Tribute to Aunty Katie
Aunty Katie
Aunty Katie was born Catherine David in Tamil Nadu, India to parents of humble means. She was the youngest of 4 sisters and 4 brothers – all now departed.
An Introduction to The Early Days in The Life of Auntie Katie
Auntie Katie's father was a lay preacher who taught the Bible in fishing villages around Madras and throughout the Coromandel Coast of East India.
Her mother (Dhanam) though lacking in formal education also helped his missionary work by teaching needlework to women in the coastal villages and explaining the Bible to them.
After school and in her teens, Aunty Katie joined and later rose to the rank of Captain in the British Army’s Women’s Auxiliary Corps of India. As a Captain in the WACCI she travelled throughout India helping with the war effort. She matured and learned discipline and how to train. In 1946 the British Army recognised her work and dedication and awarded her THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICES MEDAL. Yes, our Aunty Katie received a DSM.
She also met quite a few well know people like Lord Louis Mountbatten amongst others.
Around this time she met, fell in love with & married the popular Chummy Perera while he was visiting India where he ran a few businesses. A few years later after the birth of a son Subas, in Trivandrum, Kerala, they decided to return and to Colombo where Suresh, Rohan and Romesh were born.
Aunty Katie was not fazed by her new country. She joined Singer Sewing Machine’s corporate office in Colombo where she rose to the rank of Manager in charge of Education and Training. Her army training had made her a person quite capable of taking charge. She travelled throughout Sri Lanka running classes and events for Singer, educating women on the use of the modern sewing machine. This of course helped sales and ensured a good income for the family.