October 7, 1928 – April 22, 2026
Persis Marcella Massey passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, at the age of 97 in West Kelowna, with her son Dan and his wife Bobbi by her side.
Persis was born in Indore, India, to Prem and Lily Das, the second of two daughters. She shared an especially close bond with her sister, Patience. A gifted student, Persis completed her schooling early and enrolled in teacher’s college at just 14. By age 16, she had returned to her own high school in Indore as a teacher.
A few years later, she met Thomas Massey, who was visiting from New Delhi and was the uncle of a close friend. After a year of correspondence, they were married in 1953. Although both were raised in Christian homes, it was through the ministry of American missionary John Dorsey that Persis and Tom came to a personal and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. From that point on, their lives were marked by a deep love for the Lord and a desire to serve Him faithfully.
Together, they began a small gathering in their home in 1961, which later grew into Faith Bible Presbyterian Church. At Persis’s encouragement, a Christian school was also established, and in 1962 she became one of the first teachers at Faith Academy, starting with only a handful of students. Over the years, the school has grown significantly and is now recognized as a leading English-speaking school in New Delhi, with more than 200 teachers and 3,500 students.
In 1963, Persis and Tom immigrated to Canada with their two young sons, Sunil (Don) and Dan, arriving in Kamloops with only a few suitcases and $14, due to currency restrictions in India at the time. Persis continued her teaching career while furthering her education through summer studies at UBC in Vancouver. She went on to teach at Bert Edwards Elementary for 23 years, where she was fondly remembered for her dedication and for the beautiful saris she wore each day, until her retirement in 1989.
In retirement, Persis devoted more time to her many creative pursuits, including oil painting, paper tole, flower arranging, gardening, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and reading. She also loved cooking and, together with Tom, regularly opened their home to family and friends, generously hosting gatherings filled with warmth, fellowship, and abundant food. Their faith remained central to their lives, and they were active members of First Baptist Church.
Persis was predeceased by her parents, her sister, and her beloved husband, Tom. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Dr. Sunil (Dr. Valerie) of Edmonton and Daniel (Roberta) of West Kelowna; her grandchildren Ashleigh, Jarrett, Danica, and Isaac (Rebecca); and by many relatives, friends, neighbours, and former students whose lives she touched.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Lakeview Lodge in West Kelowna for their compassionate care over the past three years.
A Celebration of Persis’s life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Kamloops:
10:00 a.m. – Viewing at Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive
11:00 a.m. – Chapel service, followed by a light lunch
1:00 p.m. – Graveside service at Hillside Cemetery, 750 Notre Dame Drive
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International (ShareWord Global), a ministry dear to Persis and Tom’s hearts, dedicated to sharing the Word of God around the world.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
16 Tributes
Persis’ presence at Bert Edwards is fondly remembered as a past student of that school. Although I wasn’t lucky enough to have her as my teacher, her saris and her strong character made her a memorable force to watch out for in the halls of Bert Edwards Elementary. Blessings to all those she touched.
Aunty Massey was inspirational and influential in my life , especially in my childhood. Both her and uncle were so my were so supportive and generous with their love and time towards my family! Aunty Massey loved me and was always there for me as her adopted niece, friend and colleague! I love you Aunty!♥️You are now resting in the arms of Jesus and rejoicing with your loved ones!
Dearly remembered aunty Persis, thank God for the legacy of faith and commitment to the lord Jesus Christ. Their love and generosity in welcoming friends and showing hospitality was a natural way of living.
With deep gratitude for a life devoted to God with her faith and service to the most high.
Mrs. Massey’s legacy is of enduring love and obedience to God’s calling. She leaves behind an example encouraging us all to walk faithfully in the path she so beautifully followed.
May God gives her rest in his love and caring arms.
Kind regards
our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.Even thou we haven’t met Bua for many years,but her sweet memories are still cherished by us.
