Memories of Surekha Sheth

In memory of

Surekha Sheth

Naperville, IL, USA

April 10, 1953 - June 30, 2021

Apr 10, 1953 - Jun 30, 2021

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Boulden Mary France

My best friend your are so very missed everyday..

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Boulden Mary France

Each day is a gift.

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Mary Boulden

Hard to think she has been gone for almost a year... Miss her smile and good words..

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Boulden Mary France

1991, Aurora, IL, USA

A wonderful fun night od laughter,smiles and dancing.

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Boulden Mary France

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Dipti Shah

2020, Zoom

Rishi Shah

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Boulden Mary France

Rahul Sheth

Mom had so many incredible attributes that went far beyond being just a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, or wife. She was a fierce guardian, inspirational figure, fashion-forward woman, loyal individual, intelligent and creative woman, a fighter, of course a caregiver, a woman of extraordinary principle, spirituality, and moral fortitude.

From the time I was born, I depended on mom to comfort me. Mom reminded me on numerous occasions that she was the only one who could settle me down when I was fussy. She always joked how she had to rock my cradle for hours at a time until her feet fell off. Even when I learned to walk, I felt compelled to follow her around wherever she went. Everyone quickly realized that mom had a parchio- shadow – whose name was Rahul. I always needed someone to watch out for me and free my path of obstacles, that fierce guardian was mom. When I was depressed or needed some guidance, I relied upon mom to give me direction.

Mom was incredibly inspirational to everyone she met. Her self-sacrifice was astounding. She gave up the opportunity to pursue her own ambitions and dreams so she could be a full-time mother and homemaker. I remember all the hours she spent in the car waiting for me while I was taking MCAT preparatory courses or all the times she picked my sister and me up after school. Her determination paved the way for me to pursue my dreams.

Mom’s fashion sense was one of her most striking passions. I think this “sense” passed on to my sister. From Gucci to Lou Vuitton, mom always had the latest gear. Her favorite shawl was a maroon colored and imported from Afghanistan. She always told me how people would tell her how beautiful she was wearing the shawl. She particularly loved gadgets. I must have bought her at least four different Fitbits, in a single year! She also wanted a robotic vacuum so that my dad would not be burdened with cleaning some of the hard-to-reach places. Mom also wanted to have the first driveway in the neighborhood that was made entirely from brick pavers and of course a fountain in the front. We had so much fun putting the fountain together. She always knew the latest trends and she made a point to embrace them.

She was smart enough to be anything she wanted but she chose to be the best mom and spouse possible. Many people do not realize how smart mom really was! She had so many interests ranging from Jeopardy, Candy Crush, Dominoes, Mahjong, reading Michael Crichton, Michael Connelly, and Daniel Steele books, watching Hindi movies, and of course watching Law and Order. Her passion for cards was well documented as many of you know. She always found a way to win. From Buhkaro, to Canasta, mom was an expert in all card games. She always made a point to stay informed regarding current affairs. Her international travels provided her with a unique worldview. Her 25 trips in the last few years and trips while we were in Saudi Arabia are evidence of her globetrotting personality. Even during the last week of life, she would ask me (almost daily) what was going on in the news. She was too tired to stay focused on the TV, but she still wanted to know what was going on in the world around her.

She especially loved all things that had to do with medicine. I recall how mom and I spent many nights binge watching ER. All of these passions resonated with both my sister and me while growing up and eventually guided both of us to pursue a career in medicine. I know that we will keep mom’s memory alive by embracing and partaking in all of her diverse passions.

Mom was extremely loyal. She would do whatever was necessary to make sure that her friends were always taken care of. I know that whenever her friends needed anything, she would be the first one they called. She was a loyal daughter as well, visiting her mother and father in Mombasa as frequently as possible. Through these trips mom gave me the opportunity to spend quality time with my incredible grandmother.

Her creativity was evidenced by all the decorations in our family home. Each item has been carefully crafted and at times painstakingly chosen to meet her exact specifications. Mom had a way of complementing things. She always chose to wear the fanciest clothes with the perfect jewelry set. Her creativity in the kitchen was also renowned. People still remember enjoying her stuffed potato and mango sauce! She was a phenomenal party planner. She always knew what people liked and left everyone feeling welcome and happy.

Mom also taught us how to defend ourselves and prepared us for the world, yet whenever we needed her, she would step in and take on anyone. I can recall many times when mom defended me when my mischievous nature got me into trouble. People say a mother’s instinct to protect their young is one of the strongest forces. Mom was a living example of this point. Her battle against cancer was one of her most defining moments. She never complained even while experiencing a level of pain that frankly was unimaginable.

Taking care of dad, Deepa, and me was a mantra my mom lived by. She would cook us lavish meals every day and when we visited her, she would prepare enough food to last the week. There never were enough lids to fill all the Tupperware containers. In the last year and half, she began to slow down and could not cook as much. She always felt guilty about this even when she had nothing to feel guilty for.

Mom lived by a set of principles and her spirituality was a significant part of who she was. She never once strayed from her path. She never drank alcohol or smoked, always maintained a strict vegetarian diet, and remained loyal to her marital vows. Her faith sustained her up to her last moments in life with her favorite bhajans playing in the background.

There is no person who I admired, trusted, or respected more than my mother. My love for her transcends everything. I will always miss her!

I know with the help of my extraordinary sister and devoted father we will all keep mom’s memory alive and live a life that she can be proud of.

I would like to end by saying this to my mother: Mom you may be gone from my sight, but you will never be gone from my heart.

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Boulden Mary France

Comments:

Dina Joshi

Rahul, what a splendid tribute to your mom, May god bless her soul in Eternal Peace, 🕉Shanti🙏🌺🙏 Rahul, what a splendid tribute to your mom, May god bless her soul in Eternal Peace, 🕉Shanti🙏🌺🙏 Rahul, what a splendid tribute to your mom, May god... Read more