In Memory Of Shri Jayantilal Devchand Vora (Age: 83 years)

We invite you to Panchkalyanak Pooja followed by Swami Vatsalya

Location: Jain Center of New Jersey, III Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873

Date: 17 Aug 2025

Time: 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Pragna, Nimish, Mita, Sonit and Manit Vora

Please RSVP by Sunday, 10th August 2025 to:

Nimish: +1 609 750 1541

Mita: +1 609 636 7877

Three families of the Halari Visha Oshwals of America (HVO-USA) living in Princeton Metropolitan area have taken sponsorship (labh) of lunch (sadharmik vatsalya) for kids attending Pathshala at the Jain Center of New Jersey, Franklin Township derasar on Sunday 27th October 2024.

Pathshala classes run between 9.30 am – 12.30 pm, lunch is served 12.30 pm onwards. The Pathshala runs on alternate Sundays between fall and spring of school year. Each year the Pathshala has enrolled and supported more than 500 kids in the K-12 grades. Typically, kids attend about 20 classes in a year and learn fundamental principles of Jainism and Indian languages namely Gujarati.

On behalf of Mita and Nimish Jayantilal Vora (Gam: Chela), Pallavi and Ketan Mansukhlal Dedhiya (Dodhia) (Gam: Vasai) Sejal and Hiten Jayantilal Gutka (Gam: Navagam) and family, we would like to invite fellow Halari Oshwals to join us for this Sadharmik Vatsalya. It is highly recommended to bring your school going age children and grandchildren. This will give them an opportunity to see and learn first-hand what goes on during and in the Pathshala.

If you would be attending, please RSVP (number of attendees kids and adults) with any one of the below Oshwal.

• Hiten Gutka –  312-208-5883
• Nimish Vora – 609-750-1541
• Ketan Dedhiya – 201-496-8658
• Jayanti Galaiya-  908-887-2905

Our kids  may have some questions like:

• Who we are? Why do we follow Jainism?
• Why we are called Halari Visa Oshwal Jains and not just Oshwal Jains or Jamnagari Jains or Kutchi Jains or Vagad Jains?
• What is the history of our 52 villages around Jamnagar?
• How about our last names and where were are they derived from?
• Why and how Halari Visha Oshwals started practicing Jainism, why Veganism, why Ahimsa and why Anekantvad.

Such events might help them answer these questions.

The effort of this get-together is to integrate us (HVOs of America) as a community and learn more about the needs of the community especially our kids and grandkids who are all born here in US.

Location: JAIN CENTER OF NEW JERSEY,

111 Cedar Grove Ln, Somerset, NJ 08873

We are planning to have a Sadharmik Kshamapana Day on Saturday 28th of September at Siddhachalam (Blairstown, NJ), starting from 10 am. At Siddhachalam, we can have lunch, and able-bodied people can hike the Shikharji trails. Siddhachalam suggests $21.00 per person donation, of course anyone can donate a higher amount without any restrictions. If you are interested, please confirm by Wednesday September 25th, 2024, so we can coordinate with Siddhachalam for lunch preparation and an approximate headcount. Also, if you would like to stay overnight, please make that arrangement directly with Siddhachalam (contact Bajarang Joshi at 908-887-1106) or any of the volunteers mentioned below.

Kindly RSVP with headcount information by getting in touch with any of the following members

Hiten Gutka – 312-208-5883

Jayanti Galaiya – 908-887-2905

Ketan Dedhiya – 201-496-8658

Note: While this kshamapana gathering is in the NJ area, it is open to all members of the Oshwal community living across the US, please do try to make it if your schedule and other commitments permit.

The Oshwal community members in central NJ will have the

Annual Summer Picnic.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024,

source: https://www.oshwalnairobi.org/obituaries/

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mr. Vinodrai Velji Devshi Shah (85 years) (Formerly of Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) on Wednesday, 15th May 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota, USA. 

He was Son of Late Velji Devshi Shah and Late Jamnaben Velji Devshi Shah. 

He was Son–in–Law of Late Kachra Virpar and Late Kankuben Kachra Virpar. 

He was Husband of Anila Vinodrai Shah. 

He was Father & Father–in–Law of Hiren & Sonal, and Nishma & Bhavesh. 

