MayPachi

Shirley, Niece

MayPachi as we affectionately called her was 10 years older than me to the day. Her unpretentious, unassuming, down to earth ways was always a breath of fresh air. She was always the same sweet gracious self, whether you met her at the store, visiting, at a function or off the business class after a long flight to Florida. As a child and she a young lady , I still remember a card she sent us in Bombay, the word "greetings" and then these little funny mice, with just their faces and long tails peeping from every which way, it was the cutest, simplest card and truth be told I have tried in vain to capture the sentiments. On one of my visits to India I remember being invited by MayPachi for lunch and it was most enjoyable for a few reasons, great company, watched Mr Bean one of my favorite comedians and I got to pet the dogs because I missed mine in Florida terribly by the 3rd day in India. Talking of which her compassion for animals was well known just by the way she treated her own pets like we believe they should be treated, like members of the family. Though being out of the country I missed seeing more of MayPachi and enjoying her witty cartoons, I feel a deep fondness for her, for one who with all her achievements was still our Maypachi and with every memory is still a breath of fresh air.