BORN

1963

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary & Memorial Park

200 E Duarte Road

Monrovia, California

Dr. Sepalika Gunaratne Phd. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 10, 2014.

Arrangements under the direction of Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary, Monrovia, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Dr. Sepalika Gunaratne Phd.

What is your first memory of Dr. Sepalika?

Share a favorite memory you have of Dr. Sepalika.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Dr. Sepalika.

Describe a time when Dr. Sepalika made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Dr. Sepalika?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Dr. Sepalika.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Dr. Sepalika.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Dr. Sepalika.

What is something you learned from Dr. Sepalika?

Not sure what to say?

April 9, 2015

Russell Lambert

Dear Sepalika,
You are so awesome, always so kind and smart and fun to work with on remote sensing projects. I am so blessed to have known you. Thank you for your excellent example of kindness and a life well-lived.
(former co-worker)

March 19, 2015

Samanmalee

Thinking of you

December 19, 2014

Piyasena Kahanda Gamage

I noticed some Birth Day wishes on face book by so many TRI friends who are not aware that we missed you and it refresh the sad memories. I kept them informed.

December 16, 2014

Very sad news. RIP SEPALIKA.

December 15, 2014

sanaullah Panezai

Sad to hear about her saddest demise....

December 15, 2014

Nitin Tripathi

I pray almighty for peace to my dearest student Sepalika. It is sad that she is not with us anymore.

- Prof. Nitin Kumar Tripathi

August 2, 2014

Jayantha Abeyratne

It's been long since we've lost our beloved sister Sepali when I accidentally viewed this page! Jayantha Abeyratne Karapane Mwanella Sri Lanka

April 30, 2014

Oh. We all sadly miss you. We never expect this . May you attend Nibbana.

April 23, 2014

Sepalika Wickremasinghe

It is hard to believe that you are no more. You were a great friend to me. We enjoyed the stop overs at your house on the way to San Diego. We will miss you immensely.

Asela, Sepalika and Praveen Wickremasinghe

April 22, 2014

A friend

It is with sadness that I write about passing away of a dear friend. Sepalika was a very nice girl and I hope in the lives that follow nothing bad will happen to her.

April 17, 2014

Jaliya Devendra

Deepest Condolences. Himali, Swyrie & Jaliya

April 17, 2014

Priyantha Hewawickrama

Sepalika, it is so hard to believe that you are no more with us. You were so optimistic, even for a moment we never thought that you will ever say good bye to us so early. You are a flower that withered untimely. Channa and I will never forget your last Thanksgiving was spent with us. The good time we had that day. My eyes get filled with tears when I think of you. You proved no matter what life could be too short. We longed to continue our friendship... but ......

Anil will miss a dear wife and his family a dear daughter-in-law, sister-in-law etc., Channa will miss the only siter and his family will miss you so badly. We will miss a dear friend.

I pray that you will never get to face such a sad untimely death through your journey through sansara. "Sepalika mala blew away with the wind. Never to be seen again. We will miss you so much.

Sepalika obata Nivan Suwa!!!!!
Priyantha

April 17, 2014

Sepalika, it is so hard to believe that you are no more with us. You were so optimistic, even for a moment we never thought that that you will ever say good bye to us so early. You are a flower that withered untimely. Channa and I will never forget your last Thanksgiving was spent with us. The good time we had that day. My eyes get filled with tears when I think of you. No matter what you proved life could be too short. We longed to continue our friendship, but.......I pray that you will never get to face such a sad untimely death in your journey through sansara. 'Punchi Sepalika mala' blew away with the wind, never to be seen again. We will miss you so much Sepalika. Sepalika obta Nivansuwa!!!!!

We will remember you with so much love
Priyantha

April 17, 2014

Dear Anil & Family
We missed Sepalika a lot as a simple charming friend . Although we are apart due to the distance we always in touch with our minds. Really hard to believe that she had gone.
May she attain Nibbana.
Sujeewa & Chandana

Sujeewa Jayasundara
Sri Lanka

April 16, 2014

Sepalika, it is so hard to believe that you are no more with us. You were so optimistic, that even for a moment we never thought that you will ever say good bye to us so early. You are a flower that withered untimely. Channa and I will never forget that your last Thanksgiving was spent with us. The good time we had that day. My eyes get filled with tears when I think of you. You proved no matter what life could be too short. We longed to continue our friendship... but ......I pray that you will never get to face such a sad untimely death in your journey through sansara. Sepalika obata Nivansuwa. 'Punchi Sepalika mala' blew away with the wind. We will miss you so much Sepalika.

April 16, 2014

we are so sorry to hear the sad news and how we feel is difficult to put in to words.Dear Sepalika we miss you very much
Janaka & Madhuri

April 14, 2014

Pradeepa Bandaranayake

Dear Sepalika …
I am not sure where to start and what to write… But I must find the courage and the words to write on this memorial page… to remember and honor one of my best friends.