He was Grandfather of Pooja & Akhil, Suraj, Krishna and Rani. 

He was Brother of Late Jayantilal, Late Savita Ben, Late NavinChandra, Late Dinesh, Arunaben and Ashwin. 

He was of Brother–in–Law of Late Chandraben Jayantilal, Jivraj Depar, Late Jayaben Navinchandra, Hansaben Dinesh, Satish Punja Parbat, and Mina Ashwin. 

He was of Brother–in–Law of Late Shantibhai & Late Champaben, Dhirajlal & Late Vijyaben, Kishor and Sarla, Late Chandrakant, Late Amratben & Late Raisi Mepa, Late Vijyaben & Late Zaverchandbhai, Late Kasturben & Raichandbhai. 

Uncle to Deepak, Milan & Reeta, Mayuri & Rohit, Ketan, Himesh & Alpa, Bindi, Parul & Kunj, Kajal & Sandip, Rajiv & Palvi, Late Dipul, Ameet & Amber, Tina & Dan and Tanya & Kurt 

He was Grandfather of Shree, Afni & Dave, Anjli & Darshan, Sahil & Sanchana, Kushal, Pranav, Krish, Kishan, Shanil, Dylan, Eesha, Charlotte, Lila, Aaryana, Maya, Brooke, Sydney, Daniel 

Happy New Year!

It’s been about 6 months since we’ve gotten a note out to the community, but wanted to take a moment to update everyone. We are always looking for good news / achievements to share, to include Birth and Graduation Announcements. Please email us at board@oshwal-usa.org.

2021-2024 Halari Visa Oshwals of America Executive Board

News from the Executive Committee:

Biennial In Person Gathering:

The JAINA 2023 in person gathering in Lakeland Florida was attended by approximately 25 Oshwals, and many thanks to our Florida Local Rep Veni Shah for hosting a few families on Monday July 3rd. With a smaller number attending, we did not have our elections, and we are really appreciative of the current board staying on a little longer.

Board Updates:

The 2021-2023 board is continuing, and we are looking for members to take over. I also wanted to take a moment and thank Satish Shah, of Plano, TX, for serving as our Director of Membership. We are still actively looking for a replacement who will help keep the Membership Directory up to date, and arrange for the next distribution of the Membership Directory.

We would like to publish a new directory in the near future. We request all members to review their entries in the last digital directory which was distributed about six years ago and if you would like to make any changes or add your entry, please go the following web site and complete the Directory form: www.oshwal-USA.org or send an e-mail to this address: oshwaldirectory@gmail.com. If your son and/or daughter are in college, a separate entry for him/her can be added to the directory. This would help Local Representatives (LRs) to invite them for local activities. Your cooperation in maintaining the directory will be highly appreciated.

Communication Update:

One of our goals of 2023 was to create local WhatsApp groups for each of our areas, and many of our areas have accomplished this. For 2024, and with many thanks to Shipa Shah of Plano, TX, we’ve started the process of creating a WhatsApp “Community”. The WhatsApp Community feature lets us “combine” all the local groups into one group, and let us message all at the same time. We’ve restricted the sending of messages to just the EC and the Local Representatives, and will only use it for distributing news pertaining to the full group.

News from the Local Representatives:

Local Representative Updates:

Our current set of Local Representatives have completed their 2-year term, and we are very thankful for their efforts. We are also looking for new energy and new ideas, and we need your help!! Please consider becoming a new Local Representative for 2024-2026! The duties are being a resource to connect your local community, welcome new additions, and try to organize get togethers. If you are interested in taking on this role, please reach out to anyone on the Executive Committee and/or your existing Local Representative BY FEB 29th via email to board@oshwal-usa.org.

Greater New Jersey Gathering:

The New Jersey Local Representative, Hiten Gutka, planned their Annual Summer Picnic on September 10th, at Mercer Park West. There was a fantastic turnout

Southern California Gathering:

The Southern California Local Representative, Tanvi Shah, planned their Summer Picnic on June 4th. There was a fantastic turnout

Dallas Gathering:

The Texas Representative, Shilpa Shah, planned Diwali Lunch.