We thank and Praise Lord Jesus Christ for a wonderful life lived by dear Bua.We hope and trust in Jesus and we shall surely meet again in Jesus time.
We lost our dear Mother Mrs.Janet Kishore Masih on 6 th of January 2026 in Ratlam after 28 years of the passing away of Daddy Rev Kishore N.Masih.
our Prayerful support for the family members.
Mamta,Namrata and Dhiraj Kishore Masih (Ratlam,Indore)
Mrs. Massey was my grade 4 teacher at Bert Edwards elementary. She was unbelievably patient and tremendously kind. I constantly struggled with math concepts, especially the four times tables. It was during one of my most frustrating moments when she quietly whispered to me that the four times tables were in all the times tables.
Now decades later I use the same qoute with my students and I think of her every time. I hope that wherever she is she gets a giggle and smiles at the knowledge that the little girl who gave up all the time now works supporting those same kinds of children.
May you know that she is thought of often and respected dearly
Sorry to know the sad news.
Because of the sacrificial contribution and
noble thought of one of the Founders Mrs.
Persis Massey, Faith Academy now stands tall
in the capital city of India.
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the life
and testimony of dear Ma”am .. May the dear
Lord comfort all of us with His peace according to John 14:27.
M.Kannan
Principal,Faith Academy Sr,Sec,School
New Delhi India
A life well lived for the glory of God and her
contribution which has grown into Faith Academy of today will be recognized and
rewarded by her Lord in heaven.
We thank God for her contribution to the
founding of Faith Academy . God gave her long
life. Praise God.
Praying for the family.
C.Sunderaj
Treasurer
Christian Educational Society,India
At the age of 97, she completed a remarkable
journey of faith , service and dedication to
Christian Education. We thank God for the gift of her life and the impact she made on so
many.
Benjamin Newton
Vice President,
Christian Educational Society, India
Dear Dan, Bobbi and family, Don, Valerie and Ashliegh,
Your Mom was one of my first teachers in Kamloops, and I remember her as one of my best teachers – not only at Bert Edwards.
Being Christians from India our families continued to meet socially regularly. I have forgotten the number of times your parent’s home was the go-to place for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and any other excuse.
Their home was always open, and your Mom and Dad were like my loving second parents.
It was through their faithful influence I began attending First Baptist Church in Kamloops, which led to a lifelong journey of a personal relationship to Christ.
Many years later I spent a wonderful afternoon with Rev. John Dorsey at the grounds of Faith Academy in Delhi – now a thriving school of well over 1500 students. It was amazing to see how God had blessed the early seeds of faith sown by Aunty Massey – who knew that God would bless.
Though saddened at your Mom’s homegoing, I am greatly encouraged that she is with her Lord, and is free of her earthly restrictions.
Our prayers are with each of you as you gather together to celebrate her life, love and legacy.
Here is a link to Faith Academy: faithacademy.co.in
Ajay & Laura Caleb
Dear Dan, Bobbi and family, Don, Valerie and Ashliegh,
Your Mom was one of my first teachers in Kamloops, and I remember her as one of my best teachers – not just at Bert Edwards.
Being Christians from India our families continued to meet socially regularly. I have forgotten the number of times your parent’s home was the go-to place for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and any other excuse.
Their home was always open, and your Mom and Dad were like my loving second parents.
It was through their faithful influence I began attending First Baptist Church in Kamloops, which led to a lifelong journey of a personal relationship to Christ.
Many years later I spent a wonderful afternoon with Rev. John Dorsey at the grounds of Faith Academy in Delhi – now a thriving school of well over 1500 students. It was amazing to see how God had blessed the early seeds of faith sown by Aunty Massey – who stepped out in faith and trusted God to bless.
Though saddened at your Mom’s home-going, I am greatly encouraged that she is with her Lord, and is free of her earthly restrictions.
Our prayers are with each of you as you gather together to celebrate her life, love and legacy.
