Our dear Sister Iswari, a Self-Realization Fellowship nun for almost fifty years, passed away serenely on December 29, 2025, at the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles. Sister Iswari, whose name refers to an aspect of the Divine Mother, was known for her dedicated and loyal service as a monastic disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. She entered the SRF monastic community in 1977, and received her final sannyas vow of renunciation in January 1996 from Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS.
Throughout her years of service, Sister Iswari contributed meaningfully to our Guru’s sacred work in numerous ways: assisting our revered Ananda Mata, overseeing our SRF gift shops, inspiring devotees all over the world as a cherished kirtan leader at Convocation and on SRF recordings, and finally offering untiring, selfless support as personal assistant to our beloved Mrinalini Mata for nearly a decade.
A private memorial service was held at the Mother Center on January 26, 2026, during which these inspiring words from Brother Chidananda, president and spiritual head of SRF/YSS, were shared:
“I hold with great fondness the countless memories of my own interactions with her, remembering the loving commitment and conscientiousness she brought to Master’s work and to her wonderful care of Mrinalini Ma. Her actions were guided by a deep devotion for God and Guru — a quality that left a lasting impression on me and, I know, on many others, both monastics and devotees.”
Born Linda Susan Chervenak on July 26, 1947, in Ravenna, Ohio, Sister Iswari had a happy childhood growing up in a family of six children. Her family was Catholic, and from the beginning of her life as a student in a Catholic school she felt very attracted to the way of life of the school’s nuns and dreamed of becoming a nun herself one day.
Sister Iswari graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English, and shortly after becoming a student of the SRF Lessons and then a Kriyaban disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, she was able to realize her dream of becoming a nun and enter the SRF ashram.
Her delightful and witty sense of humor endeared her to all who knew her; and her sincerity and kindness were evident whether she was giving classes and satsangas on Paramahansaji’s teachings at the annual SRF Convocation or conducting spiritual retreats for SRF members in the United States and Europe.
Please join us in sending loving prayers to dear Sister Iswari, who is now enjoying God’s heavenly abode of eternal bliss and peace.
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Om Shantih
A divine personality radiating with Gods Love
Thank you for service in this earthly plain.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om
My Pronam to your soul which is basking in the realms of peace, love and joy!
Om Guru! Jai Ma!
I was so grateful to be in your presence when I used to serve as an usher at convocation. Your smile was infectious and you were a true incarnation of joy,! God bless you. Jai Guru
To all devotees who can interact regularly with Monastics - we who live far away envy you! (Although, those who are trying their utmost to attune with God and Gurus all radiate aspects of Their love, so we come to love our fellow chelas very dearly over time.) Still, we Aussies so look forward to visits from the Monks and this year, Nuns!
Thanks to all who facilitated the online connection to Master’s teachings, so we can now see and know His /our Monastic community more personally. And meditate with you every day!
Divine blessed soul.Had opportunity to attend her Kirtan and talks at convocation.God and Guru's blessings are with her..
Om shanti shanti shanti Om
Her dedication to the cause of the self-realization through the channel of her Guru will make her the everlasting disciple and the eternal beacon of light.
"God is nay GOD."
Dear Sr Iswari I want to thank you for your loving service. I will never forget that beautiful smile and love you always radiated. I love to hear your voice singing to Divine Mother,
Will that day come to me Ma ?
I love that chant. Would you put a word on Divine Mother for me? Jai Guru Jai Ma
I pray Sister that you enjoy the everlasting embrace of our Divine Mother and all of the joys of the saints and gurus. May God bless and guide your soul always.
Sister Iswari: What an awesome way to spend a life. You are a wonderful inspiration. May God and his angels guide you on your journey. Please give my humble regards to Sarawasti if you see her in the heavenly realm!
Dear sister Iswari,
I know where you are and we are all there with you at this moment and for eternity.
With Divine Love,
Vladimir.
Querida Hermana Iswari, como componente del Kirtan de Madrid ( España), decir que Me gusta mucho los Kirtan de las Sisters, usted tocaba y cantaba en el armonio como los Ángeles. Ahora podrá tocar para los Maestros allí en el cielo.
Pronam. Feliz viaje
Jai Guru
En el Amor de los Maestros,Dios y la Madre Divina.
Sister Iswari in eternal Joy
Om Guru!
Jay Ma!
I join my loving prayers to Sr. Ishwati and add my heartfelt gratitude for Sr. Ishwari's dedicated service to God, Guruji, and all of us, accomplished with much love and humor. God bless.
Thank you for your service!
