Usha Dhupa

Usha Dhupa (nee Bowry), 91, of Encinitas, California, passed away peacefully at her home on October 12, 2025 after living a rich and remarkable life. She was a cherished mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed. Her kindness, gentleness, integrity, humor, intellect, and loving spirit, brightened and enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Usha was born in Kapsabet, Kenya, on August 20, 1934, to Leela Vati and Amar Nath Bowry. She was one of seven children and lived and studied in Kenya, India, England, Tanzania and the United States. She left Kenya at the age of five to study in a boarding school in the Himalayan foothills in Dehradun, India, and returned to Kenya a decade later. She credited her time in India for her lifelong interest in yoga, spirituality, and Vedanta philosophy. She completed an advanced degree in English Literature, in Leicester, England, and had an enduring love of books, libraries, and writing. She was a lifelong learner as evidenced by hundreds of current articles and books all over her house!

Usha married her spouse of 61 years, Dhruv Vrat Dhupa, on August 26, 1962 in Nairobi, Kenya. She was devoted to Dhruv and viewed their lifelong and loving partnership as foundational to her life. After completing their education in England, in 1962 she moved with Dhruv to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, where her three children were born. The family relocated to Nairobi, Kenya in 1972, and Usha and Dhruv moved to the United States in the 1990s, living first in New York, Indiana, and Georgia before finally settling in California.

Usha was a devout Hindu, and practiced in the monotheistic Arya Samaj (Vedic church) tradition epitomized by inclusion, religious simplicity, and the education and empowerment of women. In Encinitas she frequently attended services at the Self Realization Fellowship, where she found alignment with Vedic values and a spiritual way of life. In San Diego she loved her monthly culture club and music meetings with her beloved Mantrang group.

Usha dedicated her life to her family and her passion for poetry, writing, and gardening. She composed and wrote prolifically and published two books infused with her life story and the spirituality that was an integral part of her life. She published Child of Two Worlds in 2020 and “Meditative Poetry: a Spiritual Journey” in 2022, and continued to actively compile material for her third book.

Usha’s Encinitas yard was an ode to her life in Kenya - a vibrant sanctuary of roses, succulents, herbs and fruits that she happily shared with everyone. She loved her home and was fortunate to be surrounded by family, beauty, and wonderful friends and household staff.

Usha is survived by her daughter, Nishi (son-in-law, Ken) of Ithaca, NY; her sons Achal and Sarit (daughter-in-law, Vivianne) of Encinitas, CA; and her beloved grandchildren, Kobi, Rohan, Kiran and Anika. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Dhruv Vrat Dhupa.

The entire Dhupa family thanks you for your support and asks that you share this memorial with anyone who was touched by Usha’s life.