Isabel S Krishnan
July 16, 1946 ~ July 28, 2019
Isabel Sylvia Sukirtharani was born on July 16, 1946 at the Green Memorial Hospital at Manipay, Sri Lanka, a charitable hospital run by Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India (JDCSI) to catholic parents Joseph Rajendram and Lily Mary Praxeda Swamipillai.
While the Rajendrams were residents of Singapore she was born in Sr Lanka.
She grew up with three siblings, her older sister Ida who was her best friend, her brother, Edmund, and her sister Irene, both of whom she loved. She was very close to many cousins and relatives who lived abroad.
Isabel completed her education at Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Singapore and received certification in Typewriting and Stenography. In 1965, she joined Amalgamated Union of Public Employees. She was crowned "Diwali Queen' which broadened her horizons to international travel.
In 1966, she joined Air India's airport staff, and destiny led her to meet her life-long better half, Sampath Krishnan, fondly known as Sam. Working for Air India, Sam frequently travelled to Singapore. The Most Rev. Dr. D. Simon Lourdusamy a senior Vatican official who befriended Sam on flights was instrumental in taking care of and guiding Isabel during her first stay in Rome. That trip sealed her desire to be Sam's life partner with the blessing of her parents. They were married in 1973 in Singapore respecting traditions and requirements of Catholic and Hindu faiths.
“Behind a successful man there is a woman” was well demonstrated by Isabel. She left Air India, and moved to Bombay to begin their life together and became a visionary for their family's future. This resulted in Sam moving to the United States to further his studies knowing she would miss being with him for a short time.
Sujan Jeremy Krishnan brought happiness in March 1974, prior to Sampath’s departure to New York for a higher education. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” led Isabel to New York in early 1976. While being the backbone for Sampath she brought the second bundle of joy, Suman Eugene Krishnan in 1976. Since then, Sam and Isabel gave all they could afford to ensure the boys success.
Isabel started her career with the Singapore Economic Development Board to meet the family's financial requirements, and later joined the United Nations. Her determination and commitment was instrumental in Sam completing his Masters degree and starting his career.
The Krishnans moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to ensure a better family life. When the children began school, Isabel returned to the workforce with IBM Corporation, initially in Raleigh and then in Washington DC, where she served until retirement in 2002. She became a citizen of the United States in 1999.
In 2001, Jeremy, brought joy to the whole family by marrying his college sweet heart Dr. Prasanna Satpute Krishnan. Isabel was filled with joy when Prasanna began to address her as MOM and whole-heartedly welcomed her new daughter-in-law. Two adorable grandchildren followed in 2004 and 2006.
Isabel's charisma, personality and spontaneous approach gave her life-long friends who complemented her disposition and beautiful smile. Isabel’s employers routinely recognized her for her dedication, diligence, flexibility and readiness to accept challenges.
Isabel's ability to ensure the happiness of her family and friends left a memorable mark on whom so ever, she touched.
She opened up her heart everyday and was determined to make each day to be better than the previous one.
As a committed Catholic, her faith guided her through battling difficult times, and fully embracing the good ones.
She was easily approachable and a master at starting conversations. She was respectful and had a great sense of humor and perspective.
She was so devoted, attached and committed to Sam she told everyone who visited recently 'Don't say sorry, worry about Sam'
An accomplished artist, she painted over a 100 paintings both in oil and water color. Days prior to her passing she completed two shawls as a memorabilia to her grandchildren Raki and Meera.
Isabel was most proud of both her sons, Jeremy and Eugene for the devotion, attention and comfort she received during her lifetime and her illness.
Believing in reincarnation, she will find a family like the one she has had with Sam in her next life.
While the Rajendrams were residents of Singapore she was born in Sr Lanka.
She grew up with three siblings, her older sister Ida who was her best friend, her brother, Edmund, and her sister Irene, both of whom she loved. She was very close to many cousins and relatives who lived abroad.
Isabel completed her education at Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Singapore and received certification in Typewriting and Stenography. In 1965, she joined Amalgamated Union of Public Employees. She was crowned "Diwali Queen' which broadened her horizons to international travel.