Dear Sister, I am happy with you to be now in Divine Mother‘s arms and at our beloved Guruji‘s feet in the blessed realm of Sri Yukteswarji’s home.
May my love reach your divine heart as a sparkling joy and bliss.
In Guruji’s love and joy,
Karola
In joy we live. In joy we serve. In joy we rise. Om Christ Guru
I remember her Sweetness and Humility from many Convocations. Master and the Great Ones are happy to have Beside them Once More such a Beloved Disciple. Jai Guru! Jai Ma!
I recall her beautiful rendition of Will That Day Come To Me Ma. It is a fitting memory of her. Prayers, love and peace
Sister Iswari will always be remembered by her loving chants; her Kirtans - all taught us to open our hearts in "devotion's song" to God and Gurus. Her heart's devotion will always be remembered and never diminished, as I continue to listen to Sr. Iswari's chants as a testament of our communal devotion's love to God and Guru, manifesting to our Divine Beloved our "own soul call." Now, Sr. Iswari is singing her devotion's love, her sadhana now complete - in peaceful eternal song in self-realization.
Jaya guru Dev!
La première fois que j'ai entendu sa voix inspirante, j'ai cherché à la connaître. Grâce à YouTube, j'ai pu la voir mener le kirtan pour le service de mémoire de Sri Daya Mata. Ensuite je n'ai plus plus eu de nouvelles, je pensais la voir pour la première convocation online de 2020. Que Guruji l'accueille parmi les anges pour qu'elle puisse continuer de chanter de sa voix mélodieuse les chants cosmiques dans le monde astral. Jai Guru
My heart was deeply warned reading this. Devotion and Realisation radiate from both these words and her smile.
Being a father of 6 girls and a home maker, it is a true blessing to be on a path with such inspiring and heart led women
Peace be with you
Blessings beloved Sister. Thank you for your devotion and all your effort put forth to reach the shores of our Divine Beloved. Your radiance shines as an example to all, calling us to move onward and upward. Om, peace, Amen.
Blessings to Sister Iswari on a blissful transition. ❤️
You radiant such divine joy, love, purpose, and strength! Much love to you as you bliss out ever deeper amongst our Great Ones.!
This picture of your sweet face radiates who you are. A sweet loving soul, who is witty, kind, full of joy, an ever willing servant for God and Guru! Thank you for your dedication and inspired chanting that helped lift us up and deepen our own devotion. Jai Guru, Jai Ma
For years I tried to figure out whose voice was that which sounded so sweet and yet so powerful, in many of SRF recordings. Only recently, in a video about Lake Shrine's anniversary, I matched that voice to a face. But still was unable to know that nun's name. Well, only now I can bow to and thank Sister Iswari for so much inspiration she conveyed to us devotees through chanting. Surely it is a legacy. God receive you Sister.
Same! :) It was a Youtube video that first put a face to the voice that moved me so powerfully in my early years of sadhana, when the chants were what kept me both anchored and buoyant in that Love. Now I know the name :) Thank you Sister!
Dear, sweet Sister Iswari will always remain dear to my heart. She lifted my consciousness during the many kirtans she led during Convocation. She is now at rest in the heavenly realms in Guruji's arms.
So enjoyed learning to
play "Will that Day O'Come to Mother" from Sister.
In stillness and joy
I always played “Will that day O’ come to me Ma whence say Mother Dear my eyes will flow tears” even I am realizing it was sister Ishwari. We are blessed to be with their Sathsanga even if it’s on the YouTube I was inspired by this divine chant. I am saddened to see our dear sister depart physically but I am waiting to meet her in the beyond when I cross over.
JaiGuru (PY)
You will always be on my playlist.
Yes, I always searched this chant
Aum may God and the Great Ones manifest flowers of Joy to perfume her passage to the enlightened ashram of Yogananda in his celestial home ... with a floral basket full of love of all colors.... all blessings for you dear sister Iswari
May her soul rest in peace and ever united with God. Om Shanti
I'm adding my loving prayers with much gratitude for dear sister's divine service to us all. Jai Guru, Jai Ma.
From Joy she came; in Joy she lived ; and now into that sacred joy she has returned. Peaceful travels, dear Sister. Ishwari.
O Infinite Intelligence, regulator of all cycles and transformations,
divine Source of Life and Light, present within all beings.
In stillness, I attune to the Infinite and offer this prayer:
"In quiet trust we offer Sister Iswari into Thy eternal light.
After a life of devotion, discipline, and love for Thee,
may she abide in Thy peace
and awaken in joy and freedom."
