Pushpa (Puri) Nijhawan, 91, Sun City Center, Fla, formerly of Kokomo, IN, entered into rest Friday, November 16, 2018, following a brief illness, with her family present. She was born in Bristol, UK, to the late Mul Raj Puri and Winifred Mary (Pitter) Puri. She married Bal Raj Nijhawan on September 26, 1944, and he preceded her in death. Pushpa’s life was full of new beginnings, with a neverending passion for exploring new paths and boundaries. Living across three continents, gave her a fresh perspective on life and a heart for mankind. She inspired her family and mentored her extended family. In India, she founded organizations for various causes, and nurtured the women and children of the Staff of the National Metallurgical Laboratory, where her husband was the Director. She became the “Iron Lady” because of her creativity, enthusiasm, and positive outlook. Pushpa moved to New York City in 1966 with Bal Raj, who had joined the United Nations. She joined the World Federation UN Association (WFUNA) and became their representative. She was a delegate to the annual Eleanor Roosevelt International Workshop in human relations, at Rutgers University where she met Tachawin Moy, Chief Sitting Bull’s grandaughter. She and Bal Raj moved to Vienna, Austria in 1967, when he was appointed as a founding member of a new UN Agency, UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organization. These were formative years of Pushpa’s major interests. Pushpa was Founder and President of the United Nations Womens Guild (UNWG) in 1968. The UNWG is a volunteer organization of women, whose mission is to celebrate, propagate and support the cultural, social needs of UNIDO. Today, the UNWG organization has a vibrant membership, that holds bazaars, fashion shows and cultural events that showcase the tapestry of member Nations of the UN. During these years, Pushpa and Bal Raj traveled extensively across five continents, having wonderful experiences and friendships. Pushpa and Bal Raj immigrated to the US, following retirement in 1986, and settled in Kokomo, Indiana, where they assimilated into the Community that they grew to love. Pushpa quickly adapted to Kokomo, the “City of Firsts”. In 1987, Kokomo held its first authentic Indian wedding, at the Kokomo Country Club, for her niece. In 1986, Pushpa hosted an Exhibition of Indian Mughal Art, by her sister, Sheila Puri. In 1987, Pushpa and Bal Raj hosted an acclaimed pianist, Chiyoe Tabatha from Japan. The concert was coordinated with the Indiana University-Kokomo Foundation. In 1988, Pushpa started the Handi-Hands Art Guild of Kokomo, organized to display the work of handicapped artists. The non-profit Guild operated in a storefront, donated by the City of Kokomo. Pushpa also spearheaded the rebirth of the Kokomo India Association to promote cultural ties with the people/culture of India. In 1991, Pushpa and Bal Raj hosted a visit by India’s Ambassador to the United States, Hon. Abid Hussain, who delivered a lecture at the Indiana University-Kokomo Economic Forum. Pushpa was an avid gardener and loved flowers of all types. She was an excellent seamstress, and had an impressive display of Dolls from around the world. But her passion was kids, people of all walks of life, and an enduring spirit of giving. Throughout her life, she hosted Fashion Shows that featured Saris, dresses, ensembles from all over the World. Many of the fashions were her own personal creations. Pushpa and Bal Raj moved to Sun City Center, Fl, in January 2013, and lived close to her family. Following Bal Raj’s passing, Pushpa’s condition worsened as her dementia progressed. Despite the rapid progression of this disease, Pushpa maintained a positive, sunny and shiny face to her world, as she made new friends in her Memory Care facility. The Staff grew to love her with encouragement of “Here’s Pushpa…..”, to which she always had a smile reassuring us that all is well with the world that she lived in and loved. Pushpa’s family wish to thank the Staff at the Pacifica Memory Care facility, Sun City Center, which became her new home. She was well liked and in their words, was a “model resident”. Pushpa was deeply spiritual and often spoke of the presence of the Lord in her life. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there you will find her. Proverbs 31:25-27 “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue “. Pushpa will be deeply missed by her family and friends around the world, but her legacy will live on in their hearts and memories. Pushpa is survived by her sons, Pradeep (Beverley Ann) Nijhawan and Pramodh (Nancy Ann) Nijhawan; grandchildren, Sunita Renee Nijhawan (Brent Solheim), David Raj Nijhawan and John Raj Nijhawan. Pushpa is also survived by sisters, Sheila Lal and Kamla Bhagowalia; and brothers, Tajeshwar Kumar Puri and Anil Kumar Puri. Pushpa was preceded in death by her parents, Mul Raj and Vimla (Winifred) Puri; brother Raj Kumar Puri; and sister Mukta (Puri) Bakhsi .
Pushpa was cremated on November 27th, at the Manasota Funeral Home & Crematorium in Bradenton. A Havan/pooja ceremony and a Celebration of Life service will be held December 8th at 11:00 am, at the Groover Funeral Home in Ellenton, Florida. Cards may be sent to 1037 Regal Manor Way, Sun City Center, FL 33573. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the name of Pushpa Nijhawan. Online condolences may be placed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ellenton-fl/pushpa-nijhawan-8060299.
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