It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Chitra Samarasena. She was the cherished wife of Sam Samarasena and loving mother of Andy, Channa and Arosha Samarasena.
Chitra was born on Oct. 18, 1937 to the late Edwin and Emily Ranasinghe. Chitra passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2025, at the age of 87.
Chitra grew up in Rathmalana, Sri Lanka, in a warm and nurturing household, before later moving to Kotte with her beloved husband Sam Samarasena. Together, they built a home and a clothing factory Unilooms employing hundreds of women in neighboring area.
From an early age, Chitra was known for her generosity and selflessness.
In the 1970s, while living in Kotte, she often welcomed and hosted several of her nephews who were studying in Colombo. She provided them with a home close to their colleges, making their lives easier and showing her natural instinct to care for others.
In 1980 Chitra and Sam made the courageous decision to leave behind their comfortable life in Sri Lanka and migrate to the United States with their three young sons. It was a leap of faith, inspired by the dream of building a better future for their family during a turbulent time in Sri Lanka.
After settling in Santa Barbara, Chitra’s ways never changed. She continued to be a source of light for others, opening her modest three-bedroom home in Santa Barbara to countless family members and friends who were newly arriving from Sri Lanka.
She would begin by writing sponsorship letters, and once they arrived, she would provide them with meals, housing and comfort until they could stand on their own.
She even spent countless hours helping them search for jobs. Though the house was small, she always found space, even if it meant her own sons had to sleep on pull-out couches to make room for others.
Chitra never asked for anything in return. Instead, she led by example, teaching Andy, Channa and Arosha that helping others without expecting anything back was one of life’s greatest values. That was how she lived — always giving, always caring, and always putting others first.
Her devotion to her family was boundless. She adored her grandchildren Hashi, Sonali, Charith, Dylan, Shane, Nathan and Maya, and often said that although she never had daughters, she was truly blessed with three wonderful daughters-in-law Shyama, Hyacinth and Isu, whom she loved as her own.
She often said they were a gift to her life, and she treated them with the same affection and care she gave her sons.
Chitra also shared a remarkable love story with her husband Sam. Their marriage of 63 years was filled with unwavering devotion and companionship, a true partnership built on trust, sacrifice and love.
Looking back, those who knew her recall her laughter, her warmth, and her ability to make every family gathering feel special. Whether cooking her famous chicken curry and rice, hosting relatives and friends, or sharing gentle words of encouragement, she had a way of making others feel at home.
Chitra leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and generosity that will continue to live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched.
Chitra’s life was one of selflessness, faith, and boundless love. She will be remembered not only as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, but also as a guiding light for her extended family, friends and community.
She is survived by her loving husband Sam Samarasena of Santa Barbara; children Andy, Channa and Arosha Samarasena; daughters-in-law Shyama, Hyacinth and Isu Samarasena; seven beloved grandchildren Hashani, Sonali, Charith, Dylan, Shane, Nathan and Maya Samarasena; sister Chintha Ranasinghe, and brother Berty Ranasinghe.
She is predeceased by her siblings Chandrani Wickramasinghe, Malini Ranmuthu, Hector Ranasinghe, and Nihal Ranasinghe.
Chitra will be deeply missed, and forever in our hearts.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beach Front Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., with reception following at the home of Arosha Samarasena 67 Vereda Cordillera, Goleta.