Ruma Roy

Ruma Roy, age 77, of Oshkosh, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones in her daughter’s home in Chandler, AZ on March 1, 2021. She was born in Patna, India on August 8. 1943. Ruma graduated from Mount Carmel, a highly prestigious school and was taught by nuns. Ruma’s love of science was nurtured by her family and particularly her older sister, who encouraged her to pursue an education in science despite the lack of women in the field during this time. Her intelligence, determination and perseverance allowed her to excel in her studies as she went on to post-graduate education for her Master’s degree.

Ruma was married to Anjishnu Kumar Roy on June 12, 1965 in Aurangabad, India. They were married for 54 years and shared an everlasting love and respect of one another until Anjishnu passed on June 24, 2019. Ruma would often say that their most serious arguments would take place in the kitchen, often pertaining to which spices should be used in their delicious Indian cooking! She would comment that despite their differences, they shared the same values and beliefs on most major issues and rarely argued about money, career, child rearing, or religion. She taught her children that the key to a long and successful marriage is mutual respect of one another.

Ruma’s innate intelligence, tenacity, and determination led her to pursue a successful career as a chemist and lab manager at an agricultural laboratory at K Ag Labs in Oshkosh, WI and get selected for the Who’s Who in the science. It was during these years that she was able to feed her love of science and education, while balancing her career as a lab manager and mother of three girls. One of Ruma’s biggest strength was her ability to multi-task and take on enormous amounts of work and responsibility, all while keeping a bright smile on her face. She was a strong, confident, assertive woman at work and a kind, caring, and nurturing mother when she went home. She lived by the motto that nothing is impossible. “Can’t do it,” was never in her vocabulary. She always found a way to, “Make things happen,” no matter what! She would never give up, no matter how tough things got, she always persevered. She was truly an admiral role model and extraordinary inspiration to her family and friends.

Ruma loved life. She loved good food, enjoyed art and trying new things. She took an interest in just about anything, and was actively involved in her community and other organizations. She was active in the Fox Valley India Association, took part in her daughters’ extracurricular activities with Brownies and Campfire Leader, member of the Homemaker’s Club, and many more. She loved using her hands to make things, and was an amazing artist. She had a love and true talent for knitting, crocheting, and sewing. The blankets she made for all of her grandkids will forever wrap them in her love. She also had a passion for gardening, music, plays, and painting. Ruma could easily spend hours and hours playing bananagram with her friends and family. She shared her love by cooking Indian food and sharing it with anyone that would come by. When Ruma was around you could almost hear her smile. She welcomed all. Included everyone. Ruma loved sharing her Indian culture, especially the food. A meal at her house was her way of saying thanks and I love you. She thrived on people. And people who knew her thrived because of her. She was indeed a true friend. She’s always had a deep and sincere appreciation for people, leaving her glowing sunshine and blanket of caring and love upon anyone who crossed her path.

Ruma’s true love was her family and friends. She often said that the love she was surrounded by is what kept her going. No matter what she felt physically or emotionally, she would always be strong, brave, and put a smile on her face and say “Que sera sera.” She was a true inspiration to those who knew her.

Ruma is survived by her three children Semontee Simone Verma, Sandana Sandy Roy-Moder, Ranjiini Raina Roy and grandchildren Srinjay Saayan Verma, Avanti Sarina Verma, Sarina Devina Roy-Moder, Jayden Sanil Roy-Moder, Samesh Roy Saker, and Leena Saker.