Renuka H. Desai, 70, of Skokie, IL suddenly passed away on January 05, 2023 when a car tragically struck her while doing what she loved: taking her daily neighborhood walk. Her loss is completely unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened.

Renuka was born on March 12, 1952 to Sharda and Amrutlal Shah in her beloved city of Pune, India. She was one of six children: Kavita; late Jagdish; Gita; Arvind; Nayana. She was one of two siblings to complete college. No small feat in those days. She attended Fergusson College and studied Psychology.

Renuka married Harish Chinubhai Desai on February 9th, 1981 and soon after, immigrated to Chicago, Illinois where she joined her husband’s brother and sister-in-law, Kiran and Indira Shah and their extended community. It was in Chicago, an unfamiliar place in an unfamiliar country, that she began to build a life and family, together with her husband and two children (Karishma & Amish Desai). Renuka was an exemplary mother and human being. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her mother, husband, children (including Vicki, her daughter in law), grandchildren (Diya & Jeev), entire family and countless others.

She worked as an administrative assistant at several companies, most recently the Evanston School District in accounting. Renuka was a stout devotee of the Swadhyay Parivar and carried out the divine messages of Rev Pandurang Shasthri Athavale. Renuka was big hearted and vibrant, and radiated light. She accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms, and a perpetual smile. She had immense passion for her family, spiritual work, singing, and the natural world. Renuka was adventurous, often exceeding the limits of what one might expect a 70 year old to be able to do.

Her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply in her wide-network of community. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that you make contributions to our memorial fund in lieu of flowers and contribute by sharing memories of our beloved Renuka on our memorial website. 

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