AUSTIN, Virginia
RAO, Sybil Philomena, 72, of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, died on Monday, June 4, 2012 in New York City, surrounded by her family, who admired and adored her spirit of mischief, wondrous mind, and constant, quiet acts of generosity without fuss. She was charming, a gift, the warmest, funniest, most divine person we have ever known. We are lonely without her. "Greenie," as her children called her, is survived by Dr. Jaikar Rao, her husband of 45 years; daughter, Nita Rao and son-in-law, Mike McHenry; daughter, Saira Rao and son-in-law, Shivan Govindan; granddaughter, Lila Govindan; grandson, Dar Govindan; brothers, Joselyn and Ivan Nazareth; and 10 nieces and nephews. As a physician, Dr. Rao never lost the thrill of practicing medicine. For 30 years, she cared for and healed patients in need at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital. She was a brilliant diagnostician ("I just like detective work," she'd shrug) and forever felt privileged to do what she loved for a living. She was an even more extraordinary wife, mother, sister and friend. Greenie kept secrets, gave advice, and encouraged those around her to be themselves. She was nuts about her grandchildren and being Lila and Dar's "Ammi" was her greatest joy. She was truly one of a kind. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 6006 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, Virginia 23226. Friends and family are invited to gather after the service for lunch at Sybil and Jaikar's home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Memo: Sybil Rao, 811 W. Evergreen Ave., Suite 204, Chicago,
Illinois 60642,
www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
I was only 20 years old when I met Sybil, in Brooklyn NY. I worked in Unity hospital. She was so funny and caring. we lost touch, I am sad for her family, Such a beautiful person Betty M
ayer
mayer elizabeth
September 18, 2022 | Friend
I wish I had known Sybil, but I am also thankful to have Nita in my life. Nita, I see you in your Mom's face!
Elaine Baur
June 04, 2013 | Brroklyn, NY
What a lovely remembrance. I am sorry to have never met you but the light you clearly had in your heart lives on in your family. Peace and love.
Meredith Short
June 04, 2013 | Charleston, SC
dearest greenie. today would have been your 46th wedding anniversary. you always loved this day--so HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and Piñata! i also want to say that we all miss you more than you could ever imagine. lila speaks to you "inside here" she says as she points to her heart. i do too. i know how much you loved secrets--so i'm sending you loads of those. please feel to share them freely. i love you mom. chun.
October 05, 2012
She was the best mother-in-law a person could ask for. Really, she was like my other mother. I can't think of another person that could better support, excourage, and cheer without condition. And her scope was enormous... since her death I am discovering new people whose lives she improved indellibly, it's like they are pouring out of the woodwork. She will be missed tremendously. I hope some of her magic rubbed off on me, and that I can do for at least a few people what she did for...
Shivan Govindan
June 24, 2012 | Greenwich, CT
Dear Jaikar; Nita and Mike; Saira and Shiv; Lila and Dar,
I have known Sybil for 22 years now, and our friendship grew so deeply, so quickly, that I can't remember when the line between friendship and family began to blur. She was my confidant, my trusted friend, my medical advisor and yes, my family, too. She even saved my life once by intervening on my post-surgery medication issues. I treasure her life, her spirit and her entire essence. We all know her brilliance as a...
Karen Shea
June 19, 2012 | Hilton Head Island, SC
I had the privilege of working with Sybil Rao for over 25 years at the VA Hospital in Richmond. She was a good friend and I loved her dearly. Recently when I was ill, she sent me the sweetest card and brought tears to my eyes (of love). I know she will be greatly missed. One of the greatest people I have ever known
Bonnie Roach
June 19, 2012 | Cumberland, VA
I will miss dear Sybil.Mhave very much.She was positive,strong,cheerful and made me feel good at the end of every conversation i had with her.She was with my mum when i was born and SybilMhave and Jaikar.Mhanthu were the first people who held me after i was born.They are both so very special to me.May dear Mhave's soul rest in peace and give all her dear and near ones the strength to bear the loss.
Susmitha Gadiyar
June 13, 2012
We have not known Sybil for very long. But she was a person you meet once and you remember her forever. Her sense of humor is what we will always remember and we will miss her company.
Nanda and Raji Rangan.
Nanda and Raji Rangan
June 12, 2012 | Glen Allen, VA