"Nangi"
 Shilani Milligan was born to Edgar and Derra Goonetilleke on May 16th 1950, in Matara Sri Lanka. She passed from time into eternity at the age of 53, on Saturday, May 17th 2003. As a young girl, being moved to think of God in Uncle Ernie's missions, Shilani made her choice at the Colombo convention to serve the Lord and was faithful to that choice to the end. She is survived by her husband, John, two sons, Roshan and Nelunga, father Edgar, brothers Rodney, Nissanka, Priyantha, and Nigel, grand-uncle Leslie, many aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many very close friends. She left Sri Lanka in 1970 to study music in England. In 1974, she came to California and spent her first night at the Wijesinghe home. She met John the next day at the fellowship meeting in the Royce home. She and John were married September 22nd 1979 in the home of Lyman and Marilyn Mundy and their best man and maid of honor later married and remained loyal friends. They spent the first years of their marriage in Ohio, at which time Roshan entered into their lives. They moved back to California in 1983 and were blessed with Nelunga. She spent 23 years of marriage as a devoted wife and a loving mother to her children. John drew much strength from her, and the boys looked to her as a faithful anchor, and one who kept the standard in the home. Despite her recent physical limitations, Shilani extended her love and care for her mother-in-law Cora, in her last days, as well as nurturing and caring for her brother Rodney during his recent illness. She very much appreciated bosom friends as Marion Pitcher, her first roommate in the US, who currently labors in Spain, and Lou McCormick, who has been a special sister and nurse to her in recent years. Shilani's love and kindness extended far beyond her immediate family and touched in a personal way all those in her circle of influence. Her fervent love for her Heavenly Father inspires us all. All who knew her will dearly miss her. It is amazing that the thing we talked about so much has really happened. We often said nothing would be the same when the other one went, and Nangi, that is so true. I miss our calls and our visits and our weekend outings. Most of all I miss your voice and hearing you tell me how much you cared for me and how glad you are for the time we can have together. I know you are over your worries and pains because God will not allow that any more and you are where you lived to be. You will always be in my heart because I am your Akki and you are my Nangi. Thank you for everything and especially for YOU. Love, Lou McCormick Our memories of Shilani the week-end she and her family spent at our house in Fresno, CA,will always be special. It was a week-end filled with laughter and sweet fellowship. We will also remember her as a beautiful bride when she married John. She was a very special, gracious lady. We want to express our sincere sympathy to Edgar, Nisaka, John and her children as well as other family we don't know. All who knew her loved her. Lovingly, We don't know how long we will have the ones we cherish most; we can only know that their love will change us in a deep and inspiring way. I have valued the friendship and fellowship of Shilani(Nangi)and her family during my early years in Sri Lanka. Years have sped by since I, Ruth (my wife)and my children saw her last in LA in 1989. Her illness and passing away comes as a shock. Although no farewell words were spoken, Shilani leaves behind many good memories that are a comfort. Mark Aiyadurai and family, Victoria BC, Canada. I first met Shilani about 23 years ago at my parents' home and was so impressed at how comfortable she could make everyone feel in her presence. But I didn't really enjoy true fellowship with her until I made some changes in my life in 1991. Then we could share in true fellowship with each other and with God. She and John along with Nelunga and Cora came to our home for a weekend in 1998. She cooked us a very delicious Sri Lankan dinner and we enjoyed a very precious visit. Your bright smile will surely be missed. Our thoughts and love go to John and your family. "Glo" & Larry (Gloria Compston) There are no words to express the loss that my family and I feel at Aunty Shilani's passing. To know that I will never hear her call me "Aunty Stephanie", as she lovingly named me as a child is a hard thought to bear. But I am thankful that our families are as one family and that we can all rejoice that she has been called home by her Heavenly Father. One of the last things she told me was not to worry, and to leave all things in God's hands because He is the one that knows best. Anyone who knew her knew will always remember her laugh, her love to sing, and how much she loved her family. Today,we remember her as a remarkable woman that she was, and may we all be doing our part to share the love that she so freely shared with all of us. Aunty Shilani, I am thankful that your pain is over and that God's glory is before you. I hope you know that I always loved you, and that you passed from here to eternity with a daughter. Lovingly, Aunty Stephanie (Wijesinghe) Shilani and I met in 1978 in Hawaii when she came to visit Rodney and his family and we have remained very close throughout the years. Through the good times and the difficult times, Shilani was a loyal and loving friend. I wish with all my heart I could have said goodbye to you, Shilani, but it just wasn't to be--I am just so thankful that you aren't struggling anymore and God can wipe away all your tears and fill you with all the joys and love of Heaven. Over the years we have shared our hearts and poured out the contents to one another...that kind of trust is rare and precious. You and John were my 'lifeline' during some very difficult years, and even though I can't tell you one more time in person just how much I love you, I take comfort in the fact that you knew. Part of you will always be in my heart. Goodbye my special friend--until we meet again. Dear Shilani, Your passing leaves a void that no one else on this earth could ever fill. You kept us going, whether it was family camping trips, gardening, wedding planning, formal Teaparties (where hats were a must), combined celebrations for birthdays and graduations for our kids, or impromtu potlucks where we met wonderful friends and shared your delicious cooking! Justin has