Celina Nathoo (née Rawana)
December 28, 2025
Celina Nathoo (née Rawana), beloved daughter of Sita Goriah and Peter Rawana passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Celina was born on May 24, 1944, in Port Mourant, Guyana, South America. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 63 years, Julius Benjamin Nathoo; her cherished daughters, Linda (George) and Barbara (David); and her adored grandchildren, Alex Anthony DuBoulay and Anjali Teresa Thomas.
Celina was the ninth of fourteen children. Her siblings include Reginald (Indrani), Gladys (Nandlall), Harold (Ione), Donald (Joyce), Rita (Walter), Eva (Graham, Chet), Arnold (Savitree), William (Cynthia), Rodrique, Maylene (Dalchand), Mary (Tom), Edward (Jean), and Sherlock (Udit).
A faithful and loving wife, Celina shared a remarkable partnership with Julius, built on mutual respect, devotion, and unwavering love. Together, they created a life grounded in faith, service, and education.
Celina was an accomplished educator whose career spanned more than three decades. She taught at both the elementary and secondary school levels.
When she immigrated to Canada, she earned her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and her Master of Education degree from Western University.
Her career started from Saraswat High School in Guyana (1962-1970) to the London District Catholic School Board in Canada (1974–1998), Celina touched countless lives. She inspired her students to become leaders through her kindness, grace, and quiet strength.
Alongside her husband, Celina co-founded Saraswat High School in Guyana, beginning with just 18 students. Through their dedication, the school grew to over 400 students, many of whom went on to achieve global success in business, law, education, and sports—most notably cricket.
Above all, Celina was a deeply loving and selfless mother. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her daughters, always placing their happiness and well-being first. Her joy multiplied when she became a grandmother, and she treasured every moment spent with Alex and Anjali.
Celina embraced life fully. She loved playing golf and tennis with Julius and their friends at Greenhills Golf and Country Club, and at golf courses around the world. She enjoyed staying active at the Fitness Forum with her family, proudly mastering step classes, and treasured walking lunches with her teaching colleagues.
Travel was another passion—journeys to England, Ireland, the United States, the Caribbean, and especially Guyana held deep meaning, particularly when Julius was called to the Bar at the Chambers of the Chief Justice of Guyana.
A woman of deep faith, Celina served her church faithfully as a lay reader and Eucharistic Minister. She ensured that her students were well-grounded in the teachings of the Bible, leading by example through compassion and humility.
Celina walked with the Lord and carried the quiet confidence of a true leader. She remains the heart and soul of her family—guiding, nurturing, and inspiring with grace, charm, and courage. With a peaceful smile, she now begins her next journey, forever held in love and remembrance.
Visitation at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, Friday, January 2, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m. Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 p.m., followed by a reception. For those unable to attend the funeral service a livestream is available.
Click on Remembering Celina to register for livestream.
Internment at Oakland Cemetery, 390 Oxford Street W, London, ON.
Leave a tribute for Celina Nathoo (née Rawana)
Leave a tribute
Julius, Linda, Barbara and families…. I am truly saddened to learn of Celina’s GOING HOME. Your whole family was very special to me…. I looked forward to seeing you and working with you for your banking needs. I felt that we began a friendship that was much more than a banking relationship. Such a beautiful family….take good care, knowing that you will be together again at the feet of Jesus.
I am so sorry to hear Celina has passed. We just found out. She was a great lady and will be missed. Our prayers are with you girls and Julius. RIP.
Dear Linda and Barb, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother, Celina. Please let Julius know we are thinking of him and the whole family. Our paths have crossed many times with the Nathoos and we have always admired the happiness, strength, love and kindness that characterize your family. Celina was truly a special person and you will have many memories to bring you comfort at this sad time. May she rest in peace.
My heartiest condolences,, thoughts and prayers for the families. Although Miss Nathoo was a strict n serious geography teacher, she was a kind n gentle person and a mentor for most of the young ladies at Sarswat High School. With fondest memories 🙏🏻🪷👏🏻🌷
Mr. Nathoo, Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved wife, Celina. And we pray that she is in a happy place, enjoying peace as her eternal journey continues. Sincerely, Vinda RamSingh Regina Mundi College Grade 13 — 1972/73.
Our deepest condolences to Julius and family and the Rawana Family. Celina was a very nice lady and always with a smile as I remembered her growing up in Georgetown. Very well spoken and warm personality. We will pray for her soul to R.I.P. and she is now with her Heavenly Father in glorious Heaven.
Dear Julius and family, and the Rawana family. Please accept our sincere condolences, from the Beharrysingh family, on the passng of our dear cousin Celina. I, and the rest of our family, were always delighted to see Celina, except most of those occasions were at funerals of other family members. I am happy to know that she had a strong faith, and is now at rest in the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May God comfort you all as you mourn Celina's passing, and give you the strength to get you through these difficult times ahead without Celina by your side. Sincerely, Rudy Beharrysingh
Please accept my sincere condolences on Celina’s passing. I knew Celina when she came to our house in Georgetown and we connected and were very close. We looked forward to the next time when we could get together. When we got older and got on with our lives, we lost touch and especially when we came to Canada. May she rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences to Uncle Jules, my cousins Linda and Barbara and their families, my uncles and aunts and the rest of the family on the passing of Aunty Celina. May you hold the memories of her close to your heart and may her soul rest in peace. On behalf of myself, Shameer, my mom (Ione) Jared and Justin
Saddened to learn this news. A wonderful, classy lady who touched the lives of so many in deep and lasting ways. My every encounter with Celina left me smiling, a person who brought goodness to every action. Our deepest sympathies to Julius, Linda, Barb and the entire family.
Services for Celina Nathoo (née Rawana)
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 2, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 2, 2026 12:00 pm
Additional Service information
For those unable to attend the service a livestream is available.
Click on Remembering Celina to register for livestream
Interment to follow the service at Oakland Cemetery
I am saddened to learn of Celina's passing. I regret that I have missed this and just found out today... Barb and Linda please know of my prayers and thoughts at this most difficult time. Please if you may ensure that Julius knows of my regrets and thoughts. God Bless
~ MARK PRIAMO