Obituary of Shusama Chakma

Shusama Chakma born March 10, 1942 in Rangamati, Chittagong Hilltracts Bangladesh into the Chakma Hill Tribe. She passed away peacefully January 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Shusama was predeceased by her husband Bimal Chandra Chakma and her son Debadarshi Chakma. She is survived by her loving children, Anomadarshi "Darcy" Chakma, Malobika Chakma and Nirbandarshi "Rakesh" Chakma; daughters-in-law Stacy Baier, Papi Chakma, son-in-law Pranay Khisa; grandchildren Osin Khisa and husband Kolo Chakma, Prottay Khisa, Anura Baier Chakma and Aurthodarshi Chakma; great grandchildren, Gautom Chakma and Rohini Chakma. She also leaves behind a large loving extended family, amazing friends globally and a community where she was loved and respected. Shusama was the matriarch of our family. She was described as a loving devoted mother, generous, honest, calm, hardworking and devoted to helping others. She was a devout Buddhist. She was also said to be tall beautiful with long silky black hair. Beautiful inside and out. Shusama's family were landlords, prosperous and very close. They owned expansive tropical fruit gardens in her beloved village. She donated generously to the poor. Shusama wove luxurious traditional Chakma Pinon and Hadi Tribal Dress with hand looms, alongside other women from her community. They wore them proudly identifying their tribe. She made a religious pilgrimage to the Sacred Bodh Gaya in India, visiting the Mahabodhi Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. She bravely traveled from overseas late in life while battling COPD to visit her sons in Pittsford, NY and Fairport, NY. The last ten years of her life were spent living in NY. She had many exciting new experiences, learning American culture where she would thrive. She would speak daily to family back home, sharing life's journey. She touched so many hearts deeply in this life. To all the professionals who assisted in caring for Shusama, the family would like to express their sincerest gratitude for her excellent care. They would also like to express their gratitude to the Ven Gynaratna Bhante for his compassion and spiritual guidance. There will be a Memorial Service and prayers celebrating Shusama's life in New York City at the Sadhanananda International Buddhist Monastery on January 27, 2024 @ 10 am. All are welcome. Memorials will also be held in Ragamati, Bangladesh and Paris France. Donations can be made to Sadhanananada Inter. Buddhist Monastery, 1122 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY 11238 www.nysibmusa.org