19 May 2015

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues

We are deeply appreciative of and sincerely thankful to all for your warm, sensitive and caring messages and thoughts following the sudden and shocking death of our dear Martha on May 13, 2015 in Kabul.

Martha was brought back to Delhi by a special Indian Air Force plane on the afternoon of May 15th.  She was received and taken to PRIA briefly, then brought home for people to pay their respects. Following a brief wake, her last rites were performed on May 16th at the Lodhi Electric Crematorium.

A memorial service was held at Masihgarh Church on the evening of May 16th. The following morning, on May 17th, a prayer meeting and remembrance service was held at Mata Ka Mandir, New Friends Colony.  The next day, May 18th, we and a few select family members, took her ashes to Haridwar for immersion in the Ganga.

We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from friends and family and the generous and gracious messages from all of you. Your concern has greatly helped us in coping with this immense loss. Knowing that your thoughts and prayers are with us is a source of great strength and comfort. All of you have remembered Martha for her courage, love, warmth and competence; we will cherish these as we attempt to move forward in our lives together.

We understand that several of you have organized or will be organizing memorial and prayer meetings in her memory. We ask that you celebrate Martha’s life with the same joy and enthusiasm that she lived it.

Love and Regards  
Rajesh, Suheil, Tariqa​

 

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