Sushama (Nirmala Deo) Rangole passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at her home in San Jose, California. She was 78 years old,

Raised in a well-respected family, Sushama spent her youth in Nagpur, India before marrying her husband of 56 years, Shyamkant Rangole.  As a daughter of a prominent physician,  education was important to her as she earned a Master's degree in Marathi Literature and followed her young husband to the United States in 1969, as he finished his graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma.  She balanced her quick integration to American life with preserving her own culture sharing her love for authentic Indian cuisine with her new American friends.  Her ability to balance both worlds were integral in raising her two American born children, Ashutosh and Sucheta Rangole as the family moved to various states for her husband's jobs. They finally settled in California in 1972.  In San Jose, she was not only heavily involved in the Indian community but also continued her own education working as a Medical Assistant for several years. She finally reached her dream of owning her own restaurant, Erik's Deli Cafe, which she managed with great success on a daily basis.

In her later years, Sushama flourished within her family and community serving as a bright beacon for gatherings of friends and family reminding those in her sphere of influence what is truly important.  She loved travelling around the world with her husband and close friends.  She developed a keen eye for design and landscaping that made their house a home.  Though hampered later by her illness, she never failed to bring family together even if separated by great distances and obligations even on the last day she drew breath.

Sushama is mourned by her devoted husband, Shyam, her son, Ashu, her daughter in law, her nieces, nephews, near and far as well as her grandnieces and nephews.  She wll be especially missed by her two Rottweiler four-legged grandsons, Bear and Boomer, who will miss their Aji and her special morning Roti.  Her daughter Sucheta died over 30 years ago and will welcome her mother home.

An intimate ceremony will be held on Monday, Feb 28,2022 at 1pm to bid her farewell as she travels once again.