Recent Obituaries:

With sadness we share the passing of

Suryakala Popatlal Shah of Florida on Jan 20th, 2024
Kanchan Motichand Malde of Sewanee, Tennessee on Jan 16th, 2024

Kantilal Mulchand Dodhia of Greenville, South Carolina on Jan 15th, 2024
Babulal (Pravin) Khimji Devraj Shah of Wembley, United Kingdom on Jan 3rd, 2024

Jayaben Navin Shah of Plano, Texas on Dec 29th, 2023

Dr. Neel Kantilal Jechand Shah of Cambridge, United Kingdom on Dec 24th, 2023

Chandu Shah of Bedford, Massachusetts on Nov 3rd, 2023

Indira Ratilal Dodhia of Plano, Texas on Oct 16th, 2023

** Please click on the active links for detailed information

External News

40th Anniversary of Nairobi Pratishtha:

The Visa Oshwal Community of Nairobi is celebrating their 40th anniversary from Feb 10th to Feb 18th. This is a great milestone and our well wishes to the community! Their program and nakro list are attached, and if you are interested in supporting, please reach out directly to the Religious Committee on (+254 733 469 517).

Pratishtha Programme 2024 – v2.pdf

40th Pratishtha Nakro – all.pdf

Threads That Tie Us – Bindu Shah

Embarking on a poignant journey through the landscapes of memory, Threads That Tie Us is an 85 min documentary film that unveils the narrative of the Halari Oshwal community. In this nostalgic odyssey, the filmmaker, driven by a deep-seated connection to her roots, traverses the lands she has lived in that have cradled the struggles and triumphs of her small community.

This documentary is an intimate exploration of history, culture, traditions, and faith, portraying the Halari Oshwals as a distinct tapestry of humanity. At its core lies an extraordinary bond, a brotherhood resilient through generations, weaving tales of resilience and unity.

As the filmmaker navigates through the scattered diaspora, each emigrant becomes a storyteller, creating microcosms of Halari Oshwal life, where identity is preserved, and mutual support is a sacred pact. Yet, against the backdrop of globalization, the film delicately raises questions that resonate with universal themes. Will the threads that tie this community persevere amid geographical distances and age-old rules? Can they sustain their unity in places where the population is scarce?

Through the lens of nostalgia, the filmmaker captures not just the physical landscapes but the emotional terrain of Halari Oshwal history through animation. The narrative weaves together memory, history, and hope, contemplating the potential loss if this unique community were to fade away. The film becomes a vessel for the preservation of stories, a testament to the struggles, triumphs, and relentless spirit of a people bound by an unbreakable thread.

Threads That Tie Us is not merely a documentary; it is a love letter to a community, a visual symphony of the past, and a hope for generations yet to unfold. The film immortalizes the legacy of the Halari Oshwals, the documentary stands as a timeless testimony to the importance of preserving cultural bonds, offering a glimpse into a world where the threads of identity are intricately woven with the fabric of shared history and a collective spirit that defies the test of time.

Trailer Link

source: https://www.fosterlayfuneralhome.net/obituaries/Kanchanben-Motichand-Malde?obId=30442122

Kanchan Motichand Malde, a beacon of resilience and warmth, departed peacefully on January 16 surrounded by her family.

Kanchan was the daughter of Nathoo Ladhu and Muriben Shah. Born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1939, she lived a life rich with adventure, love, and entrepreneurial spirit. Together with her late husband Moti, Kanchan co-founded The Malde Camera Company in Arusha, Tanzania, turning it into a respected name in the film industry, working with giants such as Universal Studios and Paramount Pictures. Kanchan and Moti worked with and befriended icons such as John Wayne and Howard Hawks, as well as Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, who at the time was chairman of the World Wildlife Fund.

The nationalization of the Malde Camera Company in 1971 was a terrible blow, but Kanchan and Moti carried their lives on with dignity and grace in Spain and Britain. They were devoted to keeping strong ties with Tanzania, and they founded the Friends of Arusha charity and headed it for many years. The international community of the Friends of Arusha still thrives today.

Kanchan held the unique distinction of being the world’s longest-living survivor of open heart surgery. This was performed in Los Angeles at The Good Samaritan Hospital on May 5, 1965. During her recovery, Kanchan visited with film and entertainment industry legends such as Elvis Presley and Julie Andrews.

