Hemlata Y. Nanavati

In Loving Memory of Hemlata Y Nanavati (August 24, 1938 – August 9, 2025)

Hemlata Y Nanavati was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Born Hemlata K Shah on August 24, 1938 in Ahmedabad, India, she was the eldest child of Kantilal and Ansuya Shah. Hemlata was naturally responsible and caring. From a young age, she took an active role in raising her 4 siblings. She later became a middle school teacher, instilling in young minds a love of learning and strong values.

Hemlata wed Yogesh K Nanavati on May 11, 1965 and they were soon blessed with two children: Samir and Sangita. Hemlata served as a role model to her kids for how to live a devout, caring, and disciplined life. She was the family’s moral compass, and helped guide the family as they adapted from life in India to Japan to the United States.

Hemlata was known by many loving names: Mummy, Masi, Mami, Baa, Aunty, and more. From “makhanwala” to “undhiyu” to “chili paneer” to “penda”, her “rasoi” (cooking) was a favorite across four generations of the family. Always an educator, Hemlata taught her grandkids to cook, crochet, speak Gujarati, and lead moral lives. Her grandkids’ first clothes were knitted by her, first bhajans were taught by her, and first meals were inspired by her.

She believed in three doctrines of Life: (1) concentration of mind; (2) a set pattern in daily life; (3) looking at everything with a balanced and unbiased view. She was a highly religious person and believed in the importance of daily morning prayers, no matter whether she was at home or travelling. “No Pretenses” and “Simplicity in Life” were always her core values and philosophy.

She is survived by her husband Yogesh K Nanavati, her children Samir & Chaya Nanavati and Sangita & Paresh Damania, and her grandchildren Akshay Nanavati, Amal Nanavati, Anuj Nanavati, Nirmit Damania, and Rushil Damania. We remember her ever-smiling face as she adapted to change, and will continue to live her example of a devout, caring, disciplined, and moral life.