Iranganie (Gunasekera) Fernando, age 86, of Quincy, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at Care One of New Bedford.
She was the cherished wife of the late Neville Fernando.
Born in Haputale, Sri Lanka, Iranganie, affectionately known as Ira, was the cherished daughter of the late Martin Aberwardana and Lily Swarnawathi Gunasekera.
A natural caregiver, Ira dedicated both her personal and professional life to helping others. Before retiring, she worked with EMARC, providing residential care. As a young girl, she attended Mahamaya Girls’ College in Kandy, Sri Lanka, where she received an education deeply rooted in Buddhist culture. Iranganie’s passion for the arts led her to become a dance and music teacher at Visakha Vidyala in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. She was proud to also serve as General Secretary of the Girls Guides Association in Colombo. In the 1960s, met Neville, her “sweetie-pie,” and eventually followed him to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they married in what they fondly remembered as the first-ever Sri Lankan wedding in the country. Together, they spent more than two decades in Ethiopia, raising their three beloved children before immigrating to America. Throughout this time, Ira continued to nurture and support those around her, teaching and caring for the less fortunate.
Above all, Ira’s greatest joy and purpose came from caring for her daughter, Vasthu (Ashini), with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. Ira's love for music, dance, and her homeland remained central to her life. She often reminisced about her younger years as a dancer and music teacher and treasured the trips she made to Sri Lanka with Neville and Ashini. Known for her warm and outgoing nature, Ira made friends wherever she went and was surrounded by a circle of loyal, devoted friends who loved and cared for her until her final days.
Ira was the devoted mother of the late Ashwin Fernando. She is survived by her children, Ashan Fernando and his wife Megan Fernando of Berkley, and Ashini Vasthu Fernando of Weymouth. Iranganie was the proud Aachie (grandmother) of Aacen and Axel Fernando. She was the sister of Hitchie Sumanakanthi Gunasekera of Sri Lanka and was predeceased by her brothers Jayanatha Gunasekera and Gamini Gunasekera. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends from all around the world.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary's Square) Taunton from 5 to 7pm with prayers beginning at 6pm.
Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home.
Her burial will be held privately.
For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com
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