Beautiful Sister Iswari,
My heart was praying for all of you, Sisters and Brothers, during this morning's meditation. How valuable must your life here have been to us, SRF/YSS devotees, and undoubtedly, to all who have been in touch with you during your life time!
Wishing you a beautiful journey.
May God and Gurus welcome her in the eternal light of God. Jai Guru, Jai Ma
Thank you sister Ishwari for uplifted our soul with divine voice and deep devotion. Jai Guru.
My deepest gratitude, reverence, goodwill and love for Sister Ishwari. Your smile and chants filled with devotion and yearning for God will always inspire us.
Gracias hermana.
Tocaba el armonio y cantaba como los Ángeles aquí en la tierra para el Maestro..... Ahora tocará y cantará para los Maestros,Dios y la Madre Divina en el Reino Celestial.....
La deseo mucho Gozo.
Jai Guru, Jai Ma
En su Amor y en su Luz
I remember her last talk I heard, what a powerful message of Faith in our Gurus, so inspiring to listen to and learn from, I miss her already... God Bless you! In peace, love and thanks to you Sister Iswari! Jai Guru !
“Will that day come to me mother?”
https://youtu.be/UrNz_KScfoc?si=pufaFis0DLTak-_i
So many blessings for one lifetime,
Jai Guru Sister's voice and chants will always remain in our hearts..thank you for inspiring us Sister Iswari..
What a wonderful soul, I loved when she’s singing and did Kirtan!!
She was so easy to talk to and very encouraging and just a lovely person and soul!!
Sister Dedicated Her Life in The Service to Lord and The Masters, We are sure Masters and The Great Ones take care of Her Soul ! Jai Guru Jai Maa ! Om Ommmmm
Om Shanti
OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI!!!!
She acend back to her native place, on lotus feet of Shri Hari.
Sister Ishwari, You inspired a whole generation, Bless me, so that I improve and increase my devotion towards Shri Hari and entre in to Kriya yoga soon and get the Darshan of Prabhu !!!
Sister Ishwari, Pranam
May the love and blessings of Divine Mother and Master embrace you, dear Sister Iswari, as you are ushered into your new home "where no clouds come and golden dreams dwell!" -- Om Guru!
Blessed Divine Soul.Om Guru.
What a sweet soul, Sister Iswari. She brought so much dignity, peace, love, joy to convocations, leading us in kirtan. The one video I always turn to to hear the chants she chose. I loved her way of doing things. "Jai Guru" blessings upon her soul through eternity. Peace, peace be still. Fly upon wings of light and the love of Guru. My condolences to all the monastics.
Sister Ishwari would sing so melodious & devotional kirtans. I used to watch her singing very keenly ln convocation 2 times & in Vedios. My heartfelt prayers for her onward journey.
Ommmmm…I loved her kirtans at Convocation. I have fond memories of being in the gift shop after kirtan and playing the harmonium to play a new chant she had played. Sister Iswari showed up in the music section and was kind enough to help me refine the chant. Thank you Sister. God and Gurus bless you.
Dear Sister May God and Guru to continue to surround you with love and light. As you have done for all of us. Serving at Convocation with your tutorage as been wonderful blessing
Her energy added to the world wide SRF community. Blessings on her journey to the next world.
Love and prayers for dear Sister Iswari.
Blessings on your continued journey to God. I will miss your beautiful voice and chanting at Convocation. Om Shanti
May God rest Ishwari's soul in peace.We also wish for her astral journey to God. Om peace amen.
God Blesa her forever
Om Guru!
With loving prayers and deep gratitude for dear Sister Iswari’s devoted service, joyful chanting, and uplifting spirit. May Divine Mother lovingly guide her into eternal bliss and peace. Aum, Guru.
With reverence and gratitude, I offer loving prayers for dear Sister Iswari. Her nearly five decades of selfless service, heartfelt chanting, and quietly radiant devotion have uplifted so many around the world. I will always remember the joy and gentle humor she shared so freely, along with the deep peace her presence conveyed.
May Divine Mother lovingly guide and embrace her as she ascends into eternal bliss and peace. Aum, Guru.
Om Shanti,
May she rest in peace on the lap of Divine Mother!
mising u sister
May she be united with Guru and our spiritual family in the world beyond this
Love, Respect and Prayers!!!
Suster Iswari. Thank you for your services to Go and Guru's.
Om Shanti q
Om Shanti
Om Shanti Om
Jaigurudev
Our hearts bow in gratitude for the dedicated life of Sister Ishwari.
