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It is with a heavy heart and with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Madhu Hemendra Shah on July 10, 2022, of Leominster, Massachusetts, USA, formerly of Thika and Nairobi, Kenya. Madhu lived with ovarian cancer for over 11 years.
As a child in Nairobi, Madhu enjoyed playing field hockey and excelled in her studies. In 1972, she married Hemendra Shah of Pandhurna, India, and she joined Hemendra in Leominster, MA on Thanksgiving Day. They settled in Lunenburg where they raised their children, Rajesh and Sonia. They moved back to Leominster in 1994.
In 1985, continuing her love for education, Madhu decided to attend college part time when Sonia started kindergarten. She started her studies at Mount Wachusett Community College and after 8 years, in 1990, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting at Fitchburg State University. After college, Madhu worked for the IRS before joining Hemendra at the family business, Spectro Coating Company.
In addition to working, whether she was teaching Indian food cooking classes, doing presentations on India, or being a cub scout leader, Madhu always found ways to give back to her community. She was a long time volunteer with Literacy Volunteers working one-on-one with recent immigrants to help them prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.
Madhu is fondly remembered for her culinary creations including her holiday trays overflowing with homemade cookies, baklava, and chocolate burfee.
Through the years Madhu and Hemendra created an extensive community through their love and friendship with everyone they came across. Madhu’s selfless nature has been a fountain of comfort and love for all of us.
In her later years, Madhu wanted nothing more than to spend time playing and coloring with her four grandchildren, Devyum, Roshan, Heera and Ravi.
Her family would like to thank the team at Dana Farber, in particular, Dr Alexi Wright, for their care, patience, and support during this long journey.
Madhu will be remembered as a:
Loving wife to her devoted husband, Hemendra Shah, and doting mother to her children, Rajesh and Sonia Shah.
Mother-in-law to Paulomi Gudka (Rajesh) and Adam Boardman (Sonia).
Grandmother to Devyum and Roshan Shah, and Heera and Ravi Boardman.
Daughter to Late Hemraj Hirji and Late Sonaben Shah.
Daughter-in-law to Late Raichandbhai Juthalal and Late Hiraben Raichandbhai Shah.
Sister to Late Anilaben (Maganlal), Surlaben (Rameshbhai), Mahendrabhai (Bhartiben), and Bhartiben (Late Mukeshbhai).
Sister-in-law to Chandanben (Ramniklal), Hasmukhbhai (Pragnaben), and Shaileshbhai (Manjuben).
Aunt to Nima (Steve), Nimish (Maitri), Anand (Dipti), Amar (Sejal), Kunjal (Hemal), Kajal (Amit), Paras, Raj (Akruti), Sharmee, Manisha (Mehul), Nikunj (Tanvi), Mithun (Harsha), Kushboo (Ruchit), and many grandnephews and grandnieces.
Her soul continues on its journey in finding eternal peace and liberation.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om
In lieu of flowers, per Madhu’s request, please make a donation to Simonds Sinon Regional Cancer Center Fund (Fitchburg Cancer Center) in her memory.
Condolences can be sent to madhusweetashoney53@gmail.com.
The family will be holding a private cremation ceremony.
The family invites you to join them for a memorial service to celebrate Madhu’s life on Saturday July 16, 2022 at 11:00 am followed by lunch at 39 Farm Hill Road, Leominster, MA 01453.
