Obituary of Nergis Rustom Mistry

Nergis Rustom Mistry (nee Homavazir), 92, passed away suddenly last Sunday, October 25, 2020 during a visit to Austin, TX.  She was visiting her son in the USA and was stranded here almost a whole year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Her wish to return home was unfulfilled.  She will be buried in Chapel Hill, NC on Sunday, November 1, 2020.

Nergis, was born as Nergis Sorabji Homavazir, in Bulsar, India in 1928 in a large family of 8 children of whom only two brothers survive her.  She grew up in Bombay and was orphaned at age 17, when both her parents passed away in a short span of two years. She was then raised by her maternal aunt, who she was very close to and looked to as her own mother.  She was married in 1949 to Rustom Nadirshaw Mistry and they had two children, Firoz and Maharookh.  She was widowed in 2006.  Her son, Firoz, is settled in the USA and lives in Chapel Hill, NC.  She visited him regularly over the past 12 years.  Her daughter Maharookh and her family live in Bombay.  Nergis continued to live in Bombay and her daughter Maharookh and son-in-law Percy moved in to take care of her.

Nergis is survived by her son Firoz, her daughter-in-law Firoza and their daughter, Armeen; her daughter Maharookh, son-in-law Percy Daruwalla, their daughter Shaznin, and their son Sharookh, his wife Rajni and son Rihaan.  Her two brothers, Pesi and Jangoo also survive her.

Nergis spent her life dedicated to her family.  She was a loving daughter, sister, wife and mother to her extended family.  Her shy and quiet personality belied the strength and inspiration she brought to the family.  She was an excellent cook praised by all who were fortunate to eat at her home.  She was also devout and in the past 10 years spent an hour every morning and evening in quiet prayer seeking the blessings for all in the family.  In spite of her advanced age, she had the courage and enthusiasm to travel regularly from India to the USA to stay a few months with her son and his family.

Nergis Mistry will be buried in Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery on November 1, 2020. Family and friends may visit from 11 am to noon on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.  She will be buried at 2 pm.  All are welcome.