Kanchan loved sharing her Indian cooking with others, and she taught people both in formal classes and in her home. She collected textiles and embroidery from Gujarat and Rajasthan, India, and she taught embroidery classes in India, Britain, and the United States. Her collection has been shown in various museums including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Alongside Moti, she collected hundreds of Makonde ebony sculptures. These have been shown in museums in Europe.

After more than thirty years in the U.K., Kanchan and Moti moved to Sewanee, Tennessee to be near their beloved grandsons. The Sewanee community welcomed them with open arms, and Kanchan continued to make new friends – and cook wonderful meals with them – right up to the end of her life.

Kanchan’s legacy is carried on by her loving family: sons Bharat, Pradip, and Mayur; daughters-in-law Angelika, Rachel, and Stacey; grandsons Luca and Kiran; and her cherished cat, Ming. She leaves behind an international community of family and friends who admired her for her resilience and her warmth and for the joy she found in sharing her culture and love. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to make a donation in Kanchan’s honor to the charity of their choice, or to Animal Harbor in Winchester, Tennessee.

https://www.animalharbor.org/

https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/animal-harbor/general-donation

If flowers are preferred, a florist option is Taylor’s Mercantile in Sewanee, Tennessee.

https://m.taylorsmercantile.com/

It is with great sadness we announce that Babulal (Pravin) Khimji Devraj Shah (formerly Khimji Devraj & Co, Nairobi) passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday 3^rd January 2024 in Wembley, UK

He was son of Late Lilaben Khimji Devraj Shah and Late Khimji Devraj Shah

Son in law of Late Paniben Hirji Raishi Shah & Late Hirji Raishi Shah

Nephew to Late Ramji Devraj Shah & Mrs Paniben Ramji Shah

He was a loving husband to Hansa Babulal Shah

He was an amazing father to Binit Shah and grandfather to Vihaan & Diyan

He was Brother/Brother-in-law to Dipak(Smita)(USA), Manjula(Rashik)(USA), Ranju(Rajni)(USA) and Kailash(Narendra)(UK)

Brother-in-law to Late Jayantilal(Kamuben), Late Chiman(Champa), Late Ramesh(Vasanti), Late Shantaben(Late Nathalal) and Late Pushpaben(Late Shantilal)

Cousin to Rashmi Ramji Shah(Nisha)(Kenya), Sulsha Shah(Vinod)(Kenya)

He was uncle to several nieces and nephews

The Prathna Sabha will be held in London in his memory on

Sunday 7 January 2024

at Ghanshyam Hall, Shree Swaminarayan Temple,

Dharma Bhakti Manor, Wood Lane, Stanmore

Middx, HA7 4LF

from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

Funeral details will also be announced later.

Condolence messages can be sent via email to binitshah2009@gmail.com

We will miss his wonderful sense of humour, mischievous charm, kind, thoughtful & generous nature forever …

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om.

She was daughter of late Somchand Nemchand Gosrani & late Sonaben Somchand. She was wife of late Navinchandra Velji Devshi Shah, ex Milans Ltd, Dar-es-Salaam.

She was mother of Himesh (Plano, TX) and Kajal (Nairobi, Kenya). She was mother-in-law of Alpa Himesh and Sandip Premchand.

She was grandmother of Sahil Himesh & Sanchana, late Aksheel Himesh, Kushal Himesh, Kishan Sandip and Shanil Sandip.

She was sister and sister-in-law to Jayantilal Somchand & Jaya Jayantilal, late Savita Premchand and late Premchand Keshavji, late Usha Ratilal and late Ratilal Lakhamshi, late Jashoda Prakash and late Prakash Kalra and late Chandrakant Somchand.

She was daughter-in-law of late Velji Devshi and late Jamnaben Velji.

She was sister-in-law to late Jayantilal Velji and late Chandraben Jayantilal, late Savita Jivraj & Jivraj Depar, Vinod Velji & Anila Vinod, late Dinesh Velji & Hansa Dinesh, Aruna Satish & Satish Gudka, Ashwin Velji & Mina Ashwin.

Condolence messages can be sent to Himesh at hshah@flash.net or +1 972 824 9160.

