Aloka Sarker

Aloka (Basu) Sarker of Lexington, MA passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026 at the age of 78 in her homeland of Kolkata, India.

Born in Kolkata on September 26, 1947, Aloka was the daughter of Prativa and Monaranjan Basu. The 3rd youngest of 16 siblings, she formed very close bonds with her sisters and brothers, especially those close in age to her. Aloka had a traditional arranged marriage to Suprokash Sarker on March 10, 1966, and they both were thrilled when they met each other for the first time. After graduating from Victoria College of Calcutta University with a BA in Economics in 1968, she and Suprokash made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States in 1969. They lived in Buffalo, NY from 1969-1976 where they welcomed their two beloved sons, Rony and Bobby. As a family, they have wonderful memories living in Buffalo where they established lifelong friendships.

In 1976, the Sarkers moved to 40 Garfield St, Lexington, MA, where Rony and his family live today. Suprokash and Aloka welcomed Bengali friends and relatives to live with them in this home while these families immigrated to the US from India and started their new lives here. In 1980, the Sarkers built a home on 504 Marrett Rd, Lexington, where they have countless fond memories of hosting celebrations and dinner parties; Aloka was the quintessential hostess.

Aloka enjoyed working at Liberty Mutual in Lexington as a Customer Service Representative from 1978-1986. She then worked in Accounting at Pencil Pushers in Lexington from 1987-1998, and finally worked in Accounting at ERG in Lexington from 1999-2012. Aloka's co-workers became lifelong, cherished friends, and she loved bringing her grandson, Jackson, to ERG Halloween parties and company outings to Kimball Farms. During the last several years, Aloka highly valued her time volunteering at the Lexington Community Center. Here she helped prepare and serve the weekly lunch to senior citizens, and, as usual, made close friends with her fellow volunteers.

An outstanding cook, Aloka could often be seen standing at the stove in her kitchen making a wide variety of dishes, and had fun making luchis (Indian puffed bread) and potato curry with Jackson. Aloka loved gardening, and visitors would be in awe of her beautiful roses, dahlias, tulips and hydrangeas that lined her driveway each spring and summer. Dedicated to health and fitness, Aloka was a loyal member of the Lexington Hayden Recreation Center where she swam laps, and more recently the Waltham YMCA. At the Y, Aloka discovered her favorite Yoga and Strength & Conditioning classes, quickly making friends with her instructors and fellow gym goers. Aloka loved every holiday and any excuse to celebrate. She would dress accordingly for every holiday, and at weddings, Aloka was usually one of the first (and last!) people on the dance floor, eager to get the party started. She regularly shared her adventures and stayed connected with her friends around the world through Facebook.

Aloka highly cherished her family-like friendships in the local Bengali community. She valued spirituality and prayed regularly for the health and wellbeing of her family and friends. Aloka participated in many pujas through the Bengalees of New England (BNE) and Probashi communities. She and Suprokash had wonderful experiences at many North American Bengali Conferences (Banga Sammelan) from Toronto to Chicago, celebrating Bengali music, dance, food, and culture.

Aloka and Suprokash shared a passion for travel, and Aloka happily was on board for any new adventure Suprokash planned. Some of their favorite destinations include: Hawaii, Alaska, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, Russia, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Eastern and Western Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and most recently Scotland. They loved returning to Kolkata, India almost every winter to reunite with their relatives.

Vibrant, dynamic, joyful and fun, Aloka exuded a zest for life that was contagious. People were drawn to Aloka because when you were with her, you could share your joys and sorrows, laugh and cry, and experience genuine, unwavering friendship. Above all, Aloka adored her husband, Suprokash, of 60 years, her two beloved sons, Rony and Bobby, daughter-in-law, Kim, and her treasured grandson, Jackson, all of whom love and miss her dearly.

Aloka's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026 from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the Burlington Marriott, 1 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01803.