Obituary for our dearest Elyn
Elyn Mary Shenoi (nee Coelho) born January 17, 1929, brought up in Byculla, Mumbai, is pre-deceased by her parents the Hon. Marcel A. F. Coelho and Molly (nee Brito), sister Lola Pereira and brother Gerry Coelho.
Elyn is survived by her beloved husband Arthur D’Silva Shenoi, four children Noel (Debbie), Allan (Lalita), Peter (Evelyn) and Ranee (Norse) and nine grandchildren: Lauren, Alexa, Andrew, Erica, Sonia, Anita, Tommy, Christina and Eric.
Guided by her abiding faith in God, Elyn led a joyous, charitable and prodigious life until the very end. At age 86, on May 30, 2015, Elyn returned home to her heavenly Father lifted by the loving prayers of her family and friends.
Throughout, she remained devoted to her husband of 58 years, her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In everything she did or thought, in India or America, Elyn was a born leader and led by the spirit of love girded on her bedrock values of honesty, hard work, the equality of all human beings, and equal consideration being due to all, regardless of wealth or position.
In India, Elyn successfully designed and constructed a large upscale apartment building in Chembur, Mumbai aptly named “Shenoi Sadan,” and later spearheaded and led her family's transition from India to the United States, living in Houston from 1979 (except for a two year stint in Saudi Arabia) before retiring to Orange County, California in 1996, where she lived the remainder of her life.
Elyn played classical piano, imparted the gift of music to dozens of students, and dedicated herself to providing children with the best foundation in education by teaching elementary school in Houston for 12 years.
Elyn contributed mightily to and enthusiastically partook in the joys of life: her cooking delights were renowned and included shrimp biryani, Mangalorean chicken curry, pork sorpotel, fish croquettes, masala omelets, and lamb chops. Her striking physical stature and features did not go unnoticed either. She was crowned Esso Queen in 1970.
Elyn achieved legendary skill in the card game of Bridge, which she assiduously taught her children and grandchildren and used as a model on how to measure or take risk and to learn to play any hand one is dealt with the utmost confidence. Elyn avidly invested in and thrived in the stock market.
Always there for her children and their spouses, Elyn willingly and eagerly helped them when their children were born. In times of adversity or challenges, Elyn provided nurturing and unconditional love to her children and extended family. Elyn did not just serve as an enduring role model for family life and values, she glamorized motherhood, and showed it to be a most-satisfying calling.
We cannot have asked for a better wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend! Her absence in our lives cannot be filled. We are grateful to God for the 86 wonderful happy fun-filled years of Elyn’s life.
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Funeral and Reception at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church on 22082 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 on June 6, 2015. Viewing at 10 am, Mass at 11 am and Reception following the Funeral Mass all at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church and Hall.
Pallbearers: Noel Shenoi, Allan Shenoi, Peter DeSilva, Andrew Shenoi, Norse Bear, Michael Pereira, Mario Coelho, Keith Coelho, Lance Lewis, Adrian Lewis, and Naresh Menezes.