We two landed in Davis, CA in 2005 August, just a week apart….you as a post doc and I as a graduate student. We met each other while Dr. Sanath driving us to our dear friend Dilo's place. Even though we were from two different universities, representing two different generations, we had lot of common friends and acquaintances. While we shared that information we also got to know each other well, which laid the foundation for our long lasting friendship.

I didn't have a car back then and never needed until you left Davis. Every Saturday and Sunday mornings you visited my apartment by 7.30 am and woke me up; we started our shopping at 8am and sometimes it didn't end until 10pm. Both of us enjoyed shopping very much. Vacaville Premium Outlets was one of the most visited places. Sometimes, we did our grocery shopping at the very beginning without planning the day. By the time we come home, milk was spoiled. We sat and laughed for a while, and went to Safeway to buy milk again. We used to have the same routine even during my finals. I know you were worried until I got my grades. You kept calling me and asking about my grades, even though I was not worried at all.

Anyway, somewhere in 2006/2007, you left Davis and landed in Fresno. After a month or so, you came back to Davis, until the visa issue was resolved. Then you became my roommate for few weeks. It was one of the most memorable periods in my stay in Davis. Few months later, you invited me for your wedding. I couldn't make it due to my finals. But both you and Anil visited Davis for our wedding reception in late 2008….and again in 2010 to welcome our son, Yehen.

You never forgot to call me or drop me an email at least once a month wherever we are. I got to know that you are sick on 29th May 2013 while I was in Sri Lanka. It was shocking and never expected. You were so happy to see we are doing things on your behalf…”Bodhi Puja” etc..

When I visited California last year, I really wanted to see you. That was one of the best decisions I made. Sepalika…I never expected to see you like that. But I didn't want to show you I was sad and worried…since you look very happy even while you sharing bad experiences in chemotherapy. However, what I heard from your caretaker was very different…I know, you and Anil wanted to settle down in Sri Lanka after the retirement. We all talked about those plans without talking much about your illness. But…during our drive from LA to SFO, I was talking about you with Asitha…how things have changed….no more shopping, trips, hiking….just in isolation.

Even the day before your stem cell transplanting surgery, I called you. You were happy to hear that we organized a “Bodhi Puja”. My little son & I went to Gatambe temple and promised that we'll come with you after complete recovery…but we couldn't make it!...You were very strong in heart…sometimes I was speechless and wordless…

Since I didn't receive an email from you for a while….i wrote to you on March 13th. You replied on 14th Match..“ I had a rough last week. With morfin through IV for throat pain. then finally Sunday got delusional. What has happened was I got pneumonia and fever was suppressed with mofin and no one couldn't recognized it. Now they are treating me for pneumonia. Anyway stem cell transplant was successful. What they are telling is now my immune system like a new born baby. So when I'm OK and healthy at home doesn't mean I can go to public places at least one year. My watch-out period may be increased with this pneumonia thing.
Although you are coming I won't be able to see you all. :-( But please call me. I'm still in the hospital. Safe trip”

Sepalika, I never thought that would be the last email you would ever write to me….you couldn't make it at least till I land in CA. I guess that is life…no one could stop you leaving us. But…you will be in our hearts forever. You were a very strong person …. never gave up… You always had plan A, plan B and even a plan C…. You read a lot, about all the possibilities.

We lost a dear friend…Anil lost his dearest wife….Channa lost his only sister….both families lost a precious family member…we all wish you to achieve the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana!!!

Your loving friend Pradeepa (with Asitha and Yehen)

Posted by Pradeepa Bandaranayake

April 14, 2014

I'm sorry for your loss. May you find comfort knowing that God is near you and is a refuge during this difficult time.
Psalms 9:9

April 14, 2014

Deepa Fernando

Dear Anil & family, I will always remember Sepali as the understanding easygoing friend ....... standing next to me in the Kelaniya graduation photo.
It is hard to accept she's not here when we were planning to meet after her recovery.
Thanks for making my friends life complete.
Deepa & Gihan

April 14, 2014

Nilmini Wijesekara

My beloved friend, thank you for being an amazing friend and at times a close sister more of all a wonderful human being. Im still trying to understand the fact that you are not with us anymore.
I hope you will find peace. You will be missed
Nilmini

April 13, 2014

Swarna Wimalasiri

Dear Anil & family, Please accept our deepest sympathies. Sepalika had been a true friend to all of us, irrespective of the age. She wanted to be in touch with her friends around the world, and wanted to see us every time she visited Sri Lanka. You had been a wonderful partner to her. We will miss her throughout our lives. May she attain nibbana.
Swarna, Pubudu & Viranga from Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

April 13, 2014

Jessica Torrion

Posted by Jessica Torrion

April 13, 2014

Jessica Torrion

Posted by Jessica Torrion

April 13, 2014

Jessica Torrion

Posted by Jessica Torrion

April 13, 2014

Jessica Torrion

Posted by Jessica Torrion

April 13, 2014

Jessica Torrion

Posted by Jessica Torrion

April 13, 2014

Jessica Torrion

I miss you so much dear Sepalika :(. You are one of a kind. To Anil, thank you for loving and taking good care of her.

