Mrs. Leila Philip Kopparath (fondly known as Leilakochamma), was born on March 12, 1928, and was the eldest of seven children to Mr. K Koshie and Mrs. Elizabeth Koshie. She was married on December 27, 1965, to the late Mr. K. G. Philip.

Leila started teaching at the age of 18 in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Her teaching career took her to Calcutta, Kochi, Madras, Pune, London and Canada. She was tasked with starting the Kendriya Vidyalaya school in Kochi and was appointed as its first principal. She was later transferred to Chennai and Pune before being sent on a scholarship to England.

Leila and her husband, Philip, immigrated to Canada in 1973 where she completed her Master of Education at Queen's University and then spearheaded the ESL program in Scarborough under the Toronto District School Board. She retired in 1993 and was loved by her colleagues and students, many of whom continued to keep in touch.

Leila brought her youngest brother, Ranjan, to Canada in 1991, and lived with him along with his wife, Sajany, and two daughters, Elizabeth (Sonu) and Susan (Sanuja), who fondly called her Leilammachy. She was a pillar of the home, church and community and had a relationship with those of all ages.

She spoke with eloquence, carried herself with grace, had a strong faith in Christ and she will be deeply and incredibly missed.

We eagerly await meeting again on that beautiful shore.