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Surya Shah, age 78, of Basking Ridge, NJ, formerly of Maplewood, NJ, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Atlanta, GA. Surya grew up in Ahmedabad, India and was born in her ancestral home of Khambhat, India on December 12, 1941. Surya was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Pravin. 
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sonya (David) and Anita (James); her beloved granddaughter, Arya (Anita); her brothers, Ashwin and Mahesh; her sister, Nayana; and a large loving extended family both in the United States and India.
Surya emigrated to the United States in 1968 and was an integral part of building a community of Indians abroad. She held a Bachelor of Arts from Gujarat University and worked as a keypuncher, bank teller, and ran her own retail business for many years.Due to the constraints of the COVID-19, services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Myna Mahila Foundation (www.mynamahila.com) would be appreciated.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy #202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 584-0914 www.GeorgiaCremation.com. Messages of condolence may be left in the comment section below.
Pranali says
My dear foi love you a lottt may your soul rest in peace. You was d bravest, strongest woman of PATWA loved ur last voice, ” dikri o ne dahyi banavje ” u fought bravely with ur disease. Will miss you a lot 😭🙏🙏🙏
Riddhi Jhaveri says
Hey suryabhen I am going to miss u lot… U scolding me, making cookies and sending specilly for jheel, ur lovely house.. we shopping…its endless…Hope u rest is eternal pease and may u blessed us from heaven always. We all patwas are gng to miss u so much….love u lots❤️🤗🤗…
Krinal says
Foi, you will really be missed in each in every step of my life . May you soul Rest In Peace and god give ur strength wherever u are. Me and my family will really miss you a lot especially my boys the love for surya dadi was very strong. I had one house where I feel I went to my moms and I lose that . The way we use to share our talk every 2 days I can’t forget that. The last talk u did was “I want to see Manush and jiyaan and you it’s been so while I didn’t see you when are you coming here .”foi my phone and life is silent without you. Kids keep on asking call dadi I want to see her . Thank you for whatever love u showered on us. I will really miss you so so much..😭😭
Kkashyap Ganddhi says
Extremely saddened to hear the news of Suryabhabhi’s demise. We will miss her ever smiling face. She would always make a point to meet us when ever she came to India. Our heart felt condolences to your family. May her soul rest in peace. Jai Jinendra.
Vipinkaka – Anilakaki, Kashyap – Bhavi
Glenda and Bill Kipp says
We will remember Surya as a dear, sweet lady and mother of two intelligent, beautiful daughters!
She was respectful, deep-thinking, and insightful. Her wit, wisdom, and rich cultural background will be truly missed by us and all who knew her. It was so special be be able to interact with her during last last year and a half here in Georgia. We will miss her greatly!
Vaibhav shah says
Suryamasi we will miss u a lot. Whenever u visit india we all kids were waiting for chocolates and gifts… we have grown up wearing your sweaters jeans and corduroy pants. I strongly remember that u pack the gifts namewise and distribute us. When u visit india v had late night talks and then full of nastas… U are with me even in my bad time and that I can never forget.
I know your charity work that u have done in khambhat and kapadvanj. V will never forget you and may your soul rest in peace and shower your blessing on us.
Dev patwa says
U were like your name giving light in each person life we will miss you lot as your memory Dhruv is still using blanket which u gave him 12 year back that is the memory for us your soul rest in peace
Robert and Catherine Dunne. says
Surya, we will be keeping you in our prayers and may your journey to heaven be swift.
Darshan Doshi says
Kaki,
You will always be in our heart, our thoughts. Whatever little time, we have spent together, has always been charismatic and joyful. We really miss you. May almighty God give peace, love and happiness to You.
Darshan ~ Purvi
Jigisha and Kalpesh says
Surya Foi I love you so much and you always use to call me patudi I will never forget this words you were very strong and brave lady. May god give peace to your soul and give strength to bear the loss.specially when I visit USA our outings and late night talks will truly be missed.Condolences from both of us. I will miss you a lot Foi.
Neil says
Very sorry for your loss. In my younger days when I visited from the UK, I still fondly remember the times spent with your family in NJ and experiencing grown-up in America. Your mother (and father) were always so nice to us and made us feel most welcome through their generosity. It was always greatly appreciated.
