Chitra Emily Samarasena

The Life Story of Chitra Emily Samarasena

Chitra Emily Samarasena was born on October 18, 1937, to the late Edwin and Emily Ranasinghe. She grew up in Rathmalana, Sri Lanka, in a warm and nurturing household, before later moving to Kotte with her beloved husband, Sam Samarasena. Together, they built a home and a clothing factory Unilooms employing hundreds of women in neighboring area.

From an early age, Chitra was known for her generosity and selflessness. In the 1970s, while living in Kotte, she often welcomed and hosted several of her nephews who were studying in Colombo. She provided them with a home close to their colleges, making their lives easier and showing her natural instinct to care for others.

In 1980, Chitra and Sam made the courageous decision to leave behind their comfortable life in Sri Lanka and migrate to the United States with their three young sons. It was a leap of faith, inspired by the dream of building a better future for their family during a turbulent time in Sri Lanka.

After settling in Santa Barbara, Chitra's ways never changed. She continued to be a source of light for others, opening her modest three-bedroom home in Santa Barbara to countless family members and friends who were newly arriving from Sri Lanka. She would begin by writing sponsorship letters, and once they arrived, she would provide them with meals, housing, and comfort until they could stand on their own. She even spent countless hours helping them search for jobs. Though the house was small, she always found space, even if it meant her own sons had to sleep on pull-out couches to make room for others.

Chitra never asked for anything in return. Instead, she led by example, teaching Andy, Channa, and Arosha that helping others without expecting anything back was one of life's greatest values. That was how she lived always giving, always caring, and always putting others first.

Her devotion to her family was boundless. She adored her grandchildren Hashi, Sonali, Charith, Dylan, Shane, Nathan, and Maya and often said that although she never had daughters, she was truly blessed with three wonderful daughters-in-law, Shyama, Hyacinth, and Isu, whom she loved as her own. She often said they were a gift to her life, and she treated them with the same affection and care she gave her sons.

Chitra also shared a remarkable love story with her husband, Sam. Their marriage of 63 years was filled with unwavering devotion and companionship, a true partnership built on trust, sacrifice, and love.

Looking back, those who knew her recall her laughter, her warmth, and her ability to make every family gathering feel special. Whether cooking her famous chicken curry and rice, hosting relatives and friends, or sharing gentle words of encouragement, she had a way of making others feel at home.

Chitra Emily Samarasena passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the age of 87. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity that will continue to live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband, Sam Samarasena of Santa Barbara, California; her children, Andy, Channa, and Arosha Samarasena; her daughters-in-law, Shyama, Hyacinth, and Isu Samarasena; and her seven beloved grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Chintha Ranasinghe, and her brother, Berty Ranasinghe. She is predeceased by her siblings, Chandrani Wickramasinghe, Malini Ranmuthu, Hector Ranasinghe, and Nihal Ranasinghe.

Chitra's life was one of selflessness, faith, and boundless love. She will be remembered not only as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother but also as a guiding light for her extended family, friends, and community.