Hema Gita Dandgodara

Gita was born in Nairobi, Kenya, to Dr. Sukhinder and Vidyotma Joshi, their first-born child. At the age of two, her family moved to White Plains, NY, where she spent her early childhood. From there, her family moved to Sanford, FL, in 1977, where her father established a medical practice, which continues to this day. Gita, the eldest, was then followed by Rajan, Sunir, and Kavita. Gita earned a Bachelor's degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, and then earned a Doctorate of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL. While in Optometry school, she met Parthiv Dangodara, whom she married in 1997. They have two beautiful children, Karishma (19) and Amar (16), and a golden retriever named Monty. Gita and her family have been residing in the South Florida area where Gita has been successfully practicing as an optometrist.

Gita's motto for life has always been carpe diem. She lived each day to the fullest, with happiness and intention, showering those around her with unconditional love and kindness. Her smile had a way of warming your heart, and her constant jokes and silliness always put you in a jovial mood. There was nothing she loved more than to have her friends and family laughing alongside of her. She was kind, generous, and gentle, and always the life of the party - she never wanted the party to end.

Gita was a runner, a tennis player, a swimmer, and a budding pianist and skier. She was an avid practitioner of yoga and loved to read about health and spirituality. She loved traveling with her family and friends, which became a source of inspiration for her to study archeology, history, and different cultures. Of all her travels, she loved visiting Tuscany and Santorini the most.

She was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her or had an opportunity to spend time with her. She saw the best in everyone and made each one of us the best version of ourselves. She perfectly played the role of daughter, wife, mother, aunt, sister, and friend. She made everyone feel like they were the most important person in her life, her best friend, and confidant. Those who knew her will remember and celebrate her positive, lasting impact she had on this world. We will remember and hold onto her smile and the sound of her laughter. Her light will continue to shine bright in Parthiv, Karishma, Amar, her parents, siblings, extended family and friends.

God, please give us all the strength for the journey we are about to embark.

Give us positive energy to help our mind, body, and souls to heal.

Give us patience and understanding to cope and process these new changes.

Provide us with the utmost care with the best doctors, caretakers and decision makers.

May our collective love and energy continue to unite us and help battle this illness together.

- Written by Gita

In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made to the following organization:

https://bethematch.org/support-the-cause/donate-financially/