Darshan Madan

Darshan Madan passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on December 9, 2023, at home in
Franklin Lakes, NJ, with her beloved daughters and caregivers by her side. She was a
much loved and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Darshan was born in New
Delhi, the second eldest of nine children, to parents Kalyan Das Kalra and Sumitra Devi
Kalra. She was extremely close to her parents and siblings, and recalled childhood
memories fondly throughout her life.
Darshan worked as a schoolteacher in New Delhi. She married and had three children:
Rick, Ruchi, and Neeti. The family emigrated to the United States in 1969, settling in New
York City.
Putting down roots in a new country was no easy task, but Darshan never shrank from a
challenge. She made sure her children received excellent educations, advocated for them
passionately at every turn, and always persisted in creating every opportunity for them. Her
children know that every happiness and success they have experienced is a direct result of
her love for them.
She supported her siblings and other relatives who wished to emigrate to the U.S., often
hosting them in her home and, as a result, her children were able to grow up with the
extended family they thought they had left behind in India. Their home was always filled with
laughter and community, with gatherings for every holiday, and each important occasion
celebrated together.
Thirty years ago, Darshan moved in with her daughter Ruchi to help raise her grandchildren
John and Jenna, and there she stayed until her death, always surrounded by her loving
family. Darshan is survived by her son Rick, her daughter Ruchi, her daughter Neeti, and
her grandchildren: Rohit, Rahul, John, Jenna, Veda and William.
Please join us for memorial services, Hindu pooja, and a celebration of her life to be held
on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff, with visitation
beginning at 9:00 am and funeral service at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AIM for Seva. Darshan was a passionate advocate for educating impoverished children, and the family is working with this organization to fund a major project in Roorkee, India. A direct link for the project will be available in the coming weeks, but if you would donate in the meantime, please designate "Darshan Madan" in the Comments section so any donation will be directed to this project in her name.