Sheela (Stella) Joseph

Eulogy for Stella Chithi Good morning everyone, Today we are gathered to reflect on the life of our beloved Stella. Whilst so many of us are grieving during this difficult time, we should take comfort in knowing that she is now with God, looking down on us with a smile on her face and a heart full of love. Known to many of her family as Chithi, Athai, Periyamma, or Patti – she was so much more than any one title could hold. She was an exceptionally warm, selfless, and nurturing woman who had so much love to give and share with her family and friends. She was also incredibly resilient. Having lost both of her parents at a very young age, she quickly adapted to the role of a mum to her younger sister, Rajathi – which likely explains why she played a motherly role for so many people in this room. She moved to Vellore to become a teacher, where she was embraced by her loving students who have fond memories of her being the young, cool teacher who spoke English well and was a positive role model for so many of her pupils – many of whom even attended her wedding to the love of her life. She was incredibly shy when she was first introduced to her future husband, Joe. They brought out the best in each other, and she was always so proud to be standing next to him. Together, they built a beautiful relationship and, like many others, made the bold decision to move to Australia to build a better life for themselves and their future children. They lived in Clayton and eventually moved to a beautiful home in Chelsea, where Stella generously hosted her sister Rajathi, and her sisters-in-law Sabina and Tresa over various periods of time. Their home was never empty, and she always ensured that their doors were open to those in need – and a place of fun and adventure for her nieces and nephews. Her career in Australia began at Hella, where she built some amazing friendships before making another bold move with her husband to open an Indian grocery store. Through this, they fostered so many incredible relationships with their customers and the wider Indian community. They sacrificed a lot and built a very successful business. After many years of hard work, they sold their business to focus on what mattered most to them: their two beautiful girls. Losing her own parents so early seemed to have fostered a destiny to be an amazing mother – and that’s exactly what she was. God blessed her with Cathy and Cassie, and she would have felt incredibly fulfilled in her role as a mother. To see her baby girls grow into women is not something she would have taken for granted. They are her life’s greatest achievement, and she’d be proud that her legacy continues on in them. This grief still feels so raw, but Stella wouldn’t want us to be heartbroken. She’d want us to smile and remember a life that was bursting with happy memories. We can honour her by celebrating a life well lived and by remembering what made her special. She showed us that we don’t have to take ourselves seriously all the time – that it’s okay to have fun and embrace the chaos that comes with a big family. Her life was about connection – to bridge gaps and foster relationships with those she loved most. She noticed the small things and knew how to lift people up with just the right words – the words she knew you needed to hear. She role-modelled how to be honest about your struggles but not let them define you. She showed us that you can be vulnerable and strong at the same time – that you could cry and still carry on with grace. She always looked for the best in people, and that’s what made her so special. We love you and we will always miss you Aunty Stella. May you rest in peace. Until we meet again.