Dr. Shivarani Rajaram was a source of strength, hope, and joy; a loving wife, darling mother, dependable daughter, fun sister, amazing aunt, trustworthy friend, a confidante, inspiration, supremely honest, and an array of adjectives that do not even convey the amazing person she is. This does not even begin to touch upon the amazing doctor, colleague, and member of the community that she was.

Born March 21, 1954 in Bangalore, India. She graduated from medical school in Bangalore Medical College in 1978 and worked at the CSI Hospital. In 1982 she moved to Bangkok, Thailand to work for the United Nations High Commission on Refugees where she treated refugees from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and surrounding areas. An exciting time in her life, she ventured into dangerous zones and air transported patients to Europe and the United States for special treatment.

She was married in 1985 to the love of her life, Murugesan Vellore-Natesan, and they share two wonderful children, Ashreetha (17) and Abhijay (15) – her greatest accomplishments. A year after she was married, she moved to Hawaii to study for her Masters in Public Health and maintained a long-distance relationship with her husband who was in India and Russia at the time. They would spend 4 months a year there together and it was truly their island paradise.

She made Yuma, Arizona her home in 1990 and found true happiness with her family and friends here – in her land "that's always sunny with blue skies." Many in Yuma know her as their pediatrician and she truly cared about each one who came her way. Filling this full joyful life she had also enjoyed learning karate, many types of cooking, dancing, singing, reading, and spending time with family and friends which to her was the most important thing.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at Desert Valley Mortuary, 15877 South Avenue B, Somerton, AZ 85350. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Shivarani.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Yuma Sun from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Shivarani Rajaram

52 Entries

Carolyn Lahey LPN

October 28, 2020

When this popped upon my computer today. I just looked it and said it can't be 8 years. It made me smile and have a few tears. I do miss her. She was a wonderful person. She had a way of making you feel happy when she smiled at you and said hi and gave you a hug. If her children or her husband see this. Big Hug

SudhaRani Adapa

November 4, 2019

Shiv lives in our hearts! She is etched in our memories with her ready smile and a helping hand. "great things come in little packets" She is unforgettable .

John Carson, MD

October 29, 2019

She is remembered fondly. A good doctor and a good person. I know her Son thru my son, and he is an honorable young man.

Jayanthi Anbil

November 4, 2013

Rani you touched my life fleetingly but made quite an impact. I shall always remember your soft and gentle demeanor yet strong. Baan had a great sister in you!

February 28, 2013

I just found out about this today. :( Dr Rajaram was an amazing, kind and caring person. when my doctor went to Tucson for college, she still came home to see her, because she was the only Doctor she trusted. Much love to her family and children.

Katherine Lopez

November 28, 2012

I will miss you so much :( you were the most amazing doctor my kids had and you were the one that really cared about my special needs son's care. I will never forget you. You were AMAZING!

Dipti Shah

November 28, 2012

Dearest Shivarani: Miss you so so much.. Just want to pick up the phone and hear your sweet, comforting voice...and also wish to see you and give you a hug...You went too too fast, leaving us all alone....not fair....really miss you, my friend...

November 27, 2012

Dear Rani Aunty,
You were a truly special person who showered us with so much love and affection. Memories of your calm demeanour, lovely smile and caring attitude will always stay with us. Missing you.
Anita

GSH

November 25, 2012

Dr. Rajaram was a patient & kind person. She was a doctor who took the time to listen when other doctors were too arrogant to do so. She took action when I had concerns about my children's medical conditions. Yuma peds will not be the same without her. I recently took my children to their medical appointments in Phoenix & was reminded of her great loss, when the specialty doctor asked me who my children's pediatrician was. They have no pediatrician now, as it will be very difficult to find one like Dr. Rajaram. My prayers are with her family & I thank God for the kindness and patience she had with me, while she took care of my four children, two with special needs. I never knew she was ill, until after her passing. I wish I would of known, I would of told her how happy I was to see her again, after her long abscence. I would of told her how much we needed her & missed her while she was gone. Thank you, Dr. Rajaram for everything. I know you are resting peacefully now. We were all truly blessed for having you in our lives.

