On 13 October 1939, Nonny had a heart attack, and the next evening, at age 64, she closed her eyes forever with a sweet smile on her face.
Baba had been to Byramangala that day. On his way back to the Links, it began raining heavily and their car became stuck in the mud. All, including Baba, got out to push the car free. After they resumed their return, Baba began asking Chanji for the time repeatedly, every few minutes.
At 6:40 P.M., he gestured, "Nonny has expired."
When they arrived at the Links ten minutes later, however, Nonny was still alive.
Baba went directly inside to Nonny's room and looked at her intently. As Baba took Don, Nilu and Rano aside to ask how Nonny had been, Norina came running, saying Nonny was serious. They went to her bedside, and Baba placed two fingers on her closed eyelids. As he did this, Nonny gave a final sigh, and dropped her head to one side. The drop-soul merged into the Ocean of Love forever. It was as if Nonny had been waiting to have the Beloved's darshan a final time before everlastingly entering his palace, where there is neither happiness nor suffering, but only infinite bliss!
Before breathing her last, Nonny uttered, "What beauty! What beauty!"
Hearing this, Don was deeply moved. He had never seen such a happy death — as if the departing soul were being led somewhere beautiful! Nonny's smile filled Don's heart and he realized once more how great was Baba's love.
Baba took Rano in his embrace and spelled out: "Nonny was one of my greatest lovers. She always gave spontaneously [financially] for my work. It is because of her great share of timely contributions, among others, that the center plan could be presently started. Funds will come, and come in plenty, but to the dear, departed soul goes the credit of starting my work that is to serve mankind's greatest need. I am happy her dear name will be connected and perpetuated with this unique institution."
Later, Baba stated that it was the first time he had been present at the death of one of his disciples. To Rano, he revealed that he had given Nonny mukti (liberation).
Nonny's physical remains were cremated in Bangalore the next morning, and 30 of the men and women mandali attended, including Memo. On the 16th, Baba sent her ashes to Meherabad with Adi Sr.