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Dr. Jaya Rajagopal Ph.D.
1936 - 2025
Jaya Rajagopal Obituary
Jaya Rajagopal, PhD., a former resident of Porterville, CA passed away
on October 4, 2025, at Lakewood Healthcare in Richmond VA at age 89.
She succumbed to various health issues caused by dementia after a short
stay at a local hospital. She moved to Richmond in early 2024 to be
cared for and supported by family as she faced this progressive disease.
Jaya moved to Porterville in 1985 after receiving her PhD in Psychology
from the University of South Carolina. She was a Psychologist at the
Porterville Developmental Center (PDC), for about 25 years. She had a
vast circle of friends and colleagues in and around Porterville who
adored, respected and enjoyed her company. She was a confidant and
counselor to many who admired her independence and forthright
approach to life. She enjoyed reading and travelling but most of all was
an extremely sociable person. She loved living in California.
Jaya was born on April, 20, 1936 to S.R. and Jamna Srinivasan in
Madras India as the fourth of five children. Papti as she was
affectionately called by family and close friends, was raised in a middle
class home in Madras India with a heavy emphasis on higher education.
When her attempts to obtain a PhD in India failed, she moved to the
United States of America in 1971 to continue this pursuit. She took up
residence in Columbia S.C and spent the next ten years at the University
of South Carolina pursuing her goal. Her sacrifices and hard work were
rewarded in the early 80s when she received her doctorate of
Psychology.
She married K. Rajagopal (ex-husband) in 1959 and has a son and three
granddaughters. Jaya was very proud of her son and fiercely supportive
of her family. She was lovingly direct in her approach and encouraged
her granddaughters to be the best they could be, while doting on them.
Jaya is survived by her son, Arun Rajagopal and his children, Lauren
Pritchard, Catherine Rajagopal, Christine Roadman; one brother: Dr.
Dobli Srinivasan (Sheila); one sister: Dr. Rajalakshmi Sivaprakasa. Per
her wishes there will be no services. Her ashes will be returned to
California to be scattered at sea.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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