Sundaravadanan Chikkumama

November 24, 2012

Dear Rani,
I still cannot reconcile that you are no more with us.That way you will be eternal in our memories.As the eldest bro-in-law in the family I have seen you since you joined the Medical School at Bangalore.You are such a talented person:intelligent,a good singer,an accomplished dancer,a graduate in Hindi although it is not your mother tongue,a Karate specialist,a great Paediatrician and Clinician and above all a nice human being.You wanted to join Medicine and as you felt your under evaluated in your first attempt you withdrew your PUC results and took the exam again and made a high score and got admitted into Medical School.You wanted to be a Paediatrician and to acheive it you took the Public health route via Hawaii and specialised in Paediatrics at Stoneybrook.This shows your grit in acheiving whatever you had aspired for.We could attend your wedding in Bangalore travelling from NIgeria,although unfortunately we missed attending Chummi's and Anandhi's Weddding.It was great we could visit you in Thailand and you planned our stay so nicely so that we could see all that was of interest in Bangkok.To mention how much you cared for your near and dear ones,you knew I like 'Sticky Rice' Sweet preperation and you went to a place in Bangkok and brought it for our Breakfast as it was available only there.Likewise when myself and Sunanda were with Abhi in Ideal Nursing Home after his surgery you prepared the lunch for us to be sent through your dad.As there was only cocoyam(Semai kelangu)available in the house it seems you asked your dad that whether I would like that vegetable and as your dad told I actually love it and only then you prepared it.One thing which I can never forget throughout my life is when we came from Nigeria just a few days before your wedding and as I was suffering from Pyrexia of Unknown Origin,you had fixed an appointment with your senior colleague Dr.Ramurthy on the day of our arrival and accompanied me and satyed with me throughout all the investigations,procedures were performed and until the rtesults arrived and the line of treatment was prescirbed.I do not think any other Bride-to-be would have spent so much time and taken so much care of a brother-in-law just before her wedding.Every time you used call us from Yuma you would enquire whether we are taking our walks which we were irregular.But now we are very regular and I tell my wife this we are doing for Rani.After our annual medical checkups you used to ask for the clinical report over the phone and used to advise us.We will miss that advise now.We visited you twice in Yuma,that is in 2008&2011.But during the last vsisit as we stayed for a longer time we interacted with all the members of the great Yuma community,although,I cannot name them individually like Bhavani and in the process I may miss some.You People have been so helpful to Rani,Murugesh,Ashreeta and Abhijay all along and I can visualise how you would still be helping Murugesh,Ashreeta and Abhijay now after Rani's demise.All that we can say is a "Big Thank You" for all of you.We will still be coming over to Yuma and will be meeting you people.But we will be missing Rani at yuma in our subsequent visits.But she is always with us in our memories and prayers.

shannon henderson

November 20, 2012

My family and I are stunned and saddened by the loss of Dr. Rajaram. She helped our son so much and he is healthier because of her.

Priya Ravigopal

November 16, 2012

Rani Aunty, we miss you so much, and it is a great loss that such a wonderful person is passed away so soon, you will be in our thoughts for ever.