Bharti Shah and Friends in Basking Ridge says
Dear Sonya and Anita,
We, friends at Basking Ridge, are all saddened by Suryaben’s passing away. I met her at the local voting center few years back where she was volunteering and we immediately got connected. Since then, we met at least once a week. Had excellent time together visiting Derasar, going for shopping at the Bridgewater mall, dinner outings at the local restaurants, our once a year trip to Jersey Shore and so on! We talked a lot about growing-up in Ahmedabad, her siblings (Ashwinbhai, Naynaben and nephews and nieces) and the Patwa family. If I have to describe her: She was a one brave, strong woman and a very proud wife and a mom/grand mom. She might have been physically weak during last few days but sounded very strong mentally, when I talked to her about a week ago. She had a good life, she had two of you, and most of all she was lucky to spend time with Arya. Suryaben, You will be missed and always in our thoughts. Rest in Peace.
Manisha Doshi says
Manisha & family
Dear Foi,
Will miss you a lot
Words are not enough to express our feelings and love
A brave lady always inspired me to give best education to kids.God give peace to your soul.
Ashish Shah says
I extend my deepest empathy to Sonia-David & Anita-James. A mother is the most valued being on earth. No one and nothing can fill the void created by that loss.
Surya Foi was a vivacious woman and she will be truly missed and will always be remembered in our memories. We remember during trying times, Foi was among one of the first people, who truly cared for everyone being just a call away . She had a heart of gold , and everytime she would come to India , she would bring presents for each and every person in the family and shower her love and affection. Back in India we will miss all the happy times we shared with her .
When we lose a loved one, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. We extend our most sincere condolences to you.
Ashish-Lajja-Aagam
Kishori Patel says
Dear Sonya and Anita,
My heart is heavy with sadness with the passing of my dear friend, Surya. I will miss her dearly. She will always be remembered fondly and I will cherish the memories of our friendship and the many good times we shared. She will always remain in my thoughts.
May she Rest In Peace.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to you.
Priti and Nrupen Shah says
Dear Surya foi, Sonya & Anita,
I really love you a lot and miss you and look up to you in managing relationships with others.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences Sonya And Anita 🙏🙏.
I still remember that she was so brave, kind, so much emotionally attached to everyone, very punctual and never forget to wish everyone on birthdays, anniversaries, Rakshabandha etc.
When we heard about your visit to India we were getting so much excited and happy even at this age, now sadly we will miss that excitement.
I was lucky to have talked with Surya foi last week on 28th June 2020 and I am & will pray for her souk and may paramatma give her soul sadgati.
Dipakben Patel says
Dear Sonya & Anita
Please accept my deepest condolences. I first met your mom sometime in 1972 and she was a very dear friend. We were blessed that our paths crossed again when I moved to Basking Ridge and we became very close friends. Our time together, whether it was getting together, working out at the Senior Center, playing cards or traveling around the world will forever hold fond memories of the great time we spent together. I always think about the great trip we had to Las Vegas. I will miss her dearly and pray that her soul is at peace and that god give both of you and your family strength and courage during this difficult time.
The May-Shah Family-Anand, Jessica, Lila, Momo and Gloria says
Dear Sonya, David, Anita, James, and Arya,
We are thankful Surya-Kaki is no longer in pain, and is at rest after her long battle with cancer. We are deeply sorry for your loss, and saddened that we cannot all be together at this time to mourn with you. She was truly blessed to have you take care of her in this last year, and for the beautiful life you helped to give her for all the many years of her life. Thankfully her last year was also brightened with a little Arya ray of sunshine and comforted by cat-cuddle-therapy. Many years ago, Surya-Kaki gave a warm welcome to the May side of the family when we merged with the Shah side, and we are thankful for her out-going nature, funny jokes, and playfulness with Lila and Momo. Sending you so much love and hugs during this hard time, and we look forward to when we can give you hugs in person.
Marty Townsend says
Sonya, David and Anita I am saddened by the loss of your mother. During the short time I knew her, we bonded. I loved to make her laugh! She would tease me and I soon learned how to tease her back. She let me cut her hair and fingernails and joked about how slow I was. I called her my best friend and we held hands as we walked around the town. She cooked me Indian cream of wheat and taught me some of her culture. I also learned about your father and what a great life they had together. She made me feel so special as she shared her stories and life experiences.
I was truly blessed to have such a wonderful woman to be my friend!!
