Murtaza Lilamwala Memorial Fund and House Purchase
Donation protected
Our hands quiver as we write that our beloved friend, Murtaza Lilamwala, recently passed away on January 8, 2021, a day which was supposed to be one of the happiest in his life and that he was planning for over a year. Murtaza was a wonderful father, husband, and friend who touched the lives of all those around him. We especially remember his infectious smile, joy for life, and commitment to service. At the young age of 39, out on a weekend trip to the Poconos, his sudden passing from a heart attack shook his family to the core. As the sole bread earner of his household, he leaves behind him a wife Fareedah, and two daughters, all desperately in need of a critical lifeline.
What are we seeking funds for?
We, friends of Murtaza and family, are currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of a home for Fareedah and her two daughters. They are currently living with a family friend as they were planning on closing on a home the following week. The seller of the house for which they are under contract has kindly extended the closing date to allow them to raise funds. We need to raise $180,000 in the next 20 days to secure a permanent roof over their heads as well as for maintenance costs as they plan their life ahead.
100% of collected funds go directly to Fareedah and her two daughters.
The house, pictured below, is a 2-bedroom townhouse in South Brunswick, NJ. The contract price for the house is $256,000. Fareedah, with her limited savings and no income, credit line, or capacity to pay a loan, will not be able to move forward with the closing without help. Moreover, Fareedah is twice widowed - this is the second time her life is being unsettled due to the untimely death of a loved one (read more below). Left without a home and no immediate income and savings, their economic future is left uncertain. With some help from friends and family she has gathered enough only to cover 25% of the costs. For them, every cent matters.
Please read below for more on their journey:
● Path to home ownership
What are we seeking funds for?
We, friends of Murtaza and family, are currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of a home for Fareedah and her two daughters. They are currently living with a family friend as they were planning on closing on a home the following week. The seller of the house for which they are under contract has kindly extended the closing date to allow them to raise funds. We need to raise $180,000 in the next 20 days to secure a permanent roof over their heads as well as for maintenance costs as they plan their life ahead.
100% of collected funds go directly to Fareedah and her two daughters.
The house, pictured below, is a 2-bedroom townhouse in South Brunswick, NJ. The contract price for the house is $256,000. Fareedah, with her limited savings and no income, credit line, or capacity to pay a loan, will not be able to move forward with the closing without help. Moreover, Fareedah is twice widowed - this is the second time her life is being unsettled due to the untimely death of a loved one (read more below). Left without a home and no immediate income and savings, their economic future is left uncertain. With some help from friends and family she has gathered enough only to cover 25% of the costs. For them, every cent matters.
Please read below for more on their journey:
● Path to home ownership
● Fareedah’s Story
● Testimonials to Murtaza
The Path to Home Ownership
Murtaza was an excellent vocalist, one of the best in the choir at his mosque. He knew how to win hearts, with his infectious smile, somewhat childish jokes, and most importantly his selfless and ever-ready helping nature. He had a penchant for traveling and was always ready for a new adventure.
Murtaza lost his job early in 2020 due to layoffs ushered in by the COVID-19 pandemic. Murtaza was just starting to turn things around and work to achieve HIS DREAM, the dream of securing a house to shelter him and his family for years to come. After working odd jobs, Uber, Amazon, etc, in mid-2020, Murtaza was able to find a regular job in his field of expertise with a steady source of income and moved closer to achieving his dream. Murtaza, Fareedah, and the kids were overly excited about the house closing, but their dreams were shattered by Murtaza’s sudden and untimely death.
Fareedah's Story
Fareedah, 36 years old, is twice widowed; she married her first husband Huzeifa in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2006. They were blessed with 2 beautiful girls, Rashida and Insiya. After 6 years of marriage, a tragic incident occurred and Huzeifa suddenly passed away. Needless to say, it was a difficult and traumatic time for Fareedah and the family.
The strong woman she is, Fareedah continued raising her children as a single mother until she found happiness again with Murtaza. She re-married in 2015 and emigrated to the United States, and her daughters once more found a loving father. Things were just starting to get better. They were finally healing and settling down with their beautiful new life. The family were going to buy their own house, until their lives were once more thrown into disarray by the sudden and untimely death of Murtaza, who, upon reaching The Poconos and checking into their resort villa, passed away of a sudden heart attack. Fareedah is left without words.
Fareedah Lilamwala was born and brought up in Mombasa, Kenya. She is her parent’s only child. She is smart, intelligent, and always determined to pursue her dreams. She is keen on learning new things- even if it means fixing a car! The kindest soul, she not only has a smile on her face but puts a smile on everyone around her. Fareedah has been serving her local religious and South Brunswick communities and plays an active role in making a difference in her community.
Every cent counts, we hope you will help Fareedah and her daughters during these difficult times and thank you for your support and contributions!
