The three victims of the tragic house fire have been remembered as a loving and kind mother, a beautiful and strong wife and an energetic little boy who you instantly fell in love with.
Five-year-old Bareth Kailesh, his mother Bhamini Theiventhiran, 39, and grandmother Umadhevi Theiventhiran, 66, all died in the blaze, in the Auckland suburb of Flat Bush, on December 22.
They were farewelled at a joint funeral in south Auckland yesterday. (Thursday).
Hundreds of mourners packed the chapel at the Manukau Memorial Gardens, spilling outside as friends and family gathered to tell stories and remember the lives of those they lost. Family asked people to keep Thanabalasingham in their prayers, and spoke of the great love he and his wife shared for each other, and for their children.
Eleven-year-old Krishah, Thanabalasingham and Bhamini Theiventhiran's daughter, survived the blaze, and spoke first in a series of poems she had written. Her mother was the "best baker, best woman alive and best mother".Bareth, she said, was a "jolly good brother" who she would swap for "no other."
She praised her grandmother's knowledge and wisdom, saying she was the best person you could know to teach you to sew.
"I'm grateful for the happy memories with them, and they will be with me forever," she said.
Bhamini Theiventhiran's sister and Umadhevi Theiventhiran's daughter Abina said losing them had "numbed her to her core."
Her sister was the strongest and most gracious woman she had met, and her mother was her best friend and confidant, she said.
It was Umadhevi Theiventhiran's birthday two days before the fire, and family in Canada had spoken to them just the day before the blaze.
Her brother, Ragu, said the three were so close that they did not want to miss each other, and now they wouldn't.
Rosemarie Redondo, Bareth's pre-school teacher, played a slideshow she had made, showing off a bubbly and talented little boy who loved to dance.
"There was never a dull moment with Bareth, just knowing he was coming to school was enough reason for teachers to come too," she said.
All three fire victims left a huge impact on anyone who met them, and brought nothing but happiness and joy to those around them, Umadhevi Theiventhiran's sister Bala said from Canada.
Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy attended the service and said it showed "what New Zealand was all about".
Devoy said the loss of three members of a family put things into perspective, and echoed the family's wish that people pray for Thanabalasingham and his daughter Krishah.
"She needs him now," Devoy said.
Family friend Sivaram Anandasivam said everyone wanted to have a family like this.
"Everyone gathered at the funeral today has been talking about how lovely this family is."
Anandasivam said Thanabalasingham had always been there for Tamil and Sri Lankan communities, "you could always knock on his door at any time".
"The door is always open for them."
Songs and chants of prayer filled the chapel, and three lives were celebrated and farewelled.
Fire investigators are completing a report on the tragedy, which will be provided to police and to the coroner.
A police spokeswoman said the blaze was not being treated as suspicious.
Kailesh is still fighting for his life in Middlemore hospital and is probably unaware that his wife, son and mother in law have perished in the fire. It is still touch and go as to his recovery. Please pray for the whole family. Thank you. Diana Swarbrick for RASNZ.