Marty Townsend (David’s sister)
Suvarna Joshi says
I feel so sad losing a friend like Surya. She was beautiful inside and out. We met more than 23 years ago while working at Summit bank and have been close friends ever since. Had a great time having frequent lunches or breakfasts or dinners together. I will miss her with all my heart.
Keep watching over all of us Surya!
Jyotsna and Kishir Maniar says
Dear Sonia, David, Anita and James,
Your mom was telling me that my daughters are taking care of me but I am lucky to have two son in law who Are equally concern about my health.
Her spirit lifted when she talked about Arya.
She will be missed. May God grant her eternal peace.
Paras & Disha Shah says
Dear Sonia & Anita,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Suryafoi will be missed and She will never be forgotten, may her soul rest in peace.
JAYESH N NILA SHAH says
Dear Anita & Sonia,
We r sorry for loss of your mother. We remember Meeting with Kaki n Pravinkaka first time in N.J. with My Son Tejas after about 45 years n then luckily meeting them n you all few more time in N.J.
She was very kind-Soft Spoken. We Pray God for Her Soul Rest in Peace.
Take care n Be Safe.
Kartik Jhaveri says
We will miss Surya aunty… we remember the times she spent with us at our home. She was full of life and enthusiasm. Please accept our deepest condolences. We pray that her soul shall rest in peace. Strength to the family. Take care.
Kartik & Tejasa Jhaveri
Satish & Nalina Jhaveri
Sejal and Vatsal says
Suryakaki will be sorely missed. What an irony that everytime we visited the US, she would not miss a chance to host us, and now that we have relocated here, we didn’t get an opportunity to meet her even once! While she has been relieved of her pain and agony, the loss for Anita and Sonya, and particularly lovely Arya, is irreparable. We are with you in your grief and sorrow, and pray your dear mom’s soul rests in peace.
A C Patwa family says
Foi such a amazing personality of Patwa’s. I really admire her way of leaving and attitude towards life . We are one of that lucky people , who got the chance to stay at her home , Superb hospitality. We will miss you . Lots of memories with foi . Prabhu temna aatma ne shanti aape.
Sonya and Anita your loss is irreplaceable. Our sincere condolences to you .
A C Patwa family .
sergio garcia says
I called you Mom cause you embraced me as family when I had none in America, thank you for all your advises you always made sure I follow I miss you forever, Rest in Peace Mom.
Rajni Patel says
Rajni, Vasu, Sangita and Sanjeev Patel
Sonya and Anita our sincere condolences to you ‘n your families
.
SuryaBen has been a great loss to all of us, as I sit here and remember all the good times we have had over twenty years as a very close neighbor in Maplewood. We will never forget her smiling face, always friendly, and caring nature. Matter of fact we were looking for a house, and it was SuryaBen and PravinBhai recommended when next door was for sale. Remember all those family gatherings, picnics, and religious bhajans enjoyed together.
May God Bless her soul, she will always be remembered in our prayers 🙏
Bijal patwa and family says
Surya foi we really miss you a lot you were such a caring and loving lady who cares for each and every member of family and genuinely take care of everyone and always show concern for every body and always calls and ask about everyone. Really foi we miss you alot its a great loss to our whole family. And Sonya-Anita our heartedly condolence to you both. May her soul rest in peace 🙏
Sweta Gandhi and family says
Surya mami was always welcoming and loving. She will be missed by us all for the her caring nature. Our condolences and prayers are with Sonya and Anita during this difficult time. God Bless her and we will keep her in our prayers always.
Meghana Shah says
Sonya, Anita, David, James and Arya: I’m so sorry about Surya Aunty and saddened that we can’t all come together as a family to grieve.
Surya Aunty’s house was one of the first family homes that my mom came to after getting married and cane to the US. That might be true for a lot of the sisters-in-law. But I’m not sure if any other niece or nephew has the story of almost being born in her home and having it be the first home they came home to as a newborn! I’ll always treasure that special connection and all of the memories we had of Surya Aunty. One of my favorites is from when she had the store: she would send me a new Precious Moments figurine every year. She was always so warm and welcoming to everyone and that legacy endures in both of you Sonya and Anita. We are grieving with you from afar and send our love. 💜
Mahendra and Rashmi says
Dear Sonya, David, Anita,James and Arya
We are so saddened by the demise of Suryabhabhi who was great in person and family oriented. She always enjoyed family gathering. We feel ourselves very lucky to see her and spent quality time for 3 days together in March 2020, while she had better health. We pray that her soul Rest In Peace.
