On behalf of myself and Sushma Soni, I would like to thank everyone for your kind words, thoughts and prayers for Kanta Fai. We appreciated your attendance at the funeral either in person or via zoom. Kanta Fai knew hundreds of people across all walks of life. She knew many of you for over 10, 20 and even 30+ years. She made each and everyone of us feel very special as if we were her best friend. I know so many of you wished to say a few words or to have messages read out at her funeral out of your love for her. We also appreciate many of you have taken time to serve her over recent months and some over many years. Unfortunately due to time limits were not able to acknowledge each of you personally. Kanta Fai herself said to us, please do not start mentioning individual names or allow some people to talk as this would offend the many others who are mistakenly forgotten. Even though her health had been challenging for the past few years, she still made a special effort to meet with many of you during this time. She spent Christmas 2020 in Wellington to be with her family and friends there, and also spent some time in Dunedin and many other places. She knew this was to be her last visit to each of those places and made the most of her time there. We are hosting a special lunch this Sunday 15 May (details are on the tributes page). Those wishing to attend please RSVP by this Wednesday. Please note, my corrected Phone number and email is now on the tributes page. Ritesh Lal

Kanthafai - I struggle to put into words how much you mean to our family. It is not hard to conjure up a memory because there are so many. You have always just been there as part of our family since that fateful day you met our Dad, Raju Badiani, a medical rep (who could sell honey to a bee) and brought him home to meet Ba, who quickly adopted him has a ‘son’ given our connection to her birthplace. That day, you became his Kanthaben, and went on to become Kanthafai to my sister, Renu and I. You have held my sister and I as babies, and then held our babies too. We have celebrated together, holiday-ed together and over the years our relatives and your relatives have become intertwined together as family. In my adult years, especially those special years we lived in the same city as I became a mother, we spoke and visited often . There was always more to talk about, over a chai, a cuppa, a glass of red wine, from my parents to parenting, Indians then and Indians now, the 6 o’clock news, the latest National radio show host. Any project I was working on as a researcher, you had some experience, connection or wisdom to contribute. You taught me that everything and nothing changes, but that it was important to keep noticing, keep trying. You always noticed the important things - razor sharp in your observations, gentle with your words. Your home was always a home to our family.- from my childhood the Auckland harbour bridge was simply a landmark that we were nearly at Kanthafai’s house. Your story inspires my children to be ‘rebel girls’ like their Kanthafai-ba. Your legacy and your generosity of spirit is imprinted on our family. As my 7yr old Rahi said ‘Kantha Ba packed up her heart-suitcase with memories and has gone now’. We feel so honoured to be part of your suitcase, and you are certainly in ours. Rest now Kanthafai - we will take your memory forward with us. Sushma- we are all here for you. Love Arti, Richard, Mala and Rahi, and the Badiani family xxx

Deepest Sympathies Sushma,on the death of ur beloved mother. I'm so glad I had chance to speak to ur mum. When I heard she was very I'll,I rang and she picked up. Kantabhen u will be missed by everyone. U took such good care.of Ba. May ur Soul rest in peace. U left lovely memories,achieved so much in ur life. Sushma God Bless. U r not alone. Ur mum will always be with u. Indira magan.

Grateful that I was able to be a part of the final rites for Kantha Ben. It was a beautiful farewell for a great spirit. Her choice of song sats it all. She lived life her own way and yet in service for the wider community Pt Nitya Nandji 🙏 great quotes and making it relevant for everyone. All the speakers were great. So proud of Ritesh Lal for all he has done and his sharing gave us a personal insight into Kantha Ben's life. It was always a pleasure to meet Kantha Ben. Her joy and energy was inspiring. We always wish we had more time when people are gone. Our deepest condolences to the Sushma and family and Ritesh Lal and family and all the friends and dear ones of Kantha Ben. Om Namah Shivaya Om Shanti 🙏 Uma and Harbans Chopra

We have lost a trailblazer for Soni women of your generation. Remembering your beautiful smile and generous spirit. It has been a pleasure knowing you. Love and hugs to her loved ones. OM SHANTI Lata Gain

I remember spending quality time with you while visiting Auckland during my last trip. It was wonderful moment I had with you when you invited me and my sister for tea and that moment will be with me all the time. I wished I could have made another trip and visited you! Remembering your last visit to California, when I picked you up from Fremont and took you around Silicon Valley and I really had a great time with you. I know you really had wonderful time, too and I wished I had spent more time with you. Myself, mother, sisters and brothers will miss you dearly!

Of all the treasures one accumulates in life the most precious is true friendship. Kantha I met you in 1948 and through life's trials and tragedies we survived. We travelled the world and broke many hearts along the way not least because of your charm and beautiful smile. You exemplified independence, determination and excellence in everything you achieved. We will miss you . Love and Hugs to Sushma.

Kantaben, met you almost a life time ago and never failed to be amazed by your kindness and sweet nature. We had lunch at the Botanical Garden’s cafe the last time you were in Wellington. We all hold that memory in our hearts like a precious gem. Be at peace wherever you are now Kantaben and may Shri Krishna hold you close and shower His blessings on you.

Kantaben lovely to have met you shall treasure our find times and memories made during my visit to Auckland May your souls Rest In Peace as you continue on your journey Jsk Malti Nathwani

Kantha was a beautiful person in so many ways. She embraced our family as part of hers. She attained amazing goals throughout her life. She was an outstanding example for women everywhere. She raised a wonderful daughter (Sushma) whom we were proud to include as part of our family. She will be greatly missed. Hugs and love to Sushma and all of Kantha’s family.