lynchpin of support for her mother. Sumintra not only supported the rearing of the children but also helped with many of the duties required to manage such a large household. Opportunity for a formal education was limited, nonetheless she excelled at all opportunities presented. The major milestone and turning point of her life was when she met her one true love, her soulmate and the person who completed her, Harry Ramlakhan. They met by happenchance through her Dad Jairam. Suffice it to say it was love at first sight and their bond lasted for 55 years – 1 year of courtship and 54 years of bliss and fulfillment. They decided to get married and move their future family to the United States. To establish a new life full of opportunity for her family; she worked a variety of jobs in order to make ends meet. Her longest tenure was at Amex for 30 years; where she learned everything from key punching to data management. She worked hand in hand with her husband making the necessary sacrifices and taking no shortcuts to attain the many accomplishments that they and their family enjoyed. There are 2 accomplishments that stands out. she was most proud of was the fact that she and Harry were able to sponsor and help bring their siblings and parent – all of them to the US. The other was that all of their children, whom under their watchful eye and guidance survived the trauma of growing up in at the time - inner city NY aka Brooklyn and thrived into warm hearted, mature and upstanding adults. She was a woman of conviction and set the bar high. She did not hesitate to call a spade a spade. Even though this could provoke discomfort, it always resulted in action. She consistently exhibited uncompromising standards of love and loyalty especially to her family. To her siblings, this was manifest in the consistent way she stayed in touch with all of them, continually supporting them, sending them a little something she knew they would enjoy. To her children, she never stopped loving or giving even when it was difficult for her and most especially when things were tough for them. Her grandchildren were always cherished, protected and given what grandmas give best, a blast to the people who hurt them and unconditional love of course. She made it a point to call them, did something special for each of them and let them know they were special to her. Her last days were spent dedicated to supporting homeless, the hungry and to the church. She must have pleased God to have been given the gift of a swift and relatively painless death surrounded by her husband and beloved daughter. As we come to terms with her death, let us remember the strong, loving, loyal, spiritual, independent woman who always celebrated the gift of family.

Sumintra Ramlakhan

September 20, 1941 - October 19, 2018