Sulochana Deshmukh Mandhare

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Sulochana Deshmukh Mandhare, who departed this world peacefully on December 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in New Orleans, LA. She was 87 years old. Her life’s journey began on January 28, 1937 in Kolhapur, India, where she was the fourth of eight children born to Judge Kashinath Deshmukh and Mrs. Anandibai Deshmukh. Sulochana’s journey was one of remarkable achievement, perserverance, and quiet grace. She was truly an inspiration and beacon of hope. Her children and those near her were showered with constant love, abundance, hospitality, and heartfelt dedication. In 1961, she married Keshav Sitaram Mandhare, an ambitious man from a caring, humble farming family in Bauvdhan, Maharastra State, India. He came to Mississippi State University in America in 1962 to complete his PhD in Chemistry, during the height of the civil rights movement. Sulochana worked as a teacher in India, saved money for airfare, and joined her husband in 1965. Marriage is when she says she experienced love for the first time. She spent 40 years in Thibodaux, LA where she worked as an Educator/Librarian in neighboring school districts, along the side of Dr. Mandhare, Professor of Chemistry at Nicholls State University. Together, they were a remarkable team who hurdled incredible challenges together. They gave their children their all, along with wonderful values, experiences, support, and love. She had a pioneering spirit, progressive nature, intelligence, and an endearing smile. With two young children and a third on the way, she made the decision to obtain a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. Later, her love of books led her to complete another Master’s degree in Library Science from Nicholls State University. Through self-study, she cultivated a keen understanding of healing, gratitude, spirituality, peace, and fulfillment ahead of her times. Ms. Sue or Mama Sue, as she was affectionately called by friends, was a self-made, honorable, hardworking, talented woman. At a young age, she excelled in the art of knitting, embroidery, singing, and cooked exquisite Indian and Cajun meals. She hosted lavish dinner parties for the University staff and the Indian community. She seamlessly transitioned to the Western culture with an open mind when few Indians were in America. The Mandhares were the first and only Indian family in Thibodaux, LA for 10 years. Chemistry students frequently came to the house for tutoring on weekends or to visit after graduation. Both were advocates for education and helped anyone who crossed their path. Sue was always beautiful and impeccably dressed with rings on every finger, bracelets up her forearms, polished nails, and styled hair. Compliments were always given to her, even at 87 years old. Sulochana is proceeded in death by her husband, Dr. Keshav Mandhare in February 2000. She is survived by their four children – Asha, Vijay (Sandhya), Usha (David), and Vidya (Ravi) and seven grandchildren. She is also survived by two remaining sisters in India, Ms. Kumudini Thorat and Mrs. Tilotama Mahadik. Sue was proud of her Indian heritage and a member of the New Orleans Marathi Mandal. She loved lighthouses and always offered guidance, protection, and hope. A celebration of Sulochana’s life will be held at L.A. Muhleisen & Son in Kenner, LA. Public visitation time will be on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 1-3 PM. The children of Sulochana Mandhare invite you to pay homage to an extraordinary, virtuous and kind woman. She will be deeply missed and always remain in our hearts. We know she is in a peaceful, loving place.

Tributes

Sulochana Deshmukh Mandhare

January 26, 1937 - December 13, 2024