Three months after a Chatsworth family of three perished in a house fire, their relatives can finally have closure after DNA tests, post-mortems, and investigations into their deaths have been completed.
Following a delay in DNA testing, the funerals of Kogie, Maya and Niren Veerappen will be held on Sunday at the Scdifa Hall in Silverglen, Chatsworth. It will then proceed to the Clare Estate Crematorium.
Maya, 91, a retired teacher and musician, Kogie, 89, who was bedridden, and their ill son Niren, 54, died when a fire ripped through their home in Silverglen on December 22 last year.
Their family’s dog, Zoe, also died.
Niren’s son, Dhasheyan Veerappen, said despite a long wait, the family felt comforted knowing their loved ones' funerals could finally be held.
“It has been a complicated experience to mourn and not mourn at the same time. But we are glad that we have got to the final stage of this ordeal, and we can lay my dad and grandparents to rest. We received the DNA results this week, and planned the funeral. We can finally have closure,” he said.
The combined funerals will lie in state from 10.30am to 1pm and thereafter proceed to the crematorium.