Final Tribute to Madhuriben Wife of Vinodbhai R. Thakkar Born: 9/30/1948 / Passed Away on: 05/17/2014

Chicago IL: Madhuriben Thakkar, wife of Vinodbhai R. Thakkar, passed away at the age of 65, on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at her home in Des Plaines, Illinois. Madhuriben was born on September 30, 1948 to Keshavlal and Jiviben Thakkar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Madhuriben was 1 of 5 children, and was preceded in death by her 3 Elder Brothers. She married Vinodbhai R. Thakkar in 1966 and moved to America in 1971 at the young age of 23, joining Vinodbhai two years after his move. Both were welcomed by a small circle of friends initially and this group grew to a very large circle of family and friends that they in turn welcomed and supported as each settled in the States.

Madhuriben helped support her family by working for many years in various Offices and Retail Positions, including a 14 year-long employment with All State Insurance Company before retiring in 2003. While she worked in the Traditional, Professional Sense, she is most remembered by family and friends as working tirelessly alongside Vinodbhai in their joint efforts to support Religious, Cultural, Community and Volunteer Activities. As a result of her own efforts and because of her continuing support of her husband, Vinodbhai, Madhuriben was admired for her years of dedicated volunteer service to organizations such as Lohana Association of Greater Chicago, Gujarati Samaj, Manav Seva Mandir and later, Jalaram Mandir. Furthermore, she was deeply honored to host revered Religious Gurus such as Krishna Shankar Shashtriji, Indirabetiji, Moraribapu, and Devendravijayji in her home as she felt it was her joy and duty to assist in their efforts to spread Divine Messages and Spiritual Teachings. She likewise showed the same humanity and devoted energy when welcoming so many family and friends to live in her home, whether it is for days, weeks, months or even years.

Madhuriben was a very kind woman with a peaceful temperament, always attempting to live in a manner based on Divine Teachings. She similarly encouraged others to strive to be better. She loved having fun and enjoyed sports such as Bowling, Tennis and Basketball. She had a competitive spirit when playing board games and cards, and at the same time demonstrated a childlike spirit, smiling and laughing the whole time no matter who won in the end. She looked forward to traveling and seeing new places, not satisfied with the same old haunts or paths. Most of all, her passion was cultivating her garden and plants. She experienced awe at all that God created and nature offered in the great outdoors and appreciated the beauty of flowers, trees, plants, the oceans and lakes every step of the way. She could easily enjoy while away for hours on a park bench or on her backyard swing.

In keeping with her strength and resilient character, Madhuriben fought hard to conquer her illness, even to her last breath. Madhuriben’s Final Days were spent surrounded by close family and friends. She is survived by her beloved family, which includes her husband, Vinodbhai, her eldest daughter, Neha, and son-in-law, Shankar, her middle and youngest daughters, Shreya and Kavita, and her grandchildren, Krishna and Ram. She is also survived by numerous additional loving relatives, including her sister, in-laws from sides, cousins, and nieces and nephews. Although we all will miss her, she will forever remain in our hearts. Her life is an inspiration and her memory is a benediction.

The Funeral/Cremation for Madhuriben was held on Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home, 950 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, Illinois. Hindu funeral rites were performed by Kusumben Patel and Rajnikant Modi of Gayatri Pariwar. Vipul Thakkar, Madhuriben’s nephew, presided over the entire proceedings with support from Dharmendra Thakker, another beloved nephew, and many other family members and the Indian community. Her family was moved that over 300 people comprised of relatives, friends, and well-wishers attended to pay their respects, offer condolences and show their love and support. The overflowing hall and number of people paying tribute, along with their sincere expression regarding this great loss spoke of Madhuriben’s true character.

Madhuriben was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother; a kind relative and good friend to so many; and a tireless servant to the community.