Ananda Remembers | Ananda Janaka Foundation

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Ananda Remembers is a place to remember individuals who have been part of the Ananda spiritual family. These include people who have lived in the Ananda communities, have been connected to one of our Centers or meditation groups, or have joined us as a member of the online Ananda virtual community.

The Ananda spiritual family also includes those whose connection with Ananda may have been more limited in nature, but who nonetheless had a deeply meaningful connection with Ananda during their lifetime.

Each of these loved ones has helped in his or her own way in the building of Ananda, and our mission of serving people through the blessings and inspiration of Paramhansa Yogananda, and the guidance of Swami Kriyananda.

We invite you to look through the Tributes posted below to learn more about these souls.

To find someone in particular, you can use the Search box.

Ananda Remembers is a free offering of the Ananda Janaka Foundation, a non-profit, religious foundation that supports Ananda Worldwide through estate gifts and donations. Please Contact Us for more information about estate planning that benefits Ananda.

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Nayaswami Lila Hoogendyk

Lila was born Sheryl Milner in San Leandro, California on July 7th, 1941. Swami Kriyananda said about her: I knew Lila for many years, even before she became my cook. And I have to say in all those years, I never saw one flaw in her character. I believe she's free spiritually. What more can I say?

Nayaswami Brindey, Warrior of Light

Brindey was born on Feb 11, 1951. She was raised in the Catholic Church by her foster parents developing great devotion early in her life. She had traumatic hurdles to overcome in this life and overcome them she did with great will power and devotion.

Nayaswami Maria (Maria Warner)

Maria Warner moved to Ananda Village in 1980, dedicating the rest of her life to serving God and Gurus. Born and raised in the Soviet Union, Maria and her sister Bella moved together to Ananda. Her life and passing were an inspiration to many.

Nalini Graeber (Nancy Coit)

When Nalini arrived at the meditation retreat at the end of 1970 she had found her home. Nalini was inspired by Swami Kriyananda’s determination to help establish Yogananda’s dream of World Brotherhood Colonies. She also found a family of like-minded souls and a spiritual path that offered liberation from delusion.

Mary McRae Oesterle

Mary Oesterle was one of those beautiful souls that sees everyone in the highest light. She served Swami Kriyananda directly as his secretary, cook and housekeeper on and off from 1986 – 1999, both at Ananda Village and at Ananda Assisi. She and Tom were extremely generous souls who supported Ananda’s work through Swami’s books and personal physical operations.

Nayaswami Anandi (Anandi Cornell)

A founding member of Ananda, Nayaswami Anandi was one of the primary ministers who greeted and interacted with newcomers during their first visits. Anandi’s life was the epitome of a life dedicated to the search for God: cheerful, serviceful, energetic and willing.

Nayaswami Seva (Sonia Wiberg)

Nayaswami Seva left her body Sunday, November 14, 2021 at the age of 86. Swami Kriyananda always had a special place in his heart for Nayaswami Seva because she was instrumental in helping him get Ananda started. She met him in San Francisco in 1967 when he was teaching yoga and meditation in the Bay Area. She had reached a point in her life where she saw no meaning in the material world. When she met Swamiji, she found the reason for her incarnation.

Ruth Ormondroyd

Ruth Ormondroyd lived in the Ananda world for over 24 years serving at Ananda Portland, Ananda Village and the Meditation Retreat. She was a deep devotee and a hard worker; had seemingly endless energy which she displayed in the gardens she transformed, in being a support person in the community Sangha offices and in her participation in programs that brought her closer to her guru. She brought beauty into this world through her gardening, office and maintenance skills and in her sweet interactions with everyone she met.

Rob Froelick

Rob Froelick lived at Ananda Village from the late 1970's on and was involved in many activities during his lifetime with Ananda.

Kristy Norfleet-Andrews

Kristy's recent incarnation was noteworthy for her inspired musical and dramatic creativity. And in the broadest strokes, it was noteworthy for the intensity of her love for, and dedication to, God and Gurus. Her final moments of passing were filled with Beauty and Grace.