Bhavani Hamann

November 16, 2012

Dearest Rani,
It is fifteen days since the tragic day and my heart is tight and heavy. I look at my phone waiting for the one call I will never get, the one voice I long to hear to make my day as you did everyday all these years.
I now reach out to Murugesh, Ashee and Abidu to hold on to your love. You have been such a wonderful wife and mom. Always there for them with a smile, soft touch, kind words and hug. I cannot imagine how they can go on without you. I am so thankful to them for giving you so much happiness and love. Your decision to give up the United Nations high profile job, to get married and have children was the best and filled you with joy and love. Thanks Murugesh for being such a great husband to her. No one could be more caring, loving and being there for her every day all these years. Ashee and Abidu thank you for being the wonder and joy of her life. She was so proud of you both.
Reading all the loving messages fills my heart with pride. Rani, you were the shining star in our family. The prettiest, smartest, excelled in academics, sports, dance, singing and a brilliant doctor. Despite all this you were so modest, loving and so generous. You always had a kind word, a hug and love for everyone.
You always put your patients first. You were always reading medical journals to keep up with new findings. You spoke so lovingly of the troubles they went through and care the parents showed for your patients (your other children). You called and visited them to follow up and make sure they were doing well. You always made time for your patients and never took a day off if you could help it.
You said you were not going to be there this Chiristmas in Virginia with us, because you wanted to work and make sure your colleagues (Dr. Crawford and Dr. Cisson) got time off because they have been so kind and went out of the way to help you, when you were away. You said it is only right that you should give back to them the warmth and caring they showered you with. You spoke of the kindness and love Brenda, Maureen and Abby gave you. I am so glad you had so many good people surrounding you.
I cannot say enough of the friends you have and all the love they gave you. The community in Yuma filled you with happiness. The families and children gave you so much to look for ward to each day. But I realize it was because your love was infinite. It is incredible that you always had space to love more people. You cared deeply for all your friends and spoke everyday to me of them. I feel like I personally know Padma, Sita, Radhika, Deepti, Rama, Sushma, Meena, Meera, Kumud, Sashi, Sujatha, Mangala, Isabel, Melanie, Kusum, Rashmi (and so many more )and their families especially their children.
I feel like I know all the teachers in Yuma. I was looking out for many especially Mrs. Paulson. I know the Tennis coaches too. How we laughed over the phone about Cailib's innocent remarks to his teacher.
You were always my idol and mentor. You have been by my side in my happiest and saddest moment. No one knows more about me than you do.
You made me see only the good in people and you made me aware of the strength I have in me.
From the time Tom met you, and Niki and Raj were born, you have been there in every way for all of us. It was always "Ask Rani Aunty".
Now who will we turn to?
Thank you for being there for me, for us every step of the way since I was a tiny kid. You will be in my heart forever,
Your loving sister always,
Baan

Bertha Padilla

November 10, 2012

It saddens me that you were taken so soon. We were very blessed to have you as our dsughters first doctor. You were very compassionate so gentle and caring. You were a very special woman and will always be
remembered. Thank you Doctor for always giving it your best.

Eunice Villanueva

November 10, 2012

I'm still in disbelief that Yuma has lost one of the best Pediatricians in town. Dr. Rajaram was a very sweet caring person. I give my most sincere condolences to all family members. My prayer to the Lord is that he gives all of you, the strenght to overcome this GIGANTIC loss. God bless all of you. Dr. Rajaram, you left to soon. You left behind so so so many traces and prints of all your love and dedication to what you enjoyed doing the most... Care for children. Not anyone could do that. Only special people like you and the rest of your colleagues and staff members in Yuma Pediatrics. You belonged to that puzzle. Now that your gone, the puzzle will be incomplete and will always be. Rest in peace Dr. Rajaram:):):). Gone from this Earth but, NEVER from our hearts <3.

Coleen McKinstry

November 8, 2012

Our lives crossed paths as I helped coordinate lodging for Shivarani while she was undergoing her cancer treatments. I am truly blessed having gotten to know her. A bright light has indeed left this world. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, her family, during this most difficult time.

November 8, 2012

Death ends Life, Not a relationship....
Dr. Shivrani will always be alive in our hearts....and her relation with all of us as a friend, mother, sister, aunt, wife.....will never die....
May God give courage to the family to survive this loss....
Our prayers always with you....
LET US KEEP SHIVARANI ALIVE IN OUR MEMORIES....
- CHETAN & KIRTI KHATRI. (Chandler, AZ)

Lisa Reynolds

November 8, 2012

I am deeply sorry for your loss. She was always so kind and a smile on her face.

Alyson Grimaldo

November 8, 2012

Dr. Rajaram was our children's pediatrician since 2004. She was so sweet with my boys and they loved "going to the doctor" for their checkups. She really cared about my children and would always take time to answer my thousands of questions. I am thankful we got to see her last month. I wish her family comfort and peace during this dificult time. She was such a blessing and very loved by many.
Sincerely, The Grimaldo Family

valerie ramirez

November 6, 2012

Dr.Rajaram saved my sons life 9yrs ago! On our last vist I had told her how greatful I was for her, and I praised her for always being so understanding and patient. She blushed and hugged me and my children...we are currently in the process of treating my son and her attention is amazing.....no one will ever care as much as she did..we will miss you....you were very important to our lives. You will never be forgotten Dr.Rajaram.