In 1966, she joined Air India's airport staff, and destiny led her to meet her life-long better half, Sampath Krishnan, fondly known as Sam. Working for Air India, Sam frequently travelled to Singapore. The Most Rev. Dr. D. Simon Lourdusamy a senior Vatican official who befriended Sam on flights was instrumental in taking care of and guiding Isabel during her first stay in Rome. That trip sealed her desire to be Sam's life partner with the blessing of her parents. They were married in 1973 in Singapore respecting traditions and requirements of Catholic and Hindu faiths.
“Behind a successful man there is a woman” was well demonstrated by Isabel. She left Air India, and moved to Bombay to begin their life together and became a visionary for their family's future. This resulted in Sam moving to the United States to further his studies knowing she would miss being with him for a short time.
Sujan Jeremy Krishnan brought happiness in March 1974, prior to Sampath’s departure to New York for a higher education. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” led Isabel to New York in early 1976. While being the backbone for Sampath she brought the second bundle of joy, Suman Eugene Krishnan in 1976. Since then, Sam and Isabel gave all they could afford to ensure the boys success.
Isabel started her career with the Singapore Economic Development Board to meet the family's financial requirements, and later joined the United Nations. Her determination and commitment was instrumental in Sam completing his Masters degree and starting his career.
The Krishnans moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to ensure a better family life. When the children began school, Isabel returned to the workforce with IBM Corporation, initially in Raleigh and then in Washington DC, where she served until retirement in 2002. She became a citizen of the United States in 1999.
In 2001, Jeremy, brought joy to the whole family by marrying his college sweet heart Dr. Prasanna Satpute Krishnan. Isabel was filled with joy when Prasanna began to address her as MOM and whole-heartedly welcomed her new daughter-in-law. Two adorable grandchildren followed in 2004 and 2006.
Isabel's charisma, personality and spontaneous approach gave her life-long friends who complemented her disposition and beautiful smile. Isabel’s employers routinely recognized her for her dedication, diligence, flexibility and readiness to accept challenges.
Isabel's ability to ensure the happiness of her family and friends left a memorable mark on whom so ever, she touched.
She opened up her heart everyday and was determined to make each day to be better than the previous one.
As a committed Catholic, her faith guided her through battling difficult times, and fully embracing the good ones.
She was easily approachable and a master at starting conversations. She was respectful and had a great sense of humor and perspective.
She was so devoted, attached and committed to Sam she told everyone who visited recently 'Don't say sorry, worry about Sam'
An accomplished artist, she painted over a 100 paintings both in oil and water color. Days prior to her passing she completed two shawls as a memorabilia to her grandchildren Raki and Meera.
Isabel was most proud of both her sons, Jeremy and Eugene for the devotion, attention and comfort she received during her lifetime and her illness.
Believing in reincarnation, she will find a family like the one she has had with Sam in her next life.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
The gates of memory shall never close Your infectious smile shall never cease. You may not know the lives you touched but the lives you touched, you forever changed. Chic, fashionable, elegant and tall, you were a role model for family and all. Beauty you personified both Inside and out, it is hard to believe that you are no longer about. The beauty you have left will shine forever bright, for those who loved you, will never forget. Goodbye Suki akka, may you be at ease, in the arms of angels may you rest in peace. Condolences and deepest sympathies to Sampath Anna and family from Jeyam, Vasu, Amanda and Amitesh.
Such a beautiful message. Thank you for sharing. – Jeremy
I was a swimming buddy of Isabel at the Oakton pool. We will all miss her smile and her laughter. I feel blessed to have known her. Madge Harrison
Madge, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Mom loved her swimming buddies! Even when she was recovering, one of her motivators was getting back to the pool!
Dear sweet “Izzie” was my precious friend for 40 years. She was inspirational to so many people in countless ways. I will miss her friendship, her beautiful smile, and her spirited, contagious laugh. Knowing her made me a better person. My love and heartfelt condolences go out to her dear family, of whom she was justifiably so very very proud. – Jeanne DaDamio
Deepest condolences and fond memories of sweet relative from Constance.
The first time I met Suki aunty in Singapore, I was touched by her warm and friendly demeanour… it put me at ease within a few moments of knowing her! She encouraged me to look at opportunities for work in the US. She did not leave it at that but went a step forward by personally looking for suitable openings within IBM-US. In early 2000, when I initially began to travel to the US on work.. Suki was my “Google” go to.. from where to go, what to buy etc .. she was great with the guidance.. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” Proverbs 11:25-26 are the words that come to mind when think of Suki aunty!?