Auntie Chansorey

Today, as we gather to remember Auntie Chansorey, I want to take a moment and begin with remembering Uncle. It was always difficult to envision Auntie without him.

He was a man of profound thoughts, with a love for the quiet companionship of books. I shared a deep bond with him, which was based on respect, trust, and our mutual love for the letter of the law. Though he was a man of few words, I was privileged to share many a conversation with him on a variety of subjects.

Uncle was undeniably a most distinguished and handsome man. One could see why a young Auntie Chansorey would have been drawn to him. His assignment as a military attaché brought him to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.  Their love story was akin to a fairy tale, with Auntie as the beautiful young princess he met and loved — quite literally.

She was the daughter of the head of state of Cambodia and the only governor who was awarded the French CROIX DE GUERRE for his bravery, fighting along side the French army in Cambodia.

During the bloody takeover of Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge, Uncle and Auntie, were mercifully in India. But Auntie endured a loss most profound – she lost her family, her country, her home. In all the years I knew, her heart yearned for her home – searching – she oscillated between Delhi and Paris.

But she was a woman of great resilience. She kept Cambodia alive each day, every day – in her cooking, in her embroidery, and home décor. Every meal I had with her, had her signature vegetables, carved to precision. While Uncle and I would be deep in conversation, resolving world issues, my eyes would follow her in quiet fascination – watching her get her hands dirty – upholstering the sofa, tendering to her gardening, planting vegetables. It was fascinating to watch her girl-like excitement – at the temple she built, the motifs she embedded on the boundary wall – all of it with her bare hands, leaving behind memories cast in stone.

But my most enduring and endearing memory of her will be – her interactions with Rony. Her incessant instructions to Rony – knowing full, well – they are not going to be followed. And the glint in Rony’s eyes, knowing, she knew. Jokes aside, Rony’s unwavering dedication to his mother has been evident to all of us and speaks of their deep affection for each other.

But life is never linear. It had more challenges in store. First uncle passed ….  and then there was more tragedy to bear– all of which, she and the entire family have handled with great resilience and grace. 

We take solace in knowing that her final years were marked by serenity and joy. I know the bond she shared with Hida—whose silent fortitude and tender care provided unyielding support—and of course there is Alex and little Reyna, Chantal, Roger, her great grandchild – Sebastian, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Some years ago, she also got to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia.  Life had come a full circle.

In bidding her farewell today, let us find comfort in the knowledge that her life was rich and meaningful, and that she now rests among her dearest—Uncle, Guetty, and Sana.

Rest in peace, Auntie. I will miss you calling me “Paya”.

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