MARIA RENTERIA

November 6, 2012

DR RAJARAM WAS AN AMAZING PERSON SHE WAS MY CHILDREN PEDIATRICIAN AND ALSO I WAS FORTUNATE TO WORK WITH HER AT VALLEY HEALTH CENTER THAT LATER BECAME SUNSET. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HER HUSBAND AND HER TWO CHILDREN. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE TO AN AMAZING WOMEN DOCTOR AND FRIEND

Ruth Waldrop and Family

November 5, 2012

It was in early 2009 when I was introduced to Dr. Rani Rajaram through our common friend, Dr. Cyndy Sison. At that first handshake, I realized how warm and gentle she was as a person. I would run into her at the Yuma Peds office, and everytime I did, Dr. Rani always shook my hand and offered me one of the kindest smiles I have had the priviledge of receiving. Dr. Rani was surrounded with light, and I felt that she embraced me with her light. Although I hardly knew Dr. Rani, I felt so sad about losing her. Truly, her family needs all the love and comforting they can get, for they lost a wonderful person. If my Mom were alive today, she would say this of Dr. Rani--"Only the good die young". May you rest in peace, Dr. Rani.

DONALD PATERSON

November 5, 2012

I was shocked and very sorry to learn of your loss Muragesan. I remember the days a few years back with helping teach your children the game of tennis. I remember your wife as very kind and supportive with me. My prayers to you and Ashritha and Abijay during these hard times.

November 5, 2012

Dr. Rajaram was so much more than just our pediatrician. Being the daughter of Brenda Tudor, office manager of Yuma Pediatrics, I have the great opportunity of knowing her as a friend. She time and time again answered millions of “first time mom” questions and always comforted my heart when I just knew something was wrong with my son. I truly believe Dr. Rajaram loved Jesen as if he was her very own grandson. She always went out of her way to ask how he was doing and even spoiling him with special allergy free cookies and cakes that she knew he could eat. Just two weeks ago we saw Dr. Rajaram for the very last time when so calmly told me that my son had strep throat. As she walked out of our room she took a step back and asked my son for a hug. Reaching over she rubbed his back and kissed his head through her mask. I will never forget that moment!

Dr. Rajaram, I hope you know just how much I adored you. You were taken from us far too early but I have peace in my heart knowing that now you will no longer have to ask how Jesen is doing. You will be able to watch over him and be his guardian angel every second of every day.

We miss you,
Traci and Jesen Miller

Veronica Porchas

November 5, 2012

My condolences go out to Dr. Rajaram family I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a great pedeatrician and she helped me out during my hard time with my son. My family will miss her very much.

Paula Cleary

November 5, 2012

Although I have never met Dr. Rajaram, I have had the pleasure of working with her husband Murugesan. I am very sorry for his loss.

Jamie Haines

November 5, 2012

It saddens me to hear of the loss of Dr. Rajaram. We are so very lucky our children had the opportunity to be cared for by Dr. Rajaram. She was an incredibly thorough, patient, intelligent, understanding doctor. When my children were really sick and had seen Dr. Rajaram, she would take the time to call the next couple of days to check up on them. She was truly special to our family. Dr. Rajaram you will be greatly missed and our children have lost one of the best pediatricians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rajaram family. ~ Haines Family

Brenda Tudor

November 4, 2012

I've had the honor of knowing and working with Dr. Rajaram for 12 years. She was a wonderful boss & kind friend.
I was struggling with her death until today. Almost every morning Dr. Rajaram would come to my office before starting her day seeing patients & we woulld have great conversations. After her passing on Thursday I was looking out my office window and already missing our conversations. I asked Dr. Rajaram to give me a sign of a dove to let me know she was at peace & ok. Thursday came & went ... no dove. Friday, again looking out my window, still no dove. Still overwhelmed with her passing, my husband & I attended her funeral. 30 minutes into the services I looked up & immediately felt a sense of peace. There high above the casket was a stained glass window....yes there to my surprise was my sign, a beautiful white dove. Thank you Dr. Rajaram for giving me peace & I know you're at peace as well. You will always be in my heart. Love, Brenda

Robin Parra

November 4, 2012

Dr. Rajaram, you will be greatly missed! You were such a kind doctor at Yuma Peds and your smile was gentle, reassuring, and contagious! May those of us who were blessed to have had you treat our children and to have known you keep that same spirit of Peace about us so as to honor and cherish your memory and what you have taught us. You are an inspiration. God Bless!

