OBITUARY

Sarasa Parthasarathy

January 2, 1945 – February 19, 2021

On Friday, February 19, 2021, at approximately 8:55pm, Sarasa Parthasarathy left this world and has been embraced by God’s eternal love. She died at her home in Williamsville with kumkuma on her forehead and a peaceful expression on her face. She was 76.

Sarasa, the daughter of Pappamaal and Muthuswamy Reddiar, was born and raised in Trivandrum, Kerala. As the fourth of 14 children, Sarasa was like a second mother to her younger siblings who she adored. She was a sincere and passionate sister who was at times even more invested in their successes than they were. Once, she helped her brother, Veerakannan study for his board exams. He didn’t do well, but the one in tears was Sarasa who had helped him study for it.

Sarasa’s older brother, Kripa, introduced her to books and she soon became an avid reader. Sarasa never skimmed through a chapter or glossed over a boring paragraph. In fact, her father used to make fun of her for reading each and every word from the first page to the last. Her love for reading continued into adulthood where she read things as diverse as the Tamil language Kumudum Magazine and the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series which her daughter got her hooked on.

Those who didn’t know Sarasa may have thought her reserved and proper. She was frequently referred to as a “true lady” because of her deportment and attire. But the real Sarasa was fun-loving, mischievous, and goofy, with a wonderful ability to find humor in everything. Laughing was her hobby. It was infectious. She was creative and childlike in her enthusiasm for fun. You could see the delight she had being with little kids. Her children will never forget how she scared them silly by pretending to be a vampire when they were 8 and 4, and how she flipped the board at Pac Man. Her granddaughter treasures the countless hours they spent playing together. They made up games like, “You can’t make me laugh,” “Pretend you own a Flower Shop,” and “Teacher” with young Priya as the teacher and Sarasa as the student. They loved playing all sorts of board and card games, and once colored all day until they both got bumps on their hands from holding markers for hours on end. She was also a smart and kind teacher. She was able to explain reincarnation to her niece, Veena in a way a 5-year old could understand, and had the ability to discipline kids by using her quirky humor.

She had the magic to turn any dish delicious. Not knowing what a watermelon was, she once discarded the pink insides and cooked its outer rind into a delectable curry. She made the most amazing food, from Idli, Sambar, Aapum and Fish Curry, to her fabulous Pineapple Upside Down Cake (made from box mix).

Sarasa loved horror films. No movie ever scared, with the exception of “The Exorcist” (which made her avoid her daughter when she turned 12). She could stay up all night and talk with family about any subject without getting bored. She enjoyed traveling and took many trips with her husband’s sister, Santha, and Santha’s husband, Regu. She loved Las Vegas and was a good and lucky card player. Her husband, Parthas, often said her good luck offset his bad. She also had an uncanny knack of predicting things like a psychic. She often could tell what she would draw next while playing rummy, and knew that her daughter needed her at 6am because there would be unanticipated life-threatening challenges in labor.

Sarasa was a bold and disciplined woman - the perfect partner for her husband. Before their marriage, Parthas invited her to Trivandrum beach to introduce her to his friends. She refused citing family customs. Anyone who knows Parthas knows he isn’t often refused! He needed a strong and steady partner and Sarasa was indeed that. She was also patient, unassuming, and a non-demanding spouse whose constant love made her husband a better man. The love and connection between them was an evident radiance of what we all strive to have in our own lives.

Sarasa had a never ending contagious smile, grace, elegance and beauty, brought positive energy to any situation, and in her presence you felt her warmth and love. She leaves behind a beloved husband, Dr. K.L. Parthasarathy; daughter, Remla, son, Murali; granddaughter, Priya; and countless sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Her kindness and love will never be forgotten.

A private family service was held on February 21 and a memorial service will be held sometime in the future. No flowers, please; Sarasa didn’t like receiving them – whenever they died it made her sad. Instead, donations can be made to your favorite charity.

Add a
Memory Receive
Notifications

Services

No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Receive
Notifications Show Your
Support

Memories

Sarasa Parthasarathy

have a memory or condolence to add?

ADD A MEMORY
Rajeev BMT

February 28, 2021

It is very sad news for us to know about demise of a loving ❤️❣️ Ms Sarasa Parthasarathy, Buffalo, US.

So nice couple they were.

We r fresh in memory of our visit in 2013 to their house n the hospitality they showered.
Our heart felt Condolences 💔 for the bereaved Dr Partha n his children to bear the loss of kith n kin.
May her soul rest in eternal peace 🙏.
My smt n daughter joins me in sending condolences.
🌾🌹💐🌷🌳🌲🦚
BMT Rajeev, Bangalore

Mally & Nambi Salgunan

February 25, 2021

Sarasa Vathine,parthanna and little Rema ,the first family I met when I came to America in 1970. I had my first dinner in the US soil with them. 50 years! Lots and lots of good memories. She was always willing to join me for a second helping of desserts.
Lot of people come into our lives and some never leave our hearts. She is one of them. Forever in our hearts and memories .Sarasa Vathine you will be missed beyond measure.
May Your Soul Rest In Peace.

