Madhuker Ohal

Madhuker Daulat Ohal was born in Rahuri, a university town in Maharashtra, India to Daulat and Harnabai Ohal. Both of his parents were public school teachers and after accepting the Adventist faith they were sent by the church to Lasalgaon boarding school with their four young children. After completing his elementary education in Lasalgaon, Madhu, as he was fondly called by his family, traveled to Spicer Memorial College where he graduated with a double major in English and Education.

Upon completion he accepted a teaching position at Salisbury Park Elementary School where he met his future wife Hephzi Williams. Madhu and Hephzi were married in 1960 and within two years of their marriage they left for the United States. Traveling by sea for 28 days with their first born Rekha who was just seven months old they settled close to family in the small town of Takoma Park, Maryland.

To support his small family Madhu worked a few odd jobs, his favorite of which was a painter. After a few years and a second daughter, Shobha, he enrolled in Andrews University in Michigan where he received his first Masters Degree in Systematic Theology.

After returning home Madhu accepted the position of principal at Atholton Junior Academy where he remained for three years before his desire for higher education returned. Enrolling in George Mason University he obtained his second Masters degree in psychology and immediately afterwards enrolled in Catholic University where he received his doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology in !972. During this time his son Rasik was born and with three small children he accepted a position at the University of the District of Columbia. He was initially was hired as a student counselor and was ultimately promoted to Senior director of student services where he would retire in 2006 after 33 years.

After his retirement, during a trip to visit family in India, Madhu traveled to Lasalgaon after many decades. Out of love and dedication for his old school Madhu spent nearly five years renovating buildings and planting many trees throughout the campus where his love of gardening was born.

In his retirement years he had three major interests: gardening, cooking and teaching the Sabbath school lesson. His 28,000 square foot manicured garden included more than 700 shrubs and perennials, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas, butterfly bushes, roses, water lilies and lotus flowers. To his delight he won the community "Best Of" award more than a few times.

His love of cooking led to many hours in the kitchen and the many Thanksgiving meals he hosted for family who enjoyed his special shahi mutton curry, hydrabadi baingan and bhindi do piaza and his delectable pumpkin pies.

Madhu was a man of few words; he preferred to spend his time reading, studying, cooking and always enjoyed time spent with family.

Madhu passed away on September 24th predeceased by his dear son Rasik and his loving wife Hephzi. He leaves behind his daughters Rekha and Shobha , grandchildren Ara and Nisha and a host of very dear family and friends after living a very accomplished and enjoyable life.

A visitation will be held on October 5, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Remnant Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 15121 McKnew Rd, Burtonsville, MD, 20866, United States.

The funeral service will follow at the same location on October 5, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place on October 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the George Washington/Mt Lebanon Cemeteries, located at 9500 Riggs Rd, Adelphi, MD, 20783, United States.