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI

via https://oshwal.org.uk/late-indira-ratilal-dodhia/

Late Indira Ratilal Dodhia

(13 May 1938 – 16 Oct 2023)

 It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mrs. Indira Ratilal Dodhia on 16 October 2023 in Plano, Texas USA

Daughter in law of Late Amritben and Late Lalji Khimji Shah.
Daughter of Late Deviben and Late Fulchand Karamshi Shah

Mother and Mother in law to Rahul and Gopi, Anuradha and Sanjay Kumar Patel, Sanjay and Ratna.

Grandmother to Neil, Rajin, Vijay, Sanjeev, Diya and Divan.

Sister and Sister in law to Keshubhai and late Hansaben, Late Kasturben and Late Babulal, Late Sobhagchand and Niru, Induben and Late Gulabchand, Late Saroj and Ramesh, Chandan and Vipul, Praful and Madhurika.

Sister and Sister in law to Late Ramnikbhai and Sushilaben, Late Vijyaben and late Ratilal Chandaria.

We all pray for her aatma to reach eternal peace

AUM SHANTI AUM SHANTI AUM SHANTI

On Saturday, September 9th, 2023, Time: 9am onwards

Location: Picnic Grounds – Mercer County Park Marina and Boathouse (Picnic Area), 334 S Post Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550

Please come with family, friends and enjoy

RSVP by August 18th, 2023

Kindly RSVP by getting in touch with Hiten Gutka at 312-208-5883

Note: While this picnic is in central NJ area, it is open to all members of the Oshwal community living across the US (especially east coast), please do try to make it if your schedule and other commitments permit.

Happy Summer!

It’s been a long time since we’ve gotten a note out to the community, but wanted to take a moment to update everyone.  We are always looking for good news / achievements to share, to include Birth and Graduation Announcements.  

Please email us at board@oshwal-usa.org.

2021-2023 Halari Visa Oshwals of America Executive Board

News from the Executive Committee:

Biennial In Person Gathering:

We are looking forward to JAINA 2023 as the next in person gathering in Lakeland Florida.  Just as we have done at the past JAINA Convention for the last 20+ years, we will have our reunion on Sunday, July 2nd from 5 PM to 6 PM in the “Lake Morton” Conference Room at the Marriott, followed by dinner in the Exhibit Hall.  To gauge the number of attendees, please fill in this simple Google Form.   In addition to reconnecting, we’ll have voting for the next EC.  If you are interested in a role in the EC, please reach out to any of the board members to discuss further.  You do NOT need to be present to run for a position on the board.  In addition, our Florida Local Rep Veni Shah will be hosting us on Monday July 3rd (about an hour’s drive from the convention), after the convention ends, to catch up.  If you are able to help plan please let us know (discussions, games, etc) via the interest form above.

Greater New Jersey Gathering:

The New Jersey Local Representative, Hiten Gutka, is planning their Annual Summer Picnic on September 10th, starting at 10 AM.  It will be at Mercer Park West, Paxson Ave, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550.  RSVP by August 18th please.

Membership Directory:

We would like to publish a new directory in the near future.  We request all members to review their entries in the last digital directory which was distributed about six years ago and if you would like to make any changes or add your entry, please go the following web site and complete the Directory form: https://www.oshwal-usa.org/directory/directory-update-form/ or send an e-mail to this address:  oshwaldirectory@gmail.com.  If your son and/or daughter are in college, a separate entry for him/her can be added to the directory.  This would help Local Representatives (LRs) to invite them for local activities. Your cooperation in maintaining the directory will be highly appreciated.  

We also request all Local Representatives (LR) to review the list of members which was sent to you in October, note any changes on the Excel spreadsheet and e-mail back to the address noted above.

Young Oshwal Global Summit:

There will be a Virtual Global Summit for all Oshwals, convened by Oshwal Shikshan & Rahat Sangh (Jamnagar), where they will recognize achievement across Professional, Sports, Social, Arts and Culture domains.  If you have or know of an achievement, please let us know on board@oshwal-usa.org, and/or the convenor on yogs@oshwalindia.org, by June 7th.  We will also share the schedule as it becomes available.

Eldoret Pratishtha:

The Visa Oshwal Community of Eldoret is having their Pratishtha and Grand Opening of their new derasar and community halls from June 9th to June 13th.  This is a huge success and our well wishes to the community.  Their program is attached, and if you are interested in supporting, please reach out directly to ChandrikaBen Mitin Shah (+254 773 473 755) or SubhashBhai Anand Gada (+254 706 544 400).

