Pratibha Bahulekar (Mokashi Aaji)

It is with deep love and gratitude that we remember the life of Pratibha Bahulekar (Mokashi Aaji), who passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in East Lansing, Michigan, at the age of 99.

Life Journey

Born Indu Kopardekar in Kundal, Maharashtra, India on November 3, 1925, Pratibha demonstrated exceptional determination and a progressive mindset from an early age. At a time when secondary education for women was rare in India, she left her small hometown to move to the larger city of Pune, where she lived in a hostel and proudly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her dedication to education was so profound that she earned her Bachelor of Education degree in Mumbai even after giving birth to her daughters, a remarkable achievement.

Pratibha was a pioneering educator who taught Marathi and Sanskrit languages before advancing to become a Principal and eventually, one of the first female School Inspectors in India. Her career in education reflected her lifelong commitment to learning and her belief in education as a pathway to opportunity.

During her long life in India, Pratibha witnessed the country's transition from British rule to independence and its rapid development, all the while raising her daughters and helping nurture her grandchildren. After the passing of her husband, Raghunath, she continued to be the family’s pillar. Even as her children and grandchildren made homes abroad, she remained a source of strength, wisdom, and encouragement.

Family

In 2000, Pratibha started splitting her time between India and the United States, and in 2007, she made Michigan her permanent home to be with her family. She eagerly embraced her new culture, learning about the U.S. and passing the citizenship test. She spent the last 18 years of her life in East Lansing.

Pratibha was preceded in death by her much-loved husband, Raghunath Bahulekar, who passed away in 1989. Her legacy continues through her beloved daughters: Jayashree, Rajashri, Tejashri, and Smita; her cherished sons-in-law; and her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her lessons of kindness, resilience, and optimism.

To her children, she was lovingly known as "Aai," to her grandchildren and community as "Aaji," and to her great-grandchildren as "Panji" and "GG" – terms of endearment in her native Marathi language and beyond.

Character & Community

Pratibha was renowned for her extraordinarily positive attitude and progressive outlook, particularly remarkable for a woman of her generation. She was a pillar of encouragement for those around her, and took immense pride in raising her daughters with values of independence and education.

Despite moving to the United States later in life, Pratibha enthusiastically participated in community events and cultural programs. She was known for her vibrant social spirit, often staying at gatherings until the early morning hours.

She loved to read, and in more recent times, spent many peaceful hours playing solitaire with a deck of cards. Her favorite color was baby pink, and she adored peacocks — symbols of grace, vibrance, and resilience, much like herself.

Pratibha was happiest in a kitchen surrounded by family, often cooking for everyone, and always offering to help, right up until the last few days of her life. She enjoyed her food spicy and full of flavor, a simple but telling reflection of her lively spirit.

Memorial

As we bid farewell to our beloved Aaji, we celebrate a life characterized by breaking barriers, fostering education, and radiating joy. Her progressive spirit, unwavering positivity, and the love she shared, will live on in all who knew her.