Walters Family

November 4, 2012

To the family of Dr. Rajaram and the wonderful staff at Yuma Peds, words can't express the loss of such a caring, loving person. She was my sons' pediatrician and her patience/compassionate heart were always shown. She will be physically missed but live in our hearts and thoughts always !!

Carolyn Lahey

November 4, 2012

I have know Dr. Rajaram for over 15 years. As a person she is so sweet and thoughtful. As a doctor she was so caring. It was a pleasure to work with her. I'am so sadden on this day. My heart go's out to Murugesan and to Ashreetha and Anhijay . Pease and love

November 4, 2012

Dr Rajaram, you were one of the kindest, most gentle doctors that I have had the pleasure of working with. You have touched many lives and will be deeply missed in this community. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dorie Rush

Sujay Senrayan

November 4, 2012

An absolute gem of a person, and she is going to be missed by so many.I still vividly remember the first time I met her as a shy, small boy; and both her and her amazing family made me so much at home. She had a heart of pure gold. My heart goes out to Murugesan uncle, Abhijay and Ashreetha, whom are just as wonderful. May she rest in peace.

With Utmost Love and Respect,

John Carson

November 4, 2012

Dr. Rajaram truly cared about her patients. She knew everything about her patients, and would come up to the ER to see them and care for them. I enjoyed visiting with her on many occasions. Our family was shocked and saddened by her death. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family.
Dr. John Carson and Family

Chantal Lopez

November 4, 2012

May you rest in peace. Blessings for the family,friends, and colleagues.

sudha sureshchandra

November 4, 2012

dearest friend shiv,you have been a great friend to suresh and me since 1970,and we just cant say goodbye to you! you will always remain alive in our hearts and thoughts.love you shiv!
may God give strength to her beautiful,loving family to face this terrible loss.
Sudha and suresh,Bangalore

November 4, 2012

God will be watching over your family in every single way. Thank you for being a wonderful, humble, and an extraordinary person. My prayers are for your family for this terrible lost. God Bless you always

November 3, 2012

rip

Suzanne Camarena

November 3, 2012

What a dear woman! We loved when we had the opportunity to visit with her in her office and occassionally run into her shopping. She was truly a treasure and will always be remembered by our family. Thanks to her husband and children for sharing her with us!

Jennifer Price

November 3, 2012

A wonderful woman who stood out and I remember her kind open and sweet smile, she had and open heart. . .

The Bilky Family

November 3, 2012

Dr. Rajaram was such an amazing Doctor, she has seen my boys over the years, and helped me with my special needs son thru the years, she will be missed

Balderas Family

November 3, 2012

Dr. Rajaram was a great doctor and my family will miss her dearly.

November 3, 2012

R.I.P Dr Rajaram a very good Dr that going to heaven

Ana Perez

November 3, 2012

RIP Dr. Rajaram will not be forgotten.

Zoni Pelroy

November 3, 2012

May you Rest In Peace

Zoni Pelroy

November 3, 2012

What an amazing person! I was blessed to have known . May you rest in peace.

Stephanie Matus

November 3, 2012

Words cannot express the graditude I have for Dr.Rajaram for saving my son's life. Even though our hearts are filled with grief, heaven is a much better place.

November 3, 2012

Dr. Rajaram, we were blessed with your presence as a pediatrician. We will never forget that you saved our daughter's life. YOu touched our lives and we will never forget you. Thank you for always being so caring for your patients. You will be truely missed. Sending many prayers for you and your family.
The Rascon Family

November 3, 2012

May you get through the lose of your wonderful wife and mother with the support of your family and friends, and the memories you have of her be cherished in your hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with youl. Ms. Karen, Yuma Preschool

Hope Rosales

November 2, 2012

Dr, Raharam
You are the most wonderful person I have meet... I Really enjoyed all of the nice conversations we shared of life , family and other topics. prayer to your husband and girls that they will get thur this difficute time .. rest in peace Dr, Rajaram you will be greatly missed...

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