Matri Pawaroo

Matri Pawaroo was born on August 28, 1942, at Albion Estate on the Corentyne Coast of Guyana, South America, to Ramcharran Sawh and Rukhmin Nathoo. She was one of nine siblings: the late Basdai, the late Mahadai, the late Savitri, the late Gaitri, the late Bedhatri, and her surviving siblings Vidhyatri, Diatri, and Dr. Harridutt.

Matri spent her early childhood in the estate cottages, where lifelong bonds were formed with neighboring families. In 1956, her family moved to Limlair Village after being granted a house lot as part of a program for plantation workers. At Limlair, she also made lifelong memories with her school mates. She attended Alyness School, where she learned typing, which led to her employment at Albion Estate and later at the Whim Magistrate’s Office. It was there that she met the late Chanderdat Pawaroo, an Attorney-at-Law. Following their marriage, she moved to Bengal Farm, where she shared a happy and fulfilling life with the Pawaroo family. Matri made the selfless decision to give up her dream of studying nursing in England in order to raise her family.

Matri's parents were hardworking farmers who valued education and ensured that their children attended school. Raised in a strong Arya Samaj household, Matri’s devotion to her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. Living next to the Bengal Vedic Mandir, she embraced seva (selfless service), dedicating her time and energy to supporting the Mandir and its community. She embraced the principles of Vedic Satya Sanatan Dharma (often referred to as Hinduism). Its principles emphasize self-realization, cosmic harmony, and living righteously to aspire to make the universe noble.

In 1988, Matri migrated to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. Through hard work and determination, she built a life, including purchasing her own home. Most importantly, she continued her spiritual journey and remained deeply involved in serving her faith community at the Bronx Arya Samaj.

Beyond her spiritual life, Matri found her greatest joy in cooking and feeding others. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth, love, and generosity. Long before the rise of cooking shows, she shared her recipes and culinary talents freely— traditions that will continue through her family.

Matri leaves behind her beloved daughter Neela, her son-in-law Surendra, and her cherished grandchildren Ajitesh, Divya, and Shreya. She is also lovingly remembered by her stepchildren, Naroopa and family, and Rajendra and family, along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews, in-laws, grandchildren, lifelong friends, and her treasured Mandir community.

She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, kindness, generosity, and the deep love she shared with all who knew her.