Going Home

Earlier this week, on the 3rd of November, 2026, Veteran Lines, in Pallavaram, lost its VETERAN, the grand old Mrs Barbara Oliver. She was 92; yes, ninety-two years old. And what a glorious life she lived. She was not a career woman; but when the call came, she volunteered as a nurse during World War II. She served in the Northwest of India, amongst other places, at a time when India had not been torn apart by the British. After her stint as a nurse, she returned to her home, settled down, and lived a peaceful, unencumbered life.

I remember when, two years ago, Aunty Barbara celebrated her 100th birthday. It was a grand celebration, culminating in a sumptuous dinner in the premises of St Stephen’s Church, here in the Lines. There were people from all over the world to help her celebrate the occasion, relatives, friends and well-washers. I wrote all about it in a blog from two years ago. At that time she was lively, jovial and eager to please her guests. Perhaps she was not aware of the fact that she was older than the Church in which the celebration was held. Just imagine that!

All that has changed, now. Another one has gone “home”, as the sentiment goes. And life has to go on; life just has to go on.

Aunty Barbara will, of course, be remembered by her near and dear ones, but also by some of the other veterans who live in this part of the world.

May her soul Rest in Peace.