PATRIKA ELDORET.pdf

VOC ELDORET NAKRA.pdf

Recent Obituaries:

With sadness we share that Motichand Nathu Bhima Shah passed away on May 19th, Anila Keshavlal Vrajpar Shah passed away on May 6th, Premchand Popat Pethad passed away on April 28th, Avinash Premchand Devshi Shah passed away on April 16th, and Ratilal Dodhia passed away on April 11th. 

https://oshwal.org.uk/late-anila-keshavlal-vrajpar-shah/)

Late Anila Keshavlal Vrajpar Shah

15/08/1939 – 06/05/2023

It is with deep regret that we announce the peaceful passing away of our beloved wife and mother, Anila Keshavlal Shah, on Saturday 6^th May in Northwood, age of 83.

Wife to Keshavlal Vrajpar Shah

Daughter of Late Ranmal Devraj and Late Paniben Ranmal

Daughter-in-law of Late Vrajpar and Late Jethiben Vrajpar

Mother to Sanjita (Yogesh), Hitaishi (Lalit), Punil (Shilpi)

Grandmother to Hetal (Rumit), Julan (Priya), Hilan (Minal), Jillna, Bindi (Rakesh), Jaanvi, Krishan

Great Grandmother to Anaiya, Reyan, Lael

Sister-in-law to Amritben (Late Lakhamishi), Late Ranjanben (Late Raminklal), Hansa (Vinoobhai), Late Nirmalaben (Kantilal), Asvin (Vasanti), Hemlata(Venichand),Kirit (Jayshree)

Sister to Venichand (Hemlata), Kusum (Late Suresh), Navin (Bena), Viju (Naren), Dhiru (Ranjan)

A friend to all she knew

…………………………………………………………………

Shradanjali will be held on

Monday 8^th May 2023

from 3.00pm – 4.30pm

At: Oshwal Centre, LV Hall,

Coopers Lane Road, Northaw, Potters Bar,

Herts, EN6 4DG

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om

Rati Dodhia

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Dr. Ratilal Dodhia on Monday 11th April 2023 in Plano, Texas USA

Son of Late Amritben and Late Lalji Khimji.
Son in law of Late Deviben and Late Fulchand Karamshi.

Husband to Induben

Father and father in law to Rahul and Gopi, Anuradha and Sanjay Kumar Patel, Sanjay and Ratna.

Grandfather to Neil, Rajin, Vijay, Sanjeev, Diya and Divan.

Brother and Brother in law to Keshubhai and late Hansaben, Late Kasturben and Late Babulal,
Late Sobhagchand and Niru, Induben and Late Gulabchand, Late Saroj and Ramesh,
Chandan and Vipul, Praful and Madhurika.

Brother in law to Late Ratilal Chandaria and late Vijyaben, Late Ramnikbhai and late Sushilaben.

May his soul rest in eternal peace

OM SHANTI OM SHANTI OM SHANTI

Jaindra Virchand Malde

Passed away early Sunday January 15, 2023 . Born on August 5, 1955 he came to the United States as a University Student in 1972. He later would become a CPA and ran a business with his family for over 30 years in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

He will be forever remembered by his Wife Priti, Son Kaushal, Daughter Binta ,Son-in-law Ruchir and Grand fur child Mia. Brother to Vinod (Mradula) Shah, Late Ashwin (Late- Usha) Shah, Narendra (Prafuli) Shah, Sushila (Shobhag) Shah, Vanita (Late- Chandrakant) Shah. Sister-in-law Jyoti (Jayanti) Nagada; Brother-in-laws Hasmit (Priti) Shah and Deepen (Jayshree) Shah. He also leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews.

Visitation and service at Max Sass Funeral Home, Greenridge Chapel, on Sunday, January 22, from 12 PM to 2 PM.

On Saturday, September 24th, 2022 Time: 10.00 am to 2.30 pm.

