“A pillar to her community”

A woman deeply loved and strongly missed, Nergish Shiavax Nargolwala was the heart of our family. She accepted and respected every person she knew despite their differences, whether physical or beyond. A woman of incredible patience and kindness, her unwavering support was always happily extended not only to her family but to all who knew her. A devout and pious woman, she held her faith only second to her family. She always remembered us in her prayers, just as we do now for her.
Despite losing her mother at an early age, she had strong family ties with her sisters, brothers and father. She developed a strong passion for the arts, and practiced painting and sculpting as a child. It was this same passion that made her join the J. J. School of Arts, in what was then considered as an uncommon decision by most. Despite her father’s apprehensions of pursuing further studies in an unconventional field, she was focused and accomplished works of no little talent.
Her marriage to Shiavax Nargolwala was the beginning of a new life for her. She tackled her responsibilities as the wife of a senior government official with firm grace, by being the constant support that her husband needed. Organizing official government functions and parties, as well as accompanying her husband during travels abroad, she was ever by his side. Upon his becoming president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA), Nergish was always there to support him through the turbulent times when he headed the progressive Parsi community in Delhi. His passing created a major void, yet Nergish carried on.
On her own, Nergish raised her two young boys, Adil and Mehrab, into fine men with families of their own in whom she took pride. Such challenges could have broken another, yet she handled them in the same manner as was her usual nature, with strength. More than just a mother, more than just a home-maker, Nergish was a pillar to her community. On the personal request of succeeding president Lt Gen Adi Sethna, she contributed over 20 years as a trustee of the DPA carrying on what was started by her late husband. Throughout this time, her passion for the arts remained, and she deeply enjoyed both the practice of them, as well as encouraging others pursuing painting, theater and sculpture. A humanitarian at heart, her selfless thoughts were always towards the underprivileged and she felt no hesitation in uplifting the poor and impoverished. A model of honesty and love, the sincere lady had an iron will, and was not afraid to stand up for what she believed in.
The last few years of her life were difficult, as she suffered from ailments. Though her passing at the age of 80 plus this year was mourned by all, we are thankful that her pain has finally ceased.