Here is a link to Faith Academy: faithacademy.co.in
Ajay & Laura Caleb
Dear Dan, Bobbi and family, Don, Valerie and Ashliegh,
Your Mom was one of my first teachers in Kamloops, and I remember her as one of my best – not only at Bert Edwards.
Together with other Indian Christian families in Kamloops – we met socially on a regular basis. I have forgotten the number of times your parent’s home was the go-to place for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and any other excuse.
Their home was always open, and your Mom and Dad were like my loving second parents.
It was through their faithful influence I began attending First Baptist Church, which led to a lifelong journey of a personal relationship to Christ.
Many years later I spent a wonderful afternoon with Rev. John Dorsey at the grounds of Faith Academy in Delhi – now a thriving school of well over 1500 students.
It was amazing to see how God had blessed your Mom’s desire to serve God with her gift of teaching. Those seeds of faith sown by your Mom have yielded fruit many times over because she looked to God to bless.
Though saddened at your Mom’s home-going, I am greatly encouraged that she is with her Lord, and is free of her earthly restrictions.
Our prayers are with each of you as you gather together to celebrate her life, love and legacy.
Your Mom is celebrated for her pivotal work at Faith Academy: faithacademy.co.in
Ajay & Laura Caleb
Our beloved in the Lord,
Faith Academy family is deeply saddened over
the Homecall of Mrs. Persis Massey , one of our Founding Members of Faith Academy. Her commitment to the school is matchless and her prayer support made the school stand tall in the heart of Delhi.
Her sacrific is memorable because of her love for the Lord. She was holding a prime position in a private school in Delhi. She resigned from her post there and joined Faith Academy when there was a need in the school.
After some time Faith Academy ran into financial problem and it was proposed that one or teachers have to resign to manage the school. She came forward and resigned from her post in Faith Academy also I help the school She lost both the jobs. This is something unthinkable. Because of her prayers, commitment, and the Founders Burden and vision, Faith Academy has become two schools now have 4000 students put together.
It”s all the Lord”s doing through the simple souls like Mrs. Persis Massey.May the dear Lord comfort Dr.Donald Massey and all other members of the family at this time of grief and sorrow. We know that she is with the Lord and we will meet her one day in Glory.
S Robert (Director)
Faith Academy Schools and Projects,N.Delhi
We had the privilege of knowing Aunty & Uncle over the years, who had graciously invited us over to their home in Kamloops. Still recall their love, kindness & generosity .
They were well respected in their community ,whether it be in India or here in Canada. They had a dream , followed their hearts, opened doors in educating students & giving them dignity in life.
Their faith was strong.
2 Timothy 4:7 . “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith “
They ran the race & ran it well.
With fondest memories & deep respect
Dear Don, Danny and families,
On behalf of the Manuel family, we join with you in celebrating a life lived for Jesus. Persis Massey was a great example of what it means to be in love with Jesus, and was a blessing to so many people. Our family was blessed by her love, and by her participation in the Indo-Canadian Conference in Abbotsford.
Our families shared a very special friendship; we visited in each other’s homes and shared many meals together over the years. We loved and appreciated your mother very much, and we will miss her.
David Manuel & family
I met Mrs Massey at First Baptist Church, Kamloops, in 1982, when I began attending there. She and Mr Massey quickly learned of my interest in India, and began inviting me to their home for wonderful Indian meals and to the Indo-Canadian conferences in Abbotsford, for times of joyous Christian teaching and fellowship – Indian style – complete with sari. Following our assignment to Pakistan, they were both very encouraging to us in culture and language-learning in preparation for going overseas. Every visit home, they had our whole family for meals and prayer. Prayer was a hallmark of their lives. We would often visit Mrs Massey “to encourage her,” especially after the passing of Mr Massey, but we always came away very blessed by her deep faith and commitment to her Lord. Our lives have been deeply touched by this precious woman of faith. Rest in your Saviour, sweet friend and mentor. You are deeply loved and missed. Vicki & Roman Gehring & family
in love & honor for Bari mummy