Preena Thiruvengadam

February 24, 2021

Sarasa bedhamma, I will always remember your beautiful, smiling face. Even when I visited you years apart, I saw you hadn’t changed a bit - the same smile, and of course the ever gracious host.
May you rest in peace.

Rajit Krishnamurthy

February 23, 2021

When I think about all of my memories of Sarasa Bedhamma, what jumps out at me is that that they're all positive ones - I'm sure that most others could say the same. She was such a kind, bubbly person and we are all lucky to have had her in our lives. We will all miss her.

Radha and Rani Radhakrishnan

February 23, 2021

Hi Partha Annachi, Remla, Murali and Priya.
Our best time with Sarasa Akka is when we use to meet in 80's for Christmas, watch movies and play cards and Sarasa Akka's nice smile all the time. She is my close Aunt and Akka to me. I have known her from my childhood. Every new Year I call at midnight and wish Sarasa akka and Annachi. It is difficult to accept the loss and no words to express the loss. Our prayers for Sara akka and all of us.

Radha, Rani and Radhamani pinnamma.

Divya Radhakrishnan

February 23, 2021

Sarasa Aunty not only had a contagious laugh but the most contagious smile. I can not remember a moment when she didn't look at me with a huge smile. She made it impossible to not smile back. I remember running into Aunty when I was a kid while she was using the mirror in the bathroom. She happened to be wearing a wig at this time after shaving her head. She saw the shocked look on my face and quickly said "oops" with a big smile and her hand so daintly over her mouth as she was concerned that she had frightened me but seeing her smile I gave her a great big smile back and laughed with her as we conversed. Her smile will forever live in my memory and I hope to be able to share the same vibe with the people who surround me. She was a great women who will be greatly missed.

Pradeep Thiruvengadam

February 23, 2021

Sarasa Bedhamma was a rare diamond but instead of sharp edges she had the softest edges. Her calm and relaxed nature had a huge influence on me.

Sarasa V Sathiyaseelan

February 23, 2021

I visited Buffalo once for my holidays, I was 10yrs old then. You had cut ripe mangoes and served me the pieces and you had the flesh around the stone. You wanted to give me the best part! I turned around and told you “Bedhamma I love to eat the flesh around the stone too” you couldn’t stop laughing at that.
To this day I think about you when I eat ripe mangoes!
~
I once asked my dad why I wasn’t given ‘Shree’ to my name like my sisters?
I can still remember the proud look on my dad’s face when he explained to me how I got my name!
I’m very proud to be named after you!
Will miss you Bedhamma!

Syamala Mohanraj

February 23, 2021

With fond memories from Parthas family in India!

Sarasakka,
My fondest memory is of you receiving Saras the moment she was born and bringing her to me.
My machemi named her after his favourite Vathinae.
Akka, you will be missed immensely!
-Syamala-

Bedhamma / Athamma,
Your smile will never fade from our hearts.
Your kind and jovial nature will always be remembered.
-Raji-Rethy-Kumar-Saras-Saritha

Sarasa Vathinae,
My fond memory of you, is your love for music.
You will be missed.
-Chinna Raj-

Akka/ Beddhamma/ Athamma
Your sweet smile & gentle nature, who had a motherly affection for everyone, will always be remembered!
-Seema-Raja-Shweta-Vani

Akka / Beddhamma,
We were blessed to have you guide and support us constantly. Our fond memories of you will be cherished and will be remembered as a person filled with joy and kindness.
-Sreeshiv-Siddhi-Sruthi -Sradhaxna

You held My Hands on My Wedding Day and Stood by My Side as a Mother would be there for Her Daughter
Love you Vathinae
-Indu

You will be Cherished in our hearts Forever
Rest In Peace Akka
-Arju

Sarasa aunty, 
From the time I have known you, You were the most warmest person and had the most incredible smile that made our hearts melt. 
We miss you! 
-Pramoj 

Your Radiant Smile and Loving Nature Will be Missed
Rest In Peace Sarasa Aunty
-Jayasree, Abhishek and Avinesh

You Loved Me As Your Own and I Will Always Love You As My Own
Rest In Peace Athamma
Will Miss you
-Gayathri

Muthukrishnan Veeralakshmanan

February 23, 2021

Dear Athamma
I have read some where “there is no death,people die only when we forget them.if we can remember them,they will be with us always”.
You will be one such person,your loving face and smile will be remembered always.

FROM THE FAMILY