special memories of the trip with your family to Sri Lanka, and now a love for "curry" that I will never be able to duplicate! Your enthusiam for life and friendship will never be forgotten. Denny and I have felt honored to be included in your family and circle of friends. Love Denny, Julie, Jeneva, Jared and Justin Brower Beautiful Nangi, All our love to ALL Shilani, my friend, I can't believe you've left...and I didn't ever get to visit you in California. You were always a joy to me; we didn't get to see all that much of each other, but when we did there was no distance, only deep sharing. Thank you for the gift of your friendship...this is hard...I will miss you. I am glad that your suffering is over though, that God has brought you home and that you are singing at His feet now. RAISE HIGH YOUR VOICE IN PRAISE TO HIM! My prayers for John, the boys, and other family and friends in this difficult time. May God enfold them in His arms of strength and grace. Remembering you with much love Shilani, Godspeed... Barbara Burky Dear John, Roshan, and Earl, Harry, Nancy, Molly, Aaron and Jonathan Shaw My dearest Nangi, I have dreaded this day for many years. But I cannot wish you back. I would never wish for you to suffer more than you have. I know you have gone willingly and without fear to what you lived for. I thank you for the lifetime of love and friendship you have given to me. I will strive to continue to be the person you have helped me become. As much as I may have complained, I truly learned from all of your "lectures" over the years. You have left a hole in our hearts and lives that cannot be filled, except with your loving memory. Our responsibility now is to live the lives that you fervently wished for us to live. Even though now your memory brings tears to my eyes, it still brings a smile to my heart. Yours always and forever, Susan Buchanan Dear John and boys, We will always have our special memories of dear Shilani. No one can take them away. I'll always be thankful for the days she let me stay in the home when I left the Work. Her heart was as "open" as her home to listen to the cares and needs of a friend. We cried together--we laughed until our sides hurt. We have so many memories of curry and Polly's Pies together. We have good memories in both Ohio and California. We thank God He planned our days of fellowship together. She was true, upright and honest before God and man. With our love in Jesus, It is said that funerals bring memories to mind and Shilani's service certainly did that. I remember a very outgoing, vivacious and happy young woman along with her husband & young son who I sold a house "home" to. Our relationship didn't end with the sale. We spent time together at Gospel meetings, Convention and then "Absolutely Delightful" the gift shop, the Whittier earthquake, moving & closing the shop,later looking for a location to open a Pre School. Yes, she was a "special" lady. Lois Haider Our Beloved Nangi. In loving you set no boundaries. We were privileged to share in your love from your childhood - always our loving loyal friend and adored and adoring little sister - nothing was ever too much trouble, no mountain too high to climb. Our world will not be the same without you. Goodbye darling till we meet at Jesus Feet. John, Roshan,Nelunga Uncle Edgar, Rodney, Nissanka, Priyantha and Nigel, Our hearts weep with you. May the God of all Comfort Stregthen, Guide and Keep each one of you. Rohini & Terry Turner Darling Nangi, Precious one - To live in hearts you leave behind is surely not to die. I loved you in life and I love you in death. I shall miss you. Stephanie Latham Never would I have thought you'll soon leave us.........but we are sooooooo grateful for the special memories of your 'presence' with us, in thoughts and hearts......! You are a special lady, Shilani.......! We were only a few days and hours together that year you came to NM, but it sure bonded us for life and gratefully,for all eternity......!!! May Gatan Darling Nangi, in your lifetime you have been to me a Mother, an older sister a best friend and a lifesaver. I am amazed at all the memories of you that keep flooding my thoughts, my heart. I could fill a book with the countless times you gave of yourself to me so unselfishly. You darling Nangi, are the kind of giver, which gives unselfishly, well pressed down and running over. Thank you for loving me throughout my lifetime with a love I never questioned. Thank you for the many times in my life when you stood as a guardian between me and a lost eternity. I will carry the sweet influence of your spirit and influence till we meet again. Loving you always, To John, Roshan and Nelunga, we hope to love and support you in a way that will ease your heartache. To Uncle Edgar, Rodney Nissanka, Priyantha and Nigel, thank you for a lifetime of allowing me to be on the receiving end of your unselfish giving. We hope to reciprocate with hearts full of love and support during this our mutual loss. With heartfelt love, Although I did not know Shilani personally, I knew her husband, John when we were "youngsters" in Ohio. It was truly a shock to hear of Shilani's passing, and it does remind us not to store up our treasures in heaven, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but to store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. We thank God for this reminder. We thank God for Shilani and John. Love in Him, John and Becky Curran Springsteen Darling Shilani Akki, When we were children, you took us under your wings. You truly cared for us in every possible way. We will never forget the love and care you had for us. As we grew older and had our "teenage trials" you advised us to keep faithful. When we married you encouraged us on. You loved our children as you loved us. Your love didn't just envelope a few but all mankind. It is evident from those that you touched all around the world. We know that you are rest with our Father and you've received your reward. We will miss your cheery smile, hospitality and attitude of any time for a good-time!! Sweet memories will never be forgotten. Goodbye, dear Akki. Dear Mommy love,nelly Milligan A. Shilani, I miss you terribly. Everytime I get together with your family, your presence is felt, but you are missed. I hope to see you again on the other side. i love you dearly. Love,
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