Posted by Jessica Torrion

April 13, 2014

Piyasena Kahanda Gamage

Please accept our deepest heartfelt condolences, She was one of the very pleasant, innocent girl of the staff of the Tea Research Institute, Talawakele. It is true that Death is certain and life is uncertain, but it is little difficult to bear when it happened all of sudden to a person whom we like. How ever we have to be practical and it is the reality that we all die one day and not living hundred years. So we must not harm to anybody and try to be helpful and to make others happy at least by a kind word. Piyaseeli and myself wish her the supreme bliss of Nibbhana.

April 13, 2014

Sunitha Gurusinghe

Dear Anil,
Every flower fades away, pass away, as long as the life goes on. Please take courage to your heart an make peace with the moment.

April 12, 2014

Manju Jayawickrama

Dear Anil and Family:
We know nothing we can say at this time will fill the void that Sepalika has left in your hearts.
We can imagine what you all are going through right now. We had the privilege of knowing Sepalika closely while she was studying for her doctoral degree at Texas Tech University. We have fond memories of her from the good times we shared. She kept in touch with us ever since she left Lubbock. She made it a point to let us know how she was doing while she was in hospital and that she did until her very last moments.

We will all miss her dearly. We hope you would find peace and comfort knowing that the memories you all shared will linger forever.

Manju and Priyantha Jayawickrama with kids Ishan, Shalini and Shehani
Lubbock, Texas

April 12, 2014

Dear Anil and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Sepalika is such kind hearted and fun loving, true friend. I miss her dearly. Her genuine laughter still eco my ears. She is a big sister that I never had. Dear Sepalika I say goodbye until we meet again one day.
Nilmini, Dewey,Amaya, Yevin Buescher
Hiisboro, Oregon

April 12, 2014

Janakie Balasuriya

A Tribute to a Dearest Friend
The wind blowing over the tea fields has ruffled her hair- she tried her best to keep the strands in control. She complained why they chose this day of all days. We were to pose for a photograph with our Head of Agronomy, who was to retire that day. “I am not even properly dressed (she meant- in a saree)”. I said, “I too am not”. Then we laughed our heads off, looking at each other. That was Sepalika, our dearest friend, who used to take things in her own stride and in good humour.
You were such a warm and an open-hearted friend, always sharing your feelings with your friends. You were a generous help to everyone. More than anything else, you were such a fun-loving person, who never took anything seriously, in life.
I remember how you comforted me like a sister, when I lost my Dinithi. You wrote to Abhaya, comforting him. You kept in touch with my son, like an aunt. He always remembers you as,' Auntie Sepalika'.
You entered my life as a colleague on the day, I welcomed you to the Agronomy Division of the TRI and you made your exit as a Dearest Friend, turning my last contact with you into a Farewell. I am indebted to the kindness of your family for allowing me to have that rare moment of talking to you before you breathed your last breath.
A loss is felt hard, if, what we lost was close to our hearts. With time, we will get used to the loss, but the pain will remain the same. However, I am still longing to hear your fun-filled comments, which used to crack me up, many a time! Be Happy wherever you are, my friend. You are always thought of with Love. Fond memories of our past shall always be cherished.
Pray that you will achieve the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana, before long in this Samasara, where we find the end for all sufferings.
Janakie, Abhaya & Hiranya

Posted by Janakie Balasuriya

April 12, 2014

Just like the flower "Sepalika", you were unique, fragrant and beautiful! Sepalika, you will live in our forever!

Kithmini, Channa and kids

April 12, 2014

Udarshani Morapaya

Truly treasure every moment of our friendship. You will be in our hearts forever .!!

Posted by Udarshani Morapaya

April 12, 2014

Dear Anil and family,

Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Sepalika was a wonderful human being and we were fortunate to have known her as a dear close friend. We will miss her very much. Let's celebrate the great times we all had with her and keep Sepalika in our memories.

Sanjaya, Nilmini, Ruvinee & Dilini Senadheera
Lubbock, Texas.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Dr. Sepalika Gunaratne Phd.'s name

Memorial Events
for Dr. Sepalika Gunaratne Phd.

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary & Memorial Park

200 E Duarte Road, Monrovia, CA 91016

How to support Dr. Sepalika's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dr. Sepalika Gunaratne Phd.'s life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more