May she rest in the eternal joy of God’s presence, having fulfilled her divine calling with devotion and love. May Master and the Gurus receive her into Their light. Jai Guru
Dear sister,
Thank you for all the services that you did to God and Gurus.You are with them now.
Om Shanthi.
I bow to Sister Iswari. Her face reflected the divine purity and inner joy. And on several occasions we had the good fortune of listening to chants sung by her so beautifully with utter sweetness and deep devotion.
I am sure she is very blissfully resting now in the lap of Divine Mother.
Jai Guru. Jai Ma
Sweet Sissy, wishing you expanding bliss as you continue on your journey. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Sister is now singing with the heavenly hosts
Deepest gratitude and love to dear Sister Iswari. Her devotion, joy, and unwavering dedication to the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda have touched countless hearts around the world. Her chanting, humour, compassion, and radiant spirit uplifted so many of us. Though she has left this earthly plane, her light, love, and guidance continue to live in the hearts she inspired. May her soul rest in divine peace.
Om shanti
Om Shanti!
With Dear Sister Iswari I was enjoying her Devotional Chanting at several Convocations , She was an angel helping us to singing to God , Specially Jai Guru !!!
Thank you God , to help us with her beautifull and Devotional voice to feel you . ❤
Om Guru! Jai Guru! ⚘️
She will be remembered in my memory as a very dedicated and devotional kirtan chanter. Sister Jai guru!
She radiates purity and joy. And spread it to all who came into contact with her directly or indirectly. She is in a good place now. Om Shanti
Om, è con il maestro
May God bless Sister Iswari! Her physical form has left us but the beautiful recordings of her singing remains. When my wife and I attended our first Convocation in 2004 we were fortunate to experience the kirtan group led by Sisterji. Thank you, Sisterji, for everything you gave to Guruji's work and for uplifting us with your amazing voice. Jai Guru!
Riposa in Pace Angelo di Dio, ti siamo infinitamente grati sorella Uswari Veglia per noi dal cielo e noi pregheremo per te dalla terra. Porta un saluto a Gurugi. Om Pace Amen
I would like to know what Sister was callend in 1980, when she propably was a brachmacharini? Was ot Patricia? I will pray for her
Thank you for your prayers Diane Hellemans. To answer your question, you may have known Sister Iswari as Brahmacharini Linda. More details of her life will be posted here in the coming weeks. May God and Gurus bless you.
Om Shanti!
Liebe Schwester Iswari,
Danke für deine Liebe und Hingabe und dafür, dass dein Licht uns Vorbild und Inspiration ist. Möge Gottes Liebe dich immer und überall durchdringen und leiten.
Maybe God and Guru's bless her soul.
Sister Ishwari served us all with her melodious chants and sweetest childlike innocent smile.
Now she's singing God's name in another world with the evernew bliss.
We are sorry for ourselves for very happy for her soul journey.
May Lord keep her always in His protective light and may she always keep playing her own soul's CD in the name of God and gurus!
We love you sister
Thank you for a life of chanting his holy name together. Master's eternal love to you.
Om, Shanti, Om
May her soul journey be in joy and love in the bosom of our great Guru... I miss and love her ❤️
Om shanti. May her soul rest in peace
ऊँ शांति! प्रभु चरणों स्थान प्राप्त हो...
Thank you so much Sister Iswari. We are ever indebted for all your help given to all fellow devotess of YSS-SRF. May you now rest well in Guruji's pure omnipresence divine Embrace.
Thank you for your loving service to God and the Masters!!!
Om Shanti
Dear Sister will be missed. She was a very wonderful example of discipleship.
Sister Iswari was so loving and we learned a lot from her example and her beautiful Kirtans. God speed - until we meet again.
Om Shanti Om
It is fine for Sr. Iswari that she may go now to the world where she worked for in this life.
In Peace, Love , Joy and Wisdom. To our Divine Mother and the Masters and the Saints.
❤️❤️❤️
Sister looks like she would have “a delightful and witty sense of humour.” Fifty years of loving! Continue on, Dear One.
Sister Iswari exuded such gentle love and devotion and through the years, we were Blessed to enjoy her sweet devotional Chanting. Our Condolences to all the Monastic Community. Worldwide. Sending our heartfelt Prayers, Love and Light to Sister Iswari for her onward spiritual journey to Bliss and Joy in the Eternal Divine.....Jai Guru !
What a beautiful tribute. She was and is an inspiring role model in her deep devotion. Jai Guru.
Sister Iswari: What beautiful life dedicated to serve God and Masters. Jai Guru!
Now you are in eternal joy.