Testimonials:
"Murtaza bhai never left a room without ever leaving everyone smiling. He was an inspiration, a mentor, and I will never forget the impact he has had on me in and my life. Thank you, Murtaza bhai, for everything."
-Murtaza Palanpurwala
"Growing up I never had an elder brother. To teach me from right and wrong. But also, someone who cracked jokes with me and would tease me just for the sake of it. A bond like that doesn't happen so often, goodbye Murtaza bhai❤️"
-Mohammad Khazanchi
"Murtaza bhai- a leader and teacher for zakereen (vocalist group). He served the community for all the right reasons and the right way. In his service, he made everyone feel a sense of importance"
-Hatim Sabir
"Murtaza bhai's patience, constant pursuit to better himself, happiness, and strong love, have inspired me to become not only a better person, but also a service member. Words cannot describe the emotions I have for my Murtaza bhai, a friend, a mentor, and a brother."
-Hasan Abbasi
"Murtaza bhai, was a guiding mentor in my life, he treated me as his younger brother and was always looking out for my well-being. He set the standard for how one should humbly benefit their community with pure intent and thus sparked my devotion to do the same. His melodious voice inspired my peers and I to dedicate hours into training our voices to be better vocalists. And his voice will continue ringing in our ears and hearts forever."
-Aziz Kapadia
The Path to Home Ownership
Murtaza was an excellent vocalist, one of the best in the choir at his mosque. He knew how to win hearts, with his infectious smile, somewhat childish jokes, and most importantly his selfless and ever-ready helping nature. He had a penchant for traveling and was always ready for a new adventure.
Murtaza lost his job early in 2020 due to layoffs ushered in by the COVID-19 pandemic. Murtaza was just starting to turn things around and work to achieve HIS DREAM, the dream of securing a house to shelter him and his family for years to come. After working odd jobs, Uber, Amazon, etc, in mid-2020, Murtaza was able to find a regular job in his field of expertise with a steady source of income and moved closer to achieving his dream. Murtaza, Fareedah, and the kids were overly excited about the house closing, but their dreams were shattered by Murtaza’s sudden and untimely death.
Fareedah's Story
Fareedah, 36 years old, is twice widowed; she married her first husband Huzeifa in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2006. They were blessed with 2 beautiful girls, Rashida and Insiya. After 6 years of marriage, a tragic incident occurred and Huzeifa suddenly passed away. Needless to say, it was a difficult and traumatic time for Fareedah and the family.
The strong woman she is, Fareedah continued raising her children as a single mother until she found happiness again with Murtaza. She re-married in 2015 and emigrated to the United States, and her daughters once more found a loving father. Things were just starting to get better. They were finally healing and settling down with their beautiful new life. The family were going to buy their own house, until their lives were once more thrown into disarray by the sudden and untimely death of Murtaza, who, upon reaching The Poconos and checking into their resort villa, passed away of a sudden heart attack. Fareedah is left without words.
Fareedah Lilamwala was born and brought up in Mombasa, Kenya. She is her parent’s only child. She is smart, intelligent, and always determined to pursue her dreams. She is keen on learning new things- even if it means fixing a car! The kindest soul, she not only has a smile on her face but puts a smile on everyone around her. Fareedah has been serving her local religious and South Brunswick communities and plays an active role in making a difference in her community.
Every cent counts, we hope you will help Fareedah and her daughters during these difficult times and thank you for your support and contributions!
Testimonials:
"Murtaza bhai never left a room without ever leaving everyone smiling. He was an inspiration, a mentor, and I will never forget the impact he has had on me in and my life. Thank you, Murtaza bhai, for everything."
-Murtaza Palanpurwala
"Growing up I never had an elder brother. To teach me from right and wrong. But also, someone who cracked jokes with me and would tease me just for the sake of it. A bond like that doesn't happen so often, goodbye Murtaza bhai❤️"
-Mohammad Khazanchi
"Murtaza bhai- a leader and teacher for zakereen (vocalist group). He served the community for all the right reasons and the right way. In his service, he made everyone feel a sense of importance"
-Hatim Sabir
"Murtaza bhai's patience, constant pursuit to better himself, happiness, and strong love, have inspired me to become not only a better person, but also a service member. Words cannot describe the emotions I have for my Murtaza bhai, a friend, a mentor, and a brother."
-Hasan Abbasi
"Murtaza bhai, was a guiding mentor in my life, he treated me as his younger brother and was always looking out for my well-being. He set the standard for how one should humbly benefit their community with pure intent and thus sparked my devotion to do the same. His melodious voice inspired my peers and I to dedicate hours into training our voices to be better vocalists. And his voice will continue ringing in our ears and hearts forever."
-Aziz Kapadia
Organizer and beneficiary
Aliasgar Rangwala
Organizer
East Brunswick Township, NJ
Fareedah Lilamwala
Beneficiary
