She was a beloved mother, wife, physician, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her husband Krishnaswami Balasubramanian, her daughters Valli Ravi and Selvi Williams, her four grandchildren (Arjun, Vikram, Anandi, and Sunil), brothers Hariharan (Batti) and Suri, and extended family and friends.
Vasantha was born in 1940 in Secunderabad, India to parents Govinthammal Pondurangam and Govindaraj Mudaliar. She was the second of five children, sister to brothers Chandar, Batti and Suri and to younger sister Lalitha (Lalu). Growing up, Vasantha always worked hard and excelled in her studies. She graduated with honors from Queen Mary’s College and went on to Madras Medical College. While finishing her medical training, she met and married her husband Dr. Krishnaswami Balasubramanian, a practicing pediatrician. Vasantha practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Chennai, India. After immigrating to the United States in 1969, she became a board-certified psychiatrist and practiced for several decades in private practice and in public institutions across Northeast Ohio, and later, in California, Oregon, and Florida.
Vasantha was a true matriarch. She was a pillar of support to her husband, who survived cancer, and a beloved counselor and role model to her daughters, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. Both she and her husband helped multiple extended family members immigrate to the United States, hosted them in their home, and mentored them to establish their own careers. Vasantha continued to maintain close relationships and provide support to her extensive family in South India. Her skills as a psychiatrist permeated into her personal life. She was a sounding board and informal counselor to countless friends during their times of personal hardship. Early on, she suffered her own deep personal grief after the tragic loss of her son Senthil who passed away in infancy. Vasantha had a rich circle of dear friends from throughout the phases of her life. She was known for her authenticity, sly sense of humor, sharp mind, humbleness and genuine kindness.
Vasantha was diagnosed with early lung cancer in 2017, despite her clean living and never smoking. After her initial surgical treatment, she continued to maintain a busy life amongst close friends in Sun City, Florida for several years. Her cancer returned as stage four in 2020. She spent her final year living with her daughters in Portland, Oregon and Salt Lake City, Utah and had the joy of cuddling and playing with her cherished first great-grandchild Anka.
As a family, we are heartbroken to lose her. We will never forget her knowing smile, laughter, steady determination, and love. However, we find solace in knowing that she is relieved from her suffering. We will continue to strive to honor her pioneering life and example.
We will hold a celebration of life for her in her home community of Florida in Spring of 2022 for family and friends, with more details forthcoming.
We invite you to share your memories or special photos of Vasantha with us here.
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider sending a donation to one of the following organizations in honor of Vasantha:
Portland Rescue Mission
https://portlandrescuemission.org/
American Cancer Society:
Thiruvalluvar Educational and Rural Development Trust (TEARD)
Or
Give India
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