My wonderful Nan, known fondly as Boba to her loved ones, was born in Baramulla on 12 July 1932. Married at a young age of 13, she was deprived of a carefree childhood and had to take on responsibilities of married life and of a household way before she would have wanted. 

She had the kindest heart and would help homeless, the beggars and anyone who asked for her help. I remember sitting in her lap and listening to her stories and she looked so old and wise, for me, I felt that’s how she was born, with wrinkly lines along her face and the warmest smile which would brighten my saddest days. 

She had six kids, and she managed them all, three sons and three daughters. In tumultuous times of Kashmir, when conflict was at its peak, she somehow managed to manage the household with whatever little rations, she and grandpa would manage at that time. 

Her love and dedication towards her kids and her grandkids makes her passing very hard but she was in so much pain towards the end of her life. Her mobility decreased and having dementia, it came to a point she became bed-bound. But she was still as cheerful as ever. 

She advised all of us to always love and spread love and to be kind to others and her life is a living example of that. In spite of all the hardships she faced, she was never bitter and always ready to help others who were in the difficult situation. 

Somehow her death even though it caused so much pain in our hearts, somehow also gave all of us consolation that maybe she’s finally at peace now. 

I hope you are in peace now Boba. We all miss you. 

Written by Zainab, Mansha and Misbah, her granddaughters who will forever feel the void her absence left. Love you Boba