Hephzi Ohal

Hephzi Ohal was born in Narsapur, India on December 6, 1938, to Shanthamma & Veeraiah Chedalawada. She was the fifth of seven children. As a child she was full of mischief, with a good sense of humor, known for being the bubbly one, friendly to everyone. She gave all her siblings pet names and christened herself Pandumirapakai, which loosely translates as “fat red chili'' (a name some of us wish she had kept!).

Hephzi was very studious and attended elementary school in Narsapur and Salisbury Park and later, Spicer High School. Hephzi and her older sister, Lillie were in school together and were like “two peas in a pod, very happy in pigtails,” remembers her older brother Baburao. She then went on to study pre-med at Wadia College.

Hephzi and Lillie were both convinced to become vegetarians when Pastor Vandemann came and spoke at Salisbury Park (while they were still in elementary school). This kicked off her interest in healthy living at a young age and carried through her entire life and ministry. Later she became vegan and remained so for the rest of her life. When Hephzi was in high school, a young college bachelor, Madhukar Ohal, began to take an interest in her. One thing led to another and they fell in love and got married in 1960. They welcomed their first daughter, Rekha, the next year in Salisbury Park. Shortly after, they decided to move to America and were blessed with their second daughter, Shobha, in 1963.

Aji (Madhu’s mother) came from India then to help with babysitting duties. In fact, Aji would go on to babysit all the Chedalawada children at the Hood street house for decades! Their son, Rasik, was born in 1969.

For many years Hephzi worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), working her way steadily up to the position of Executive Secretary to the Director of the Indian Division, a position she held through several Directors until her retirement. During her tenure she traveled extensively around the world, hosting events for many dignitaries and heads of state.

Hephzi’s faith was always strong. She was a member at Takoma Park, Burnt Mills and Austin South SDA churches, among others, and was actively involved in ministering at every one. She started family prayer meetings in MD and would often send emails encouraging the family to remain close to God. Because of her, others have said that their own faith was strengthened. Hephzi was a powerful evangelist and it was apparent to all who met her.

After retirement, she had more time to devote to her ministry and started many prayer circles and Bible Studies. Her commitment to holistic health led her to attend and graduate from Wildwood Lifestyle Center. She enjoyed teaching cooking classes and sharing health tidbits and messages wherever she went. In addition, Hephzi was a major supporter for many ministries, including PRIA Ministries in Tanuku, her father’s village in India.

She loved and took great pride in her two grandchildren, Ara DeCamillis and Nisha Ohal, and loved to spoil them by making their favorite dishes whenever they came to visit her.

Friendship was important to Hephzi. There are many who testify to her faithfulness as a friend– someone who was always there to offer assistance and prayer. Nieces and nephews will miss her special popcorn with Wedge seasoning and her legendary egg and potato curry. Hephzi’s greatest legacy is as a prayer warrior. Because of her devout faith and her tireless witnessing, she has undoubtedly assured her place in the heavenly kingdom. We look forward to the day of that glorious reunion when we will see her again.

A visitation for Hephzi will be held Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Burnt Mills Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10915 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901. A funeral service will occur Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM, 10915 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901. A committal service and burial will occur Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 1:30 PM at George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783.

Hephzi will be laid to rest in George Washington Cemetery, 9500 Riggs Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Ohal family.