Jyoti C. Thakore

Loving mother of Nainoor “Nick” (Sangita) Thakore and Shenal (Terry) Smith. Cherished Mumma of Maya, Priya, Rajan, Vijay, Jessica, Eryn, and Nicholas (Morgan). Proud Great-Mumma of Willow and Holden. Dear sister-in-law of Shobha Shah and Chhaya Thakore. She will be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews.

Jyoti was preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Chandresh; her parents, Chandravadan and Kusum Shah; her brothers, Jawahar and Jagdeep Shah; her parents-in-law, Dhanvantrai and Ashrumati Thakore, and her brothers-in-law, Parimal and Piyush Thakore.

Jyoti was born on March 16, 1936, in Surat, Gujarat, India. From her early preschool days, she wanted to draw and paint, but her father insisted she study English. She dutifully did, which served her well through life, but her passion could not be quelled. In order to pursue her dreams, she enrolled at the prestigious Sir JJ School of Art where she earned a Masters in Fine Arts, and then she quickly established a name for herself throughout many areas in India.

In an era defined by arranged marriages, she followed her heart, entering a "love marriage" with her soulmate, Chandresh, on February 3, 1963. Following the births of both children, Jyoti and her family immigrated to the United States in 1970, which was an opportunity made possible because Jyoti was able to sponsor visas for the whole family based on her career as an artist. Throughout her life, art remained a passion. Her artistic skills were multi-dimensional, spanning from paintings to murals to ceramics. Her art was both displayed prominently and shared generously with friends and family.

She always put others first, whether as a devoted mom, grandmother, friend, or helping in the community. She dedicated countless hours to volunteering in a hospital and tutoring English to children in Detroit public schools - despite English being her second language!

She will be remembered for her selflessness, acceptance of others, service and creative mastery. Her loving, gentle - yet spunky and independent - personality made her one of a kind, and she truly blessed all the lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, from 10:00 to 10:45 am at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, followed by a funeral beginning at 10:45 am. A livestream of the service will be available. All are invited to join the family for a luncheon afterwards at Raj Palance Indian Cuisine, 37144 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. Doors will open at 12:30 pm and a buffet lunch will be served at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Smile Train.