Gangaben Patel
If you would like to join the funeral service remotely via zoom, please copy this link into the browser with PASSWORD: Patel: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87888849566?pwd=HkGbe5dfq3bjHR9WqzwFWDtFteh6Ph.1
Gangaben J. Patel, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, peacefully passed away on November 2, 2024, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. In accordance with our Hindu faith, her soul reunited with God (jiv ne shiv nu milan) just six days shy of her 89th birthday, on the auspicious occasion of Bestu Varas, New Years’ day in the Gujarat tradition.
Gangaben (called “Ganga Ba” or grandmother by her loved ones) was born in Nikora, India on November 8, 1935 as the third oldest in a family of seven siblings to Bajibhai and Revaben Patel. She married Jashubhai N. Patel (“Dada” or grandfather) who passed away in 2011 and together they raised their five children (Pushpa, Aruna, Jagdish, Suresh and Ram), as well as their nieces and nephews (including Bipin and Lila) in Bhiloda and Vadnagar, India.
During the struggle for India’s independence from British rule, Ganga Ba played an important role. She would bang the velan against the thari to signal to the local males and would assist them in disguising as females to escape when the British were invading the village. Ganga Ba and Dada lived by Mahatma Gandhi’s ahimsa ideals and raised their family to believe the same.
Ganga Ba and Dada selflessly embarked on a journey to migrate their families from villages of Gujarat, India to the United States, settling in Connecticut in 1985 and 1990, respectively. Despite facing humble beginnings and numerous challenges, they achieved the American dream and paved the way for their extended family, including their five children and 11 grandchildren (Bhavna, Parul, Raj, Nirali, Kinjal, Priya, Dev, Ravi, Neha, Ronak, Neelam). As their children worked multiple jobs around the clock, Ba and Dada took on the role of raising their grandchildren, all while diligently studying English to become U.S. citizens.
Their commitment to spirituality was profound, inspiring their extended family to be involved in Swadhyay Parivar, a faith-based community centered on self-discovery, life and God. Through Swadhyay, they fostered a vibrant network of family friends throughout Connecticut and across the country. Ganga Ba had a remarkable gift for connecting with people of all ages, a talent that was evident in the countless visitors she welcomed during her later years, even as her mobility waned. Her warmth and spirit left a powerful mark on all those who knew her.
Ganga Ba enjoyed spending time with and cooking for her family, listening to bhajans, bhavgeets and pravachans, watching YouTube videos of village life in India or old Bollywood movies, reading Jankalyan, sewing and giving advice about herbal or ayurvedic medications to whoever was willing to listen. Until the very last day, she loved to laugh and was as stubborn and full of selfless love as always.
Ganga Ba will be cherished by her loved ones and all those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her. We thank God for the long and fulfilling life she lived, and find comfort in her peaceful reunion with God.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a small amount to the charity that Ganga Ba supported throughout her life: https://www.ekal.org/us
In memory of Ganga Ba, here is a slideshow of her most cherished memories. Link to be copied into another browser:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ukymsdBz5UQ