In loving memory of Natasha Sita Anderson (Perera), born on September 16, 1977, we celebrate her life and mourn her passing on February 1st, 2024, surrounded by her family after being suddenly hospitalized and overwhelmed by a rapid onset and inexplicable physical illness. Natasha was a compassionate soul, radiating unwavering love and empathy for all.
Though her life was taken from us, her beautiful soul is everlasting. Natasha found solace in her friends and family, both in person and in her virtual community. An avid reader, she immersed herself in the world of literature. Natasha was an ardent advocate for the underdog, dedicating her efforts to equity and fairness in all her pursuits.
She leaves behind a cherished legacy embraced by her beloved family: husband Mark, children Lena (11) and Makai (8), brother Hershel, sister-in-law Julie, and nephews Krish and Aary. Her parents, Asha (Sam) and Hiran (Lizzy), were integral parts of her life, each contributing to the extraordinary spirit she embodied. In addition, her extended family, including loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, played pivotal roles in shaping the rich tapestry of her life.
Natasha's friendships stood as a testament to her generous spirit and genuine care for others. Her friends were not just companions but her chosen family, each holding a special place in her heart, forging bonds that transcended mere friendship.
As a heartfelt tribute to Natasha, we kindly request that you play "Adore" by Prince on your own time—a song that beautifully encapsulates the enduring beauty and love she brought into our lives.
Friends are invited to gather at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Friday, February 9th, after 12noon. A celebration of Natasha's Life will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a reception in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Natasha's name to the Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation.
As we bid farewell to her physical presence, let us carry forward her legacy of love, kindness, and joy. Though she may be absent in body, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.
Digital Guestbook
Franceen Waxman
Carla Peterson
Natasha. I don't know what to say other than you leave behind a deep void. Your love and light permeated through layers and layers, you filled me with joy with each of our interactions. I will never forget our countless conversations on books and life. Time and time again you filled me with courage and positivity. What luck, what blessing it is to have known you at the capacity I did. I will forever thank my lucky stars, the alignment of the heavens, that I was able to converse with you, to witness those special moments you shared, to have secret chuckles. My god, what luck. One in a million type of woman, you are a rare gem, so special, so spectacular. You light is so beautiful and immense, that there is no way it can ever be diminished. I love you, amiga.
Shavi and Nanda
Oh Tashie, I don’t want you to be gone. I just want to be able to text you or call you and laugh about books or confide in you or giggle about something silly. This void will be so big and I still don’t want to believe it or accept it. I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life and no one understood every part of me the way you did. I will think about how you taught me to do my makeup and listened so patiently to the teenage problems I had. I will remember our passionate conversation where we shared a collective sorrow for the way the world is hurting. You always taught me to never define myself by someone else’s standards and the way you cheered me on gave me so much strength.
I hope you’re happy and safe and content wherever you are. I hope you’re with Thathi and Achchi and Seeya and your Nani and grandfather. I hope everyday will be full of Prince and Bob Marley and everything good you enjoyed. I hope you have inspired all of us to be better and strive to create a more just and beautiful world. As I deeply grieve your loss I promise I will celebrate your life and everything you stood for.
Love you forever, Tashie.
Munchkin and Nanda ❤️
Maggie Hunter
Oh Tash. I am just without the words to express what this news does to my heart. My fellow curly haired momma from the Six. Your vibrancy, your compassion and your humility, your eyes of wisdom, your smiles of joy. Your humour. I will miss you so greatly. To your family - thank you for sharing your incredible Natasha with us all. I have not stopped thinking about her great love Mark, and her beautiful babies, and I am sending so much love and light to you all. I will cherish my memories of Tash forever.
Gayle Pulle
I think I am still in shock and the past few days it is sinking in that you are truly gone, far too soon. We went to two monumental (in your words) concerts together NKOTB and Prince, so as I listen to Adore I think of you and how excited you were to witness a legend. When you moved to Ottawa you were not just family but became a friend and I loved discussing books with you and dinners out. You left and returned and with kids and life, we didn't see each other as often - but we often checked in on each other and every conversation was so genuine, so vulnerable, so caring. The world needs more kind souls and will truly miss yours. My heart (and any support I can give) goes out to your family, to your precious kids and husband that meant the world to you. May you rest in peace and will treasure our memories and time together.
Mackeda
From joking that you should come live in the sun with me to random conversations about books that we both enjoyed, I am truly grateful that for a brief moment I got to feel your light. Rest in peace Tash
Dylan Allen
I don’t know how to say farewell to someone who was so full of life and love. I had the honor of meeting and knowing Natasha because of book and will try to honor her memory through them, too. I am lost for words and just so grateful I have all of her voice messages saved. Wise, kind, funny, and thoughtful- Natasha was an angel on earth. I hope wherever your soul dwells it feels how loved you are and always will be. I wish I knew what to say beyond these words. I just don’t. I’m praying for you and the people who loved you. Fly high, sis. You are missed.
Astrid and Karishma Butani
We are still shocked and can't believe you are gone.
Gone too soon Natasha.
May your soul rest in Peace 🕊️
And may God give Marc and the kids and your mom Asha and also Sam , dad Hiran, your bro Hersh and his family the strength and courage to deal with the loss and the big Void.
You will be missed!
Komal (Anu) and Sunil Gurnani
Our sincere and deep condolences for your loss. Our prayers are with the family during this difficult times. May her soul rest in peace, Sunil and Anu Gurnani
Seth Colasante
My condolences, I am so sorry to hear about your passing. You will be greatly missed. It was a pleasure working with you over the years!
To Natasha's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Natasha in Toronto and Ottawa, and she was a bright, vibrant, compassionate person. She will be missed. May her memory be a blessing.