Raj Mukti Tandon

Born on April 22, 1944, in Rawalpindi, Raj was an exceptionally educated woman who earned a Master’s degree in Sociology. She married her husband, Pramod Kumar Tandon, in 1972, beginning a marriage that lasted 54 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, faith and countless cherished memories.

In 1979, Raj and Pramod moved from India to America. Together, they built a successful women’s clothing retail business from the ground up. Raj took enormous pride in the business and, most of all, in caring for her loyal customers. She formed genuine connections with the people she served, and her warmth, kindness, and ever-present smile made everyone who walked through the doors feel welcome and valued. Her positive outlook was infectious, and she always chose to see life as a glass half full, even through life’s challenges.

Raj’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted wife and mother and took immense pride in her children and grandchildren. She was an amazing cook who expressed her love through food, always making sure everyone was well fed, cared for and looked after. Her home was a place of warmth, generosity and love, and she had an extraordinary gift for making those around her feel cared for.

A deeply devout Hindu, Raj’s faith was at the centre of her life. Her spirituality guided her values, her strength and the way she lived each day. Her faith was a constant source of comfort and meaning and remained an important part of who she was throughout her life.

Raj had a wonderful zest for life. She loved Bollywood movies and music and, in more recent years, developed a keen interest in the New Orleans Saints football team. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life and above all, in spending time with the people she loved.

Raj will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her warmth, her generosity, her unwavering positivity and her deep devotion to her family. She had a rare ability to make people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. Her presence brought light and joy to so many lives and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her loving husband Pramod Kumar Tandon; her son, Punit (Bobby) Tandon, and daughter-in-law, Puneeta Tandon; her daughter, Mili Handa, and son-in-law, Sanjeev Handa; and her beloved grandchildren, Saniya, Neal, Shivam, Dev, and Saavan.

Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely will remain with her family and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always loved.