Mohini "Lata" Bagai

Mohini Lata Bagai (affectionately known as "Lata"), a beloved sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the age of 80.

Mohini Lata Bagai was born on March 16, 1946, to parents Lok Nat Chugh and Ram Pyari Chugh in New Delhi, India. She was one of seven children, with five older brothers-Jatinder Nath Chugh, Krishen Lal Chugh, Upinder Nath Chugh, Bhupinder Nath Chugh, and Gajinder Nath Chugh-and one younger sister, Manju Malhotra. She was loved and respected by all of her family and the community. Growing up in a close-knit family shaped her deep sense of care for others. She was the anchor of her family, always ensuring that everyone was cared for and often cooking for the entire household with love and dedication.

From an early age, she valued education and learning. She completed her honors in Home Science from the prestigious Lady Irwin College in New Delhi and began her career as a teacher at the age of 21. She was the first woman in her family to begin a career, a testament to her strength and determination. The school where she taught was about 10 miles away, and she would travel there each day by taking multiple buses, showing her commitment to her work and to her students. She was an expert in cooking, sewing, and all things that made a home beautiful, bringing warmth, care, and creativity into everything she did.

In the later part of 1971, the Bagai family met with the Chugh family, as the families knew each other quite well from their village of Kamaliya. With mutual respect and love between the families, her hand was sought in marriage. On March 09, 1972, she married Adarsh Bagai, and together they built a life filled with love, strength, and strong family bonds. In December 1972, they welcomed their eldest son, Sumeet, followed by their second son, Sunil, in January 1976. She was a devoted mother, always putting her sons first and guiding them with patience, warmth, and quiet strength. In 1980, the family moved to Chicago, beginning a new chapter filled with both challenges and hope. Through it all, she remained a constant source of warmth and stability for her family. She continued to share her gift for nurturing and teaching young children, touching countless lives with her gentle presence and kind heart as a daycare teacher. Whether in her work or at home, she had a special way of making others feel cared for and valued. She later worked for the City of Chicago, where she carried that same dedication and compassion until her retirement in 2011.

She shared a loving bond with her daughters, Molly and Mariela, embracing them with the same warmth, care, and kindness, always making them feel supported, valued, and truly part of her heart. Above all, she cherished her role as a grandmother. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren-Noah, Aneel, Arun, Aaryan, and Elian-whom she adored beyond measure. She took great pride in all of their accomplishments, often sharing how Aneel and Arun were so smart and involved in many activities, how curious and intelligent Noah was, and how Aaryan's lively personality balanced Noah's quiet nature. She also loved Elian's affectionate nature during his visits. She treasured every moment spent with them-caring for them, singing softly, and dancing joyfully-sharing love and joy that will stay with them always.

Her love of reading, especially spiritual texts, brought her comfort and guidance throughout her life. Her faith was quiet but deeply rooted, shaping the way she lived and the way she cared for those around her. She had a special way of making others feel full of life-she filled the space

with warmth, laughter, and togetherness, creating memories that her family will always hold close.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Adarsh Bagai; her sons, Sumeet Bagai and Sunil Bagai; her daughters, Molly Bagai, and Mariela Bagai; her grandchildren; Noah, Aneel, Arun, Aaryan, and Elian; and extended family and loved ones who will miss her deeply.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

May her soul attain moksha and find eternal peace.