Geeta Shah

1977-2010

Geeta Shah passed away the third day of June 2010. She spent the last few weeks of her life surrounded by family, friends and attentive hospice care staff members in the comfort of her home. Geeta is finally at peace after a two year struggle with breast cancer. She fought hard to the very end. She kept in good spirits, and was especially concerned about the well being and spirits of those around her. Her vibrancy, optimism and devotion as a daughter, sister and friend will never be forgotten.

Geeta was born on October 8th, 1977 to Kulbhushan and Madhuri Shah in Buffalo, New York. She moved to Holladay, Utah in 1979 where her formative years took place. Geeta attended Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s school from 1982 to 1995. There she was a top student involved in many activities such as tennis club and yearbook. She particularly excelled at debate. Outside of school she was an accomplished flautist and a truly caring human being.

After high school, she attended the University of Pennsylvania for 7 years and completed an undergraduate degree and then achieved a Master’s degree in architecture. Being both an artist and a scientist with a “mechanically inclined mind,” Geeta loved her work. She pursued her dreams of architecture and board certification even after the diagnosis of her illness. In college, Geeta volunteered for Habitat for Humanity building houses for people in need. After joining the architectural workforce, she found herself in Washington D.C. for a series of jobs. There she volunteered at her local soup kitchen and took to running. She completed three full marathons over a period of two years. Geeta had both physical and mental perseverance.

Geeta absolutely loved city life. She had just started a dream job in New York City working on a hotel when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her life was short but meaningful to those she touched and we are grateful that she is at peace. We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and hospice care workers from Utah Cancer Care Specialists that were involved in her care especially Dr. Xylina Gregg and Dr. Gregory Miller for their sympathy, patience and superb care.

Geeta’s adoring nephews Rohin and Ravi Nguyen and her family members want to let her know they will always love her and remember her playful fun-loving spirit. She is survived by them as well as her mother, Madhuri Shah, father, Kulbhushan Kumar Shah, sister, Meeta Shah Nguyen, and brother-in-law, Dan Sy Nguyen.

A viewing will be held on June 7th Monday from 6-8 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may visit with the family at this time. In lieu of flowers, Geeta had specifically requested that memorial contributions be offered to the Utah Chapter of The American Cancer Society or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: Salt Lake City (www.komenslc.org). To leave condolences for the family please visit www.wasatchlawn.com.