Meenu Arya

The visitation and service will be live-streamed View Live Stream
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Meenu Arya, 69, on December 5, 2024, in her home in Zephyrhills, Florida. She was surrounded by love and her family after being diagnosed with cancer in 2022, having been cancer free for eight years prior. Throughout her journey, Meenu displayed incredible courage and unwavering hope. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and confidante to a great number of people. Her death has left a void her family and friends can not fill.
Born on August 27, 1955, in India, to Army Medical Corps Lieutenant Eric Simon and Lily (Charles) Alexander, Meenu was the sixth of eight children. A rebellious girl, she would often get into mischief with her two younger brothers. She graduated from the prestigious Kurukshetra University in Haryana, India, and set her goals on her passion: cosmetology and hair styling.
In 1974, Meenu married the love of her life, Kanti C. Arya. She was a nurturing and loving mother to their children, Rishi and Rashi. She led by example and taught her children to be brave, always give their best, and always be kind. She often reminded everyone that life is too short, so they should choose love, always.
Meenu's journey took her across three continents. Often traveling with her young children by herself and a limited mastery of the English language. From New Delhi, India to Southend, England, and eventually to Zephyrhills, Florida. Meenu persevered in her passion and became a licensed barber and hair stylist. After years of hard work and sacrifice, she opened her own salon. Her customers became her family, and generations trusted her undeniable skill and God-given talent in hair styling. Meenu was active in the community regardless of where she was. She donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital routinely, she sponsored school sports and funded several local charities. She had a generous spirit and a kind, welcoming heart.
Meenu cherished her faith in God and trusted that heavenly angels watched over us all. She took special joy in grand-parenthood. Meenu often called her granddaughter, Lily (Arya Blankenship), a beautiful angel sent to earth as a blessing just for her. Meenu delighted in cooking, listening to music, knitting, gardening, puzzles, and telling anyone and everyone about Lily. She made sure to involve Lily in everything she did to fill Lily's heart with eternal grandmotherly love. Lily was, as Meenu would say herself, the light of her Nani's (grandmother) life.
Meenu was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Olga Joseph, Vijocie David, Usha Charan, Sylvia Sharma, and her brother Arthur Alexander. She is survived by her husband, Kanti C. Arya of Zephyrhills; her children, Rishi (Masiel) Arya of Zephyrhills, Rashi (Michael) Arya-Blankenship of Seminole, her beloved granddaughter Lily, and equally beloved step-granddaughter Sofia; her sister Stella John, her brother Vincent (Sushila) Alexander both of New Delhi, India. In addition, she has much loved nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family, fellow hair stylists, her treasured clients, and innumerable friends who will never forget the love and joy she brought to their lives. Meenu will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." – John 16:22
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida. A viewing will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Service will begin at 3:00 p.m.
Donations in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are appreciated.