We are planning to have a Sadharmik Kshamapana Day on Saturday 24th of September at Siddhachalam (Blairstown, NJ), starting from 10 am. At Siddhachalam, we can have lunch, and able-bodied people can hike the Shikharji trails. Siddhachalam suggests $21.00 per person donation, of course anyone can donate a higher amount without any restrictions. If you are interested, please confirm by Wednesday September 21st, 2021, so we can coordinate with Siddhachalam for lunch preparation and an approximate headcount. Also, if you would like to stay overnight, please make that arrangement directly with Siddhachalam (contact Bajarang Joshi at 908-887-1106) or any of the volunteers mentioned below.

Kindly RSVP with headcount information by getting in touch with any of the following members

Hiten Gutka – 312-208-5883                          

Jayanti Galaiya – 908-887-2905                  

 Ketan Dedhiya – 201-496-8658

Download (PDF, 236KB)

The memorial service will begin at 11am EST on Saturday July 16 (East coast US time). You can watch the service live on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81092756876

It is with a heavy heart and with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Madhu Hemendra Shah on July 10, 2022, of Leominster, Massachusetts, USA, formerly of Thika and Nairobi, Kenya. Madhu lived with ovarian cancer for over 11 years.

As a child in Nairobi, Madhu enjoyed playing field hockey and excelled in her studies. In 1972, she married Hemendra Shah of Pandhurna, India, and she joined Hemendra in Leominster, MA on Thanksgiving Day. They settled in Lunenburg where they raised their children, Rajesh and Sonia. They moved back to Leominster in 1994.

In 1985, continuing her love for education, Madhu decided to attend college part time when Sonia started kindergarten. She started her studies at Mount Wachusett Community College and after 8 years, in 1990, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting at Fitchburg State University. After college, Madhu worked for the IRS before joining Hemendra at the family business, Spectro Coating Company.

In addition to working, whether she was teaching Indian food cooking classes, doing presentations on India, or being a cub scout leader, Madhu always found ways to give back to her community. She was a long time volunteer with Literacy Volunteers working one-on-one with recent immigrants to help them prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.

Madhu is fondly remembered for her culinary creations including her holiday trays overflowing with homemade cookies, baklava, and chocolate burfee.

Through the years Madhu and Hemendra created an extensive community through their love and friendship with everyone they came across. Madhu’s selfless nature has been a fountain of comfort and love for all of us.

In her later years, Madhu wanted nothing more than to spend time playing and coloring with her four grandchildren, Devyum, Roshan, Heera and Ravi.

Her family would like to thank the team at Dana Farber, in particular, Dr Alexi Wright, for their care, patience, and support during this long journey.

Madhu will be remembered as a:

Loving wife to her devoted husband, Hemendra Shah, and doting mother to her children, Rajesh and Sonia Shah.

Mother-in-law to Paulomi Gudka (Rajesh) and Adam Boardman (Sonia).

Grandmother to Devyum and Roshan Shah, and Heera and Ravi Boardman.

Daughter to Late Hemraj Hirji and Late Sonaben Shah.

Daughter-in-law to Late Raichandbhai Juthalal and Late Hiraben Raichandbhai Shah.

Sister to Late Anilaben (Maganlal), Surlaben (Rameshbhai), Mahendrabhai (Bhartiben), and Bhartiben (Late Mukeshbhai).

Sister-in-law to Chandanben (Ramniklal), Hasmukhbhai (Pragnaben), and Shaileshbhai (Manjuben).

Aunt to Nima (Steve), Nimish (Maitri), Anand (Dipti), Amar (Sejal), Kunjal (Hemal), Kajal (Amit), Paras, Raj (Akruti), Sharmee, Manisha (Mehul), Nikunj (Tanvi), Mithun (Harsha), Kushboo (Ruchit), and many grandnephews and grandnieces.

Her soul continues on its journey in finding eternal peace and liberation.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om

In lieu of flowers, per Madhu’s request, please make a donation to Simonds Sinon Regional Cancer Center Fund (Fitchburg Cancer Center) in her memory.

Condolences can be sent to madhusweetashoney53@gmail.com.

The family will be holding a private cremation ceremony.

The family invites you to join them for a memorial service to celebrate Madhu’s life on Saturday July 16, 2022 at 11:00 am at 39 Farm Hill Road, Leominster, MA 01453. Lunch will be served.

The memorial service will begin at 11am EST on Saturday July 16 (East coast US time). You can watch the service live on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81092756876