Obituary of Mrs. Elizabeth Rajaratnam

Elizabeth “Polly” Rajaratnam Born: November 22, 1922 Passed Away: January 13, 2019

She went to be with her Lord on January 13, 2019, passing away in Rouge Valley Centenary hospital in Scarborough. Polly, the matriarch of the Rajaratnam family will be greatly missed by her children Rajini, Ranjini, Dayalan, Anandan, Sulojini and Sarojini, in-laws, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  

Polly was born in Araly Jaffna on November 22, 1922 to Victor and Grace Paul. Polly was pre-deceased by her siblings William, Dora and John and survived by her sister Rose. After attending Chundikuli Girls School, Jaffna, she began her career teaching deaf and blind children. At this time, she also met the love of her life, George Rajaratnam. They got married in 1945 and as George’s job at the Bank of Ceylon periodically required moving, her children were born in Jaffna, Galle, Dickoya, Trincomalee and Panadura.

At the age of 61, Polly started the second chapter of her life and moved to Canada to be close to her children and grandchildren, who had moved to Canada for a better life. It was in Canada that Polly undertook her most challenging job – babysitter to her rambunctious grandchildren. Her grandchildren fondly remember the games, the antics and the trouble they got into while under the watchful eye of their grandmother, but most of all, they remember the life lessons she imparted to them every day.

Polly embodied a quiet strength and resilience that she used to overcome all obstacles that life put in her way. She had a family first mantra and ensured that nothing came in the way of that. Although she was a lady of a few words, when she spoke, it was worth listening to as you never knew what sage nugget of generational knowledge would be passed down.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association in memory of Polly.