FERNANDEZ, Elba Fernandez  -  1933 - 2022  Elba Fernandez (“Nonny” to her students) passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 26, 2022, in the arms of both her children.

Loving daughter of Eustaquio/Maria; loving wife of Norbert for fifty years; loving mother of Ignatius/Cristina and Brenda/David; loving grandmother of Michelle and Neeta/Derek; loving sister of Anthony, Bruno, Alda, Alba, Yvette and Celine; loving teacher and counselor of thousands of students at St. Teresa’s Convent High School in Santacruz, Mumbai; and herself a diligent student—of esoteric Christianity—to the very last day.

She enjoyed the trust and respect of many; she filled her niche and accomplished her task; she left the world better than she found it; she always looked for the best in others and gave them the best she had; her life was an inspiration and her memory will be a benediction.

She was given the nickname “Nonny” by her students after teaching them a Shakespearean ditty:

“Be you blithe and bonny,
Converting all your sounds of woe
Into hey nonny, nonny.”

Her favorite Bible verse that she bequeaths to her students:

“The kingdom of God does not come with observation;
nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’
For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Small donations in lieu of flowers may be sent, “In Memory of Mrs. Elba Fernandez” to Hope Foundation India https://hopefoundation.org.in which changes the lives of vulnerable children through education and healthcare.
From outside India, please go to Hope Worldwide https://hopeww.kindful.com/ and designate India as the recipient country.

Funeral Mass at Holy Redeemer Church, Pickering, Ontario at 11 AM on Thursday, June 2, 2022
Memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Santacruz, Mumbai at 7 PM on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

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