Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Ballwin, Missouri
Aug 15, 1946 – Jul 1, 2024
Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Buddhiraju passed away on July 1st, 2024. She was a brilliant scientist, loving mother, devoted grandmother, committed spouse, and loyal friend.
She was born in Nellore, India on August 15th, 1946 to Kamala & Gopalachari Mysore. She completed high school at the age of 11 years and then took a year off to be with her family. She went to Akkineni College in Gudivada, India for a Bachelor’s degree and then Osmania University where she got her Master’s in Chemistry and Ph.D, where she was the youngest student to graduate at the top of her class.
After university she came to St. Louis University for her Post-Doctoral studies, rejecting the offer from the Nobel Laureate, Richard Burton to be with her husband who was at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She published over 150 papers and gave several lectures in both national and international conferences on a multitude of human and health related topics.
Her true joys in life were family, community, travel, and devotion to her faith.
The passion for her community was obvious by the numerous and diverse groups she joined and often led. She loved being a part of the Indian community which was reflected by her affiliations with numerous Indian associations. She was especially committed to the Mahatma Gandhi Center of St. Louis with which she strived to make a welcome home to all.
Her devotion to her faith and travel were well known. She traveled the globe seeing some of the world’s wonders and collecting memories, symbols, figurines, and idols into a wonderful collection that gave her great joy.
Her love of her family was felt daily. The mere mention of her grandchildren’s names would light up her face. Her pride was palpable and her love was never ending.
She leaves behind her husband Vijaya Kumar Buddhiraju, her children Chakradhar, Manokiran, son-in-law Dheeraj, and daughter-in-law Katy, and her grandchildren Arya, Maya, Sachin, and Nikhil.
She will be missed, but her impact on all the lives she touched will always be remembered.
Services: Visitation at the FAMILY CENTER at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Friday 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Missouri Ganesha Temple. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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We were deeply saddened to hear that Vijaya had passed away. Vijayalakshmi was one of the kindest people that I have ever known and I will always have fond memories of her. Our sincerest condolences to Dr.Vijaykumar and family .
The Kalyanaraman family
Vani Kalyanaraman
July 15, 2024 | St. Louis, MO | Friend
It stunned me and broke my heart to hear that Vijaya had passed away. One of our daughters called us the night of July 4th to tell us that a high school friend had contacted her because she thought our family would like to know. I worked with Vijaya for many years and she was always a joy to be around. It hurts that I never got to see her again but we did communicate especially during our birthday month. We shared the same month and she shared the same day with our triplets. I learned many...
Cindee Rettke
July 06, 2024 | La Plata, MO | Friend
I have known Dr.Vijayalakshmi’s family since 2001, when we moved to St. Louis. I have yet to meet another person like her in generosity, philanthropy, sincerity and devotion to God. I could write volumes about all her other attributes, still it would be small fraction of who she really was. Her sense of humor was unsurpassed. Her passing has left a big crater in my life. I will always have a special place for her in my heart.
Jayalakshmi Ramanuja
July 05, 2024 | Maryland Heights, MO | Friend
We are very saddened to learn about the demise of Vijaya. Our heartfelt and sincere condolences to Dr. Vijayakumar, Dr. Manokiran, Mr. Chakradhar and family. Vijaya was a very friendly, helpful, and jovial person and in our family’s long friendship we enjoyed her bubbling personality at their Poojas at home, at the temple or in social settings. We will miss her presence very much. May God give strength to Dr. Vijayakumar and family to bear this loss. Om Shanthi.
Madhu and Vittal Bhat
Madhu and Vittal Bhat
July 05, 2024 | Burlingame, CA | Friend
My heart goes out to Vijaya’s family at this sorrowful time. It was heart-breaking to hear of her passing through a high school friend of mine, Maheetha.
I have fond memories of spending time with Vijaya when she worked at the VA with my mom Cindee. This was years ago when I was just a kid, but I remember her kindness and humor. She would take me down to the cafeteria when my mom “wasn’t looking” to get me a king size candy bar almost every time I had to miss school. We even shared...
Carley Rettke
July 05, 2024 | Saint Louis, MO | Friend
A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.It brings us together again and again.
Aunty , you will be missed but you will be in our hearts and memories forever. Thank you so much aunty for all you have done for the St. Louis Indian community. We can never forget it . You are the inspiration to all of us . You were one of the main pillars of The Hindu temple of St . Louis and Gandhi center
May aunty’s soul attain sadgathi
Uncle, our deepest...
Chiranjeevi Reddy, and Lathamanjari Myla
July 05, 2024 | St . Louis, MO | Friend
Vijaya lakshmi garu was always very warm, friendly and compassionate.Her presence itself made the surroundings lively and cheerful.We will miss her a lot and will be remembered as an outstanding personality in our community. With all her spiritual practices, her soul must have reached
SIVASAYUJYAM
Parvathy Kancherla
July 05, 2024 | Saint Louis, MO | Friend
Our heartfelt condolences to you and the whole family. We will dearly miss seeing Vijaya especially at Shiva poojas. We pray for her soul to rest in eternal peace and for you and your family to gain strength to bear this loss
From
Guru, Madhuri and Gururaj family
Madhuri Gururaj
July 05, 2024 | Chesterfield, MO | Friend
"With profound sadness, we bid farewell to you Vijaya aunty a shining star whose light will forever guide us. You have left an indelible mark on the lives of all of us.Your unwavering kindness, generosity, and compassion inspired countless hearts.Your infectious laughter, warm smile, and unconditional love will be deeply missed.
With Lots of love
Dr Madhukesh
Dr Megha
Kum Vedviyan
Mysuru
Dr Madhukesh Rudramurthy
July 04, 2024 | IL | Friend