Rashmi and Mahendra
SHREYA MEHTA says
Dear Sonya, David, Anita, James, and Arya,
We are so saddened to hear about Suryaaunty’s passing and the fact that we cannot all be there with you to grieve and celebrate her life. Weekend trips to Maplewood and Basking Ridge will always remain an integral memory of my childhood and young adult years. Suryaaunty was always warm, welcoming, and kind. I remember staying up late, chatting with her and Pravinuncle–listening to them reminisce about the past and hearing them and my parents recount stories of their first years in the U.S. She will truly be missed, and I pray deeply that she is at peace now.
Our thoughts and deepest love is with all of you during this difficult time.
Love,
Shreya, Rajen, Zia, and Ishaan
Harivadan & Sudha Shah says
Dear Sonya, David, Anita, James and Arya,
Sorry to hear the sad news for the loss of Suryaben. It is very painful. Everyone knew her as very loving and caring person. She was very strong going thru tough times in her life. She taught us not to give up and always keep hope.
She will always be missed. Let us pray for her soul remain in peace. God give strength to all family members and friends to bear the loss.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Harivadan & Sudha Shah
Surendra Gadhi says
Surendra and Taralika Gandhi,
July 9th, 2020
DearSonya, David, Anita, James and Arya
Sorry to hear the sad news for Suryabhabhi.
Everyone knew her Loving and caring nature. We pray to GOD,her soul remain in
Peace.
Surendra and Taralika Gandhi
Kshama and Mehul Shah says
Dear Sonya, Anita, David, and James:
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. It’s hard to believe that Surya masi is no longer with us. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this difficult time.
We will always remember her caring and jovial nature. She and Masa welcomed us into the family with open hearts when we moved to New Jersey. If we missed calling her for a few weeks, it was so nice to get call from Masi saying – ‘Kids, where are you? Call me.’ We will miss this gentle rebuking.
No comfort is quite enough to replace this loss, but we hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow. May God comfort you and your loved ones.
With kindest regards,
Kshama-Mehul
Usha Shah says
Dear Sonya, David, Anita, James and Arya!
I have so many memories to cherish with Suryabhabhi. I will miss her dearly.
She was a very loving and social person, always invited family members , relatives and friends. I stayed with her for a few days and still remember those days . Our deepest condolences to you all. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Love,
Ushafoi
Dilip and Bharti Shah says
Dear Sonya and David, and Anita and James and Arya:
We are very deeply saddened with Suryabhabhi’s departure. Both of our lives in USA started out with staying at your parent’s home and since then it has always been our home away from home in India. Suryabhabhi was very influential in how we settled in the new country and both she and Pravinbhai were our mentor and guide at every stage of our lives. Little did we know that Suryabhabhi hosting a baby-shower for Meghana, would lead to her being born there as well, -a month ahead of time when we were planning to spend just a night! We will never forget her loving support during those trying days. She was always very practical, pragmatic, non-judgmental, loving and welcoming in her demeaner.
We have many fond memories of having spend weekends and holidays with her both in her house as well as ours. But it is sad that we could neither visit her in person during her illness, nor could be present to grieve together during this pandemic.
We wish and pray that her soul rests in eternal peace!
Dilip and Bharti Shah
Daksha and Kirti Shah says
Surya was an exceptionally kind and affectionate person. Along with her husband they supported the community and the family including all relatives far beyond the call of duty. Further, both she and Pravin faced long and difficult illnesses with exceptional courage.
Our heartiest condolences to Sonya and Anita
Snehal Shah says
Hi Sonya and Anita,
I’m saddened by her passing, and sorry that I didn’t get a chance to visit this past year while she was staying in Atlanta. I remember all those annual summer trips our family made to New Jersey, and how she made your house such a welcoming home for us while we were there. And seeing her at family events later in life, when she was always warm and funny (and refreshingly blunt 🙂 Love you Surya Aunty, and I wish you well in your rest.
Sne
Samantha Marinho says
Hi Sonya and Anita,
I am just so sad to lose Surya auntie, and I can’t imagine how hard this must be for the 2 of you. I am sorry that we can’t get together and celebrate her together. Your mum has always made me feel at home and I loved her dearly.
Tejas & Ami says
Dear Sonia & Anita,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you all. We pray that her soul rests in eternal peace!