Jalaja Anantharaman

Jalaja "Gigi" Anantharaman, (nee Suryanarayanan) age 80 of Pierce Twp., passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Jalaja "Gigi" Anantharaman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on December 25th, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on April 14, 1944 in Alleppey, Kerala, India. Jalaja lived a life filled with passion, courage and unyielding love for those she cherished most.
Jalaja graduated from Rosary Matriculation School and went to Stella Maris College for her BSc in Home Science in Madras and went on to pursue a career as a pigment chemist with Sun Chemical Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work reflected her keen intellect, curiosity and dedication to excellence.
A true Renaissance woman, Jalaja found joy in the arts, whether through drawing, painting, or immersing herself in music and literature. She was an avid reader and lifelong learner, her mind always open to exploring new ideas and experiences. Her love of needle arts and her creative flair brought warmth and beauty to her home and the lives of those around her.
Cooking was another of her great joys. She loved experimenting with recipes, crafting meals that not only nourished but also delighted her family. To her, the kitchen was a space for love and connection, where every dish told a story of care and togetherness.
Jalaja is survived by her devoted husband, Kalpathy R. Anantharaman, who was her steadfast companion and the love of her life. She was a devoted mother to her daughters Nandini (in Heaven), Ranjini & Sujatha (Arun) and her son Bobby Malholta. Loving grandmother to Tejas (Meagan), Atul, Akhil, Alekha, Arjun & Vishnu and her legacy continues in her great-granddaughter, Zona.
Sister of Girijia Kasiviswanathan, Usha Manian and Mahesh Watkins
Jalaja's family was the heart of her world and her love for them knew no bounds. She made ordinary days special and special days extraordinary, bringing laughter, light and irreplaceable sense of humor to every gathering. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she delighted in sharing adventures, stories and countless cherished moments with them.
Jalaja often said, "It doesn't cost anything to be kind", a sentiment that perfectly encapsulated her generous spirit. She possessed the heart of a lion and the courage to match, facing life's challenges with fearless determination. Yet, she balanced her strength with boundless compassion, touching the lives of all who knew her with her gentle warmth and grace.
Heaven has gained a precious angel, and while her physical presence will be deeply missed her legacy of love, laughter and kindness will endure in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of Jalaja's remarkable life will be held in a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in her memory to the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital and Dayton Hindu Temple.
Rest in Peace, Jalaja. You are forever loved, forever missed and forever in our hearts.
Condolences online at www.strawserfuneralhome.com