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Obituary of Niloufer Philips-Arasakumar
Niloufer Philips-Arasakumar, 63, of Treasure Island, FL passed away peacefully in her home on October 22, 2023 after a long battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was born December 13, 1959 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Niloufer was the daughter of Kumar and Glory (Chellappah) Arasakumar.
Niloufer attended Ladies College in Colombo, graduating in 1976. Afterwards Niloufer began her professional career at the Dutch Embassy in Colombo. This diplomatic beginning paved the way for her ultimate journey to the United States where she was employed at the United Nations for 18 years. Niloufer’s first day at the UN was September 11, 2001, a devastating day for all. During her time at the UN she was able to spend a year in Liberia, Africa on a UN Peacekeeping Mission where she was the Special Assistant to the Head of the Mission: the Special Representative of the Secretary General. After Liberia, Niloufer returned to the UN in New York, and continued until her retirement in 2020.
Niloufer was one of the finest female athletes of her time both at Ladies College and beyond. She was the Sri Lanka Squash National Champion for six years: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1990. As such she represented Sri Lanka in Squash all over the world. She was the pioneer of Women’s Cricket in Sri Lanka and Captained the Women’s Cricket Team. She is remembered as a top class all rounder performing well with both the bat and ball.
Survivors: Niloufer is survived by her partner and wife of 14 years, Anita Fanelli of Treasure Island, FL. Niloufer leaves behind her Sister, Manjula Rajendra (Shammy, deceased) of Spokane Washington, Brother Sasha Philips (Jennifer) of Southington, CT. She was ‘Aunty New’ to 5 Nephews and Niece: Noah, Sammy, Avielle, Elias, and Joshua who were the lights of her life. Additionally, Niloufer is remembered fondly by her large circle of friends and family around the world.
Services will be held at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home on Saturday, November 18, 2023. A gathering of family and friends will be from 1p-2p, the Celebration of Life will start at 2p. Following the Celebration of Life, there will be a reception at Anderson-McQueen from 3-5p
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests contributions made in Niloufer’s name to the (click the underlined area to take you to their donation page) Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation P.O. Box 48787, St. Petersburg, FL 33743. www.ovariancancerfoundation.org Celma Mastry Foundation’s purpose is to financially assist women who are in treatment and struggling to meet the needs of their home and family.
To view the Service live on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023 at 2p EST, CLICK LINK BELOW
