Jaya Lakshmi Kalambi's Obituary
Jaya Lakshmi Kilambi was born in Kakinada, India A.P. on May 19, 1939. One of nine children in a large and close-knit family, she was the last surviving sibling. She is survived by her three sons, Neal, Navin and Nirmal, and their respective wives, Juanita, Bridget, and Cherie. She was proud to have 9 grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren and loved them all.
She spent her youth in India with her own family, studying, and having fun on the beach. Jaya and our father Raj Kilambi, were married on her 18th birthday. She joined him in immigrating to United States, leaving behind her loving and protective family in pursuit of the American dream through education.
They started out in Vancouver, BC, then Seattle Washington where her husband was pursuing his PhD at the University of Washington. The Century 21 Exposition famous World’s Fair was held in Seattle Washington in 1962. The famous space needle was constructed at that time. President John Kennedy provided opening remarks. Our mother, who was quite beautiful was picked to participate and represent the India pavilion, and she was asked to participate in a fashion show exhibiting Indian style and dress. With a pleasant demeanor and big, beautiful smile, she was also chosen to be a greeter at the exhibit. Attended by many dignitaries as well as entertainers such as Elvis Presley, she met and was photographed welcoming such dignitaries as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Great Britain, and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. Later in Seattle, Jaya had the opportunity to meet Indira Gandhi the only female Indian Prime Minister to-date and newly elected in 1966.
She had her first two sons Neal and Navin in Seattle Washington while her husband was getting his PhD. Strong, confident, and beautiful, she was also very kindhearted and loving.
Once they moved to Fayetteville Arkansas in 1966, she continued raising their two kids and had her youngest son Nirmal. She received a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in counseling at the University of Arkansas. It was a pursuit of passion. She became a naturalized US citizen, and she worked at the University of Arkansas in Mullins library for many years before retiring. She and our dad traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed learning about other cultures and traditions. An avid photographer, our father would often take pictures of my mom dressed fashionably in that country’s’ typical dress.
A woman of faith, she prayed nightly with her children while putting them to bed. She was an engaged mother always supportive of her kids’ various pursuits and sport activities. Mama was also highly involved in public education and the parent-teacher association in their elementary and junior high school years. She would always take time to play board games with us and play outside volleyball, croquet, and the occasional kickball. Quite the reader of books of many subjects and history, she was always current on affairs and was known to read the local newspaper from the front to the last page. She was informed.
Our mom was a loving mom who taught us through example faith, kindness, hard work and a belief in ourselves. She filled her sons with confidence. Intellectually curious about all topics, but especially the social sciences, she inspired us to always read, learn, and respect all of humanity. She always taught us to be healthy and encouraged us to have proper nutrition and exercise. She was caring.
Before she passed, as she often did, she told her three sons that we were her heart. Our hearts are broken at this point, losing our kind and loving mother, but also joyful and glad that she is not suffering. She is at peace and with our father, her loving husband of nearly 64 years.
A natural introvert, she sought peace through prayer, meditation, and yoga, and lived a life of quiet dignity. She enjoyed gardening and always loved having flowers around her. She was a gentle lady. We will miss her deeply.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, since our mother was a multi-gallon blood donor, please consider a donation of money or blood to the Northwest Arkansas Red Cross, 1200 W Walnut St Suite 2310, Rogers, AR 72756.
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