COLCHESTER'S Nepali community mourned the loss of a beloved matriarch, who was sent off in a heartfelt ceremony. 

Mrs Chhetra Kumari Gurung, died peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by her loved ones on June 19, following increased health issues. 

Her sons, members of the Brigade of Gurkhas, Major (Retd) Chandra Bahadur Gurung MOV, WO2 Mohan Gurung and Staff Sergeant Mahendra Gurung collectively served the British Army for 70 years. 

Community - Mrs Gurung's life was celebrated by the Nepali community in ColchesterCommunity - Mrs Gurung's life was celebrated by the Nepali community in Colchester (Image: Udaibahadur Gurung MBE)

Mrs Gurung had received kidney dialysis at the Primary Care Centre for the past 11 years and her health started to decline further in May. 

Her daughter Kamala took care of her mother over the last six months before she was admitted to Colchester Hospital.

Her life was celebrated in a heartfelt ceremony organised by the Colchester Gurung Society, and led by Major Udaibahadur Gurung MBE.

He said: “At Nepali funerals, they bring Khada garments and flowers put on top of the coffin, which I believe is a waste of money as flowers will rot away after a few days and Khada garments it is made from nylon, and if we put through the chamber, it is against the environment.  

Remembered - Chhetra Kumari Gurung was a beloved matriarch in the Colchester Nepali communityRemembered - Chhetra Kumari Gurung was a beloved matriarch in the Colchester Nepali community (Image: Udaibahadur Gurung)

“I told the mourners not to bring any Khada garments and flowers; instead, if they would like to chip in the cost of flowers and Khada garments in the collection box.” 

The money was then donated to Colchester Kidney Patient Association, in honour of Mrs Gurung. 

“I collected £885 from the collection at her funeral.  Her eldest son and I handed over £885 and £231 to Gail Oliver from the Colchester Kidney Patient Association and the staff at the Renal Unit at Colchester Primary Care Centre", added Mr Gurung.

Donation - Udaibahadur Gurung MBE and Major Chandra Bahadur Gurung MVO presented to Gail Oliver £885 cash at the Kidney dialysis centre for the Colchester Kidney Patient AssociationDonation - Udaibahadur Gurung MBE and Major Chandra Bahadur Gurung MVO presented to Gail Oliver £885 cash at the Kidney dialysis centre for the Colchester Kidney Patient Association (Image: Udaibahadur Gurung MBE)

The Gurung family thanked all those who attended the funeral, which was filled with deep respect and cultural reverence. 

Khenpo Rinpoche Shir Lama and Lama Gang Gurung facilitated the funeral, ensuring a peaceful transition to the afterlife. 

Her family say they take "comfort" in knowing her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.