Hemamali Dodanwela
June 8, 1957 ~ November 23, 2021
Hemamali “Mali” Dodanwela, 64, of Vienna, Virginia USA, passed away on November 23rd, 2021.
Mali was born on June 8th, 1957 to W.M. Abeykoon and T.M. Navaratne in Kandy, Sri Lanka. After graduating from Hillwood College, she went on to earn her Diploma in Piano from the Royal Schools of Music, London UK.
In 1980, she married Upali “Tony” Dodanwela and a year later, gave birth to her daughter. Mali started her first job at Hillwood College as a Teacher in 1987, kickstarting a 31 year career in Education. She started as a nursery schoolteacher and went on to teach piano. After Hillwood College, Mali taught piano at Trinity College, Kandy. In 1998, she moved to USA with her husband and daughter, where she continued her career in education as a Montessori School Teacher. In 2018, she retired and started spending her time caring for her baby grandson.
Mali was the most loving mother, wife, and grandmother a family could ask for. She loved to cook and feed her family and friends. Mali loved playing piano, listening to music, trying new foods, traveling, and watching cooking and travel shows. She was an extremely gentle and peaceful person. She would always make anyone feel welcomed and everyone that knew her was touched by her kindness. She had a big heart and gave to those in need. She also had a deep love for animals. She constantly made it a point to check in on people and was always a source of positivity. Mali’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were blessed to be touched by her know that her existence and the imprint she left on everyone’s hearts exceeds the quantity of time she stayed here.
Mali was predeceased by her parents and elder brother, Asoka Weerasekare. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Asha Dodanwela; son-in-law, Sandeep Kumar Jaiswal; and grandson, Ayan Dodanwela Jaiswal; as well as her extended family and friends. She will forever be in their hearts and missed very much.
Mali was born on June 8th, 1957 to W.M. Abeykoon and T.M. Navaratne in Kandy, Sri Lanka. After graduating from Hillwood College, she went on to earn her Diploma in Piano from the Royal Schools of Music, London UK.
In 1980, she married Upali “Tony” Dodanwela and a year later, gave birth to her daughter. Mali started her first job at Hillwood College as a Teacher in 1987, kickstarting a 31 year career in Education. She started as a nursery schoolteacher and went on to teach piano. After Hillwood College, Mali taught piano at Trinity College, Kandy. In 1998, she moved to USA with her husband and daughter, where she continued her career in education as a Montessori School Teacher. In 2018, she retired and started spending her time caring for her baby grandson.
Mali was the most loving mother, wife, and grandmother a family could ask for. She loved to cook and feed her family and friends. Mali loved playing piano, listening to music, trying new foods, traveling, and watching cooking and travel shows. She was an extremely gentle and peaceful person. She would always make anyone feel welcomed and everyone that knew her was touched by her kindness. She had a big heart and gave to those in need. She also had a deep love for animals. She constantly made it a point to check in on people and was always a source of positivity. Mali’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were blessed to be touched by her know that her existence and the imprint she left on everyone’s hearts exceeds the quantity of time she stayed here.
Mali was predeceased by her parents and elder brother, Asoka Weerasekare. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Asha Dodanwela; son-in-law, Sandeep Kumar Jaiswal; and grandson, Ayan Dodanwela Jaiswal; as well as her extended family and friends. She will forever be in their hearts and missed very much.
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Hemamali was my best friend for the past 58 years, i recollect many moments from our childhood where she was very sincere and always obliging. We were together from the lower kindergarten at Hillwood College Kandy till we left school in 1977.She used to share her delectable recipes which i still put to good use. We also shared our love for piano music which she excelled in and made a career out of it. We maintained our close friendship through many ups and downs in life.She left Sri Lanka in 1998, yet she never failed to meet me whenever she was in the island. My last encounter with Hemamali was during her visit in 2018 where i met her on 3 seperate occassions, i never imagined that it would be our final meeting. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Tony, Asha and her family at this Difficult time and May My loving friend attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana. Chandrika Madawela Senanayake
Mali…never I called you by your name. I called you mom! and I will miss you very much. You were a gentle soul, caring and loving. I will always remember your comforting eyes. Until we meet again??
