Chris Valentino sdb
MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 21, 2009: The Salesian Family at Don Bosco Centre for Learning, Kurla lost one of its senior family members in the passing away of Mrs. Phyllis Lariv. She was an active Salesian Cooperator for 24 years and hence a senior member of our family. The sunrise of November 20, 2009 also brought along with it a sad sunset, and as the news trickled into the homes of the family members, there was a great feeling of loss and grief.
Phyllis Lariv was 79 years strong, ailing for quite sometime, battling thyroid and other related complications. She succumbed to advanced thyroid problems and eventually to myocardial infarction. She is survived by her son Leonard Lariv (permanent deacon- Mumbai Diocese), daughter-in-law and three granddaughters.
At a concelebrated Holy Eucharist before she was laid to rest, friends and collaborators reminisced the good that Phyllis wrought by being an exemplary follower of Christ. Mrs. Phyllis was often referred to as the “iron lady” for her disciplinary perfection, but she was more admired for her ability to work with the children of the Sunday school at the Holy Cross Parish where she engaged tirelessly in reaching out to the little ones with love and kindness. She was foremost in her life of dedicated and committed service, showing others that life is our greatest gift and love is its greatest affirmation. She was actively engaged in varied activities both within the Parish community and outside in the neighbourhood. Among the many things that she was involved in were being a member of the Parish Council for three terms, member of the Parish Steering Committee, member of the Parish Prayer Group, Sunday School Teacher, and a member of the Salesian Family as a professed Salesian Cooperator.
Mrs. Phyllis is no more with us… she can’t speak but she can listen, she cannot be seen, but she can see, she can’t be heard but she can hear and most importantly she will be remembered and missed by both young and senior alike… for her love, care, sharing, and moments of cheerful optimism. May her soul rest in peace, in the garden of eternal rest.