I was a little boy of about ten when I attended the wedding of my dad’s youngest brother George Pinto in Mangalore. From witnessing a traditional ‘roce’ – a pre-wedding ceremony that involved anointing the couple with coconut milk and oil to ballroom dancing at the reception, I vividly remember telling myself “looks like we have an ultra-modern entrant into our rather conservative family.” My hunch was confirmed by the Toastmaster who divulged nuggets of information about my new aunt. Loretta was a Sports Star, a Gold Medalist, the University Hockey Captain and arguably the first woman to ride a bicycle in Mangalore at the time!
To my otherwise self-effacing and reserved Uncle George, Loretta Aunty seemed quite the perfect foil. Vivacious. Full of beans. Effervescent. Opinionated. You can jolly well imagine, she must have been what they call a ‘fiercely protective mom’ to my cousins – Georgina & Glenda.
Be it taking turns at the wheel of their Scorpio on long drives to helping out at my Uncle’s factory in Mysore where they initially manufactured filaments for lights, with a project commissioned for even the ‘Mangalyaan’ Moon Mission, Loretta Aunty’s sense of involvement and dedication always stood out. Dabbling in the home décor business for a bit, she truly made herself part of the furniture wherever she went.
At my wedding reception, I can never forget her Rock Of Gibraltar like support along with George Uncle, standing behind us on the stage, nudging us to wipe beads of sweat from our foreheads, to take sips of water and grape juice to stay hydrated in the sweltering May month humidity, and even overseeing the safe deposit of gifts. Just what would we have done without this amazing couple?
Making time for others was in her DNA. No matter what. “Come to Mysore for a holiday. Just fly down to Mangalore or take the Shatabdi and leave the rest to us.” Not an empty offer. When our kids were just a few years old, we visited Mysore. A beaming Loretta Aunty & George Uncle were right there at the Railway Station and took care of the rest – a cozy guest room at home, trips for sight-seeing, long chats at the Mysore Club, well-meaning advice on diet, exercise, life, and special care of our twin angels.
Appreciating gifts is not just manners but also an art. When we presented Loretta Aunty with a painting of Mother Mary by my mother-in-law, she seemed awe-struck, climbed on a stool and hung it in her drawing room in seconds. A reflection of not just gratitude but also her deep sense of devotion to God.
On every visit to Chennai for a Free Masons meeting, they would make it a point to give us a heads up and drop in. With bags of treats and goodies. When even local delivery agents call for directions, these seasoned travelers, would effortlessly land up using google maps. “Don’t bother dropping us back. We’ll find our way with Uber or Ola.” This was Aunty’s instruction even during a visit a few months ago to see my ailing father.
A true sort of Agony Aunt in my paternal family, Loretta Aunty was blessed with a calm demeanor, loads of common sense, perspicacity, and unlimited energy, belying her sixty eight years.
It was as unreal as it was heartbreaking to see her lying quietly in the coffin at the funeral mass that was live streamed. Truth be told, this was the first time I ever saw her without a smile. I can almost picture her winking: “just check what I’m up to with the angels in heaven.” My helicopter aunt has reached her destination.
(Sanjay Pinto is an Advocate, Columnist, Author of 4 Books & Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24×7. Loretta Pinto was his aunt)