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Mali was my dearest sister in law. I’ve known her for the past 40 years. I’m deeply shocked by her sudden dismiss. She was such a kind hearted person that no one will ever forget. I met her last in year 2018 when she visited Sri Lanka . She spoke with me few weeks ago and I never thought that would be the last time I’m talking to her. She never failed to keep in touch with the family no matter the distance. Her innocent smile will be cherished in our hearts forever. May she attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana! Mala Dodanwela
Mali Aunty was one of the dearest human beings we have ever met. She was so kind and caring for everybody. We all nieces and nephews will miss her love forever. She will be remembered deep in our thoughts. May her soul Rest In Peace Neranjala
It’s hard to believe you are gone Manli Punchi amma. We only had a few opportunities to spend time with you.But the memories we have with you are unforgettable. You have been a very warm,welcoming and lovely person.We all will miss you so badly. Asha, Sunny, Ayan and Tony bappa. Please accept our heartfelt condolences . May she attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana ? With love Indika , Anjala and Manali
Since my childhood you were one to me a older sister . The memories of our childhood in Seetha Valley at Galaha still haunt me. Those are beautiful memories that never die. Even in those difficult times in nineteen seventies I can still feel the taste of the variety of food you made for me. The most loveable favorites are Jams, Butter which made with our own cowmilk, Cakes , Youghurt etc. And another sweet memories in 1970s I can still remember how we spent the time on the roads untill you come after the cookery class in Peradeniya , and how we anxiously waiting to swallow those made things. And finaly the sounds of Piano which you played is still remembered . Mali අක්කේ even if we dont see each other often , those memories always kept us in touch. Mali Akke Oyata Nivan Suwa Labeva . And there shall be no more death , neither sorrow , nor crying , neither shall there shall be any more pain . ( Revelation 21:4 ). Yea, saith the Spirit , that they may rest from their labours , snd their works do follow them. ( Revelation 14:13 ). For dust thou art , and unto dust shalt thou return . ( Genesis 3:19 ). Mali Akki , You are always loved and never forgotten . May Your Soul Rest in Peace . Tony Aiya, Asha, Sunny & Ayan Please accept our deepest sympathies . Kalinga , Sandya & two daughters Taniya & Dulanjali .
The most kind person I had the honor of knowing. I will miss you forever Mali Aunty, you’re warmth is forever lasting and unforgettable. Thank you for sharing your love and generosity with our entire family. May you be at peace ❤️ Much love, thoughts and prayers. Till we meet again… Pooja and family.
December 10, 2021 No mist of time can fade; Nor passing years obscure the happy moments, the happy memories shared with you Dearest Mali, You left us too soon but the imprints in life you left behind are worthy and memorable. I am your Navaratne uncle’s wife’s niece. We grew up together in Kandy and age wise, we were only a few months apart. One of our earliest encounters I fondly remember is us being “flower girls” at Manel akka’s wedding. We may have been about 5 years old, and we both wore blue “lama saris” and posed for a photograph holding pretty flower baskets. I still remember that so vividly, maybe because I played with that flower basket long after the wedding was over. Our families were closely knit during that time. We loved visiting you and your family in Galaha at the Seethaweli Estate. Our times at the estate were relaxed and fun filled. We called your dad and mom Abeyakoon mama and nanda. The food your mom served was delicious. I remember the pinkish orange coloured large U-shaped dining table that we all sat around, and nanda would approach us from the inner side of the U- shape table and load our plates with food! This generosity in serving people is a trait that you too acquired I suppose; you were so entertaining when we visited you in Virginia a few years back. You served us delicious food and gave us your bedroom to sleep. When your family used to visit us in Kandy, your mom would bring a basketful of mouth watering “unduwels”. I don’t think that I have tasted anything better than those unduwels that your mom, nanda prepared. While my siblings and I would run around the garden in the Seethaweli estate, screaming in mischief, you would stay calm and composed, behaving in a very dignified manner. That was the difference between the two of us, yet we got along so well. When my dad was assigned to work in Kalutara and afterwards to Colombo we moved as a family and our contacts loosened but our families ended up in Kandy following retirement. Thiru and I happened to meet you coincidentally in Kandy town several years later. We were going to Lanka Medicals and spotted you seated in a parked car holding Asha who was a newborn. We chatted briefly and were so happy to take a peek at the baby. I think Tony may have gone to fetch some thing from a shop. You along with your parents were taking Asha home from the nursing home. I was inquisitive to know whether the baby was a girl or a boy. I remember Abeyakoon mama joking that I will be happy because there is another girl to join our team! It was destiny that we both ended up in North America a few years later. We chatted on the phone and kept up with family affairs. One of our projects was to find Almali who worked in our Atha’s house for over 35 years and had immigrated to eastern USA. I remember you mentioning that you visited several Buddhist temples hoping that she would show up there. Unfortunately, we could not locate her. Thiru and I were able to meet you and your family some years after, in Virginia. We had a lovely time at your place. It was so nice that you were able to make it to Calgary for Vino our son’s wedding afterwards. We had so much fun during the wedding time with Savithri and family, aunty Belle and Nimalka all staying at our place. Aunty Belle and you kept up the wedding-house ambience by playing the piano beautifully. This was a nice analogy to the traditional “raban” playing during wedding time in Sri Lanka. Thanks for being here at that time and we appreciate all the help you gave us. Vino wanted the wedding party to continue past midnight and we all danced till the very end! I am so glad that you were able to see the Rocky Mountains during your visit here. Our trip to Banff and hike to the Sulfur Mountain was so fun filled. While hiking we chatted bout the “Rate mahatayas” and as usual Savitri and I kept screaming and laughing and kept the bears away. We planned to visit Namal aiya in Germany together. You valued and cherished family ties so much. Unfortunately, the terrible pandemic set in and the fate that followed did not allow this trip to materialize. Thiru, myself, Meneka, Yvan, Vino, Nikki and Zoe wish you eternal peace wherever you are today. Tony, Asha, Sunny and Ayan, please accept our deepest sympathies. I hope time and the beautiful memories that Mali left behind will help heal your sorrows. With much love and blessings, Chandini Thirukkumaran