Jaya Natarajan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jayalakshmi Natarajan on June 1, 2025, at the age of 77. Jaya was born on March 17, 1948 in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India to V.S. Ramasubramaniam, Esq and Kalyani. She is the second oldest of their six children: Lalitha, Sasikala, Sivaram (Ramesh), Viswanathan, and the late Venkatesh (Ashok).
After finishing her master's degree in mathematics at Madurai University and while working as a lecturer, she married Sesha ("Raj") Iyer Natarajan, Ph.D. on August 28, 1972 in her hometown, Madurai. Shortly after, Jaya moved to the U.S., settling first in New Jersey, then Ohio, before returning to New Jersey. Jaya built her life and family in Hillsborough, NJ, where she was a resident for 46 years.
As a strong believer in the value and power of education, Jaya continued her formal studies, which culminated in a second master's degree in mathematics from Case Western Reserve in 1977 and a PhD in statistics from Rutgers University. This was no small feat for a woman at the time, with two small children in tow!
After completing her studies, she worked as an assistant professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University. In 1991, Jaya began her work as a biostatistician for Johnson & Johnson. She found her colleagues and projects so interesting that she stayed for the next 34 years, working until the very last day she was able to do so.
Jaya was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, love for statistics and puzzles, and her focus on her family.
Jaya is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Raj, her children Uma and Ganesh, her son-in-law Luke, granddaughters Kalyani and Shanthi, her sisters, two brothers, nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom will cherish her memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen or Franklin Food Bank.
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**Viewing & Visitation: **
*Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
*Time: 3:00 - 7:00 pm
*Location: Ruby Memorial Funeral & Cremation Services
2050 Route 130, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
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**Funeral Information: **
Funeral Puja, Viewing & Last Rites
*Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
*Time: 9:30-11:30 am
*Location: Franklin Memorial Park
1800 New Jersey 27, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902
Arrangements are under the respectful care and direction of Funeral Director: Christine Cuoco of Ruby Memorial Funeral Home. Family & Friends may share memories, photos and offer condolences at: www.rubymemorialhome.com