Birth date: Jan 16, 1948 Death date: Mar 4, 2026
“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” In Loving Memory of Hannah Patel (Desai) January 16, 1948 – March 4, 2026 Hannah Patel was born on January 16, 1948, in Ahmedabad, India, and passe Read Obituary
Happy Mother’s Day!
Proverbs 31:25–26 says:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
That was my mom.
When I think of her, the words that always come to mind are: warrior. That’s how I described her to everyone. She was a warrior not just because of what she faced in the past few years, but because of everything she survived throughout her life.
She endured so much hardship, yet through it all she made sure my brother and I had the life we have today. She carried so much on her shoulders, but she always encouraged us to keep moving forward, to live life to the fullest, to work hard, and to always try to be our very best.
To me, she truly was my angel. There were times in my life when I felt like I couldn’t stand on my own, when I was walking through darkness and couldn’t see the way forward. In those moments, she lifted me up. She brought light into my life when I needed it most.
She was my rock. Whenever I called her, I knew I would be met with unconditional love.
And she gave that same love to everyone in our family.
When I look at my girls, I see so much of her living on in them. I see her strength, her voice, and her masti in Ava. When Ava was little, she and Mom would laugh and joke together, and Ava would jump on her bed while Mom laughed with pure joy even though we all know how clean she was. That joyful spirit of hers lives on.
Mom gave Sophie her heart, the kind of heart that feels deeply. Sophie’s empathy and compassion for others often run so deep that they can feel overwhelming at times, but that is also the beautiful way she connects with the people around her and makes sure they feel loved. With Sophie, the two of them could talk forever. Sophie hung on to every word Mom said. She knew her Dadima loved her deeply and that she was always safe in that unconditional love. When Sophie graduated, the person she wanted present most was her Dadima. That shows just how special their bond was.
Mom also loved spending time in the kitchen sharing recipes and laughter with Amish. Those moments meant so much to her, and it’s something beautiful that he will be able to carry forward. To her, he wasn’t just a son-in-law, he was her son.
Mom gave her heart, her time, and her strength to everyone; her family, her community, and anyone who needed her. Even when she was struggling herself, she continued to give of her self.
In the end, she was tired. And I believe God knew it was time for her to rest.
Matthew 11:28–30 says:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.”
Today I find comfort knowing she is with the Lord, resting peacefully, lying in green pastures.
I truly believe she is still with us. She is my guardian angel. In my darkest moments and in my happiest ones, I will continue to reach for her. And I know she will always be there, watching over all of us.
Mom, thank you for your strength, your love, and everything you gave to our lives. Your love lives on in all of us.
Until we meet again.
Even though I only had the chance to meet aunty a couple of times, she left a lasting impression on me. She had such a wonderful sense of humour and a warmth that made everyone around her feel comfortable and welcome.
I remember how easily she could make people laugh — it’s a special gift to bring joy to others the way she did. She clearly had a big heart and a loving spirit that touched me and my family. My parents were with us for dinner visiting from London.
Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Payal mum will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the light she brought into the room
Your life was a blessing, and your memory is a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Though you are gone, thank you for all the sweet and gentle things you left behind — in my home, in my heart, and in my thoughts.
Let me share who Hannah is. I use the present tense 'is' because she will forever live in our hearts. We are confident that though she is absent from the body, she is now present with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Some of the stories that reflect Hannah’s caring and selfless nature:
When Hannah was a young girl, there was an elderly woman who lived alone under a tree near their family home. This woman had no family, so Hannah took it upon herself to care for her. From dawn until nightfall, Hannah would not eat a single meal without making sure this woman was fed. Every night, she would check on her before going to bed and gently cover her with a blanket.
I also recall my own childhood. As the youngest of the family, I remember days when we visited Kankaria Lake and the Zoo. On the return journey, when I was too tired to walk, Hannah would carry me on her shoulder all the way from Kankaria Lake to Jamlapur. But her care and support did not end there. Hannah stood by me throughout my life, unwavering in her love and strength.
Hannah was a gifted and talented person. She was a leading stage actress and a professional vocalist in Ahmedabad, known for her grace and skill.
Her journey to the United States began in September of 1969, when she left India to pursue studies in medicine in Los Angeles. Her travels took her from Mumbai, via Singapore, to the USA. During the flight from Bombay to Singapore, Hannah fell seriously ill with severe vomiting, and the airline refused to let her continue her journey, admitting her to a hospital for three days. Once well, she resumed her travels to LA. Upon arrival, she called the university, only to be told that her admission had been given to someone else, as she had missed the scheduled pick-up.
Imagine the fear of a young woman from India, alone in an unknown city in the USA, with no place to go. But Hannah was always protected by God, for He had a plan for her. In her moment of need, she turned to the yellow pages and found the number for a Methodist church. She called, and the pastor himself answered the phone. Hannah explained her situation, and the pastor immediately came to the airport to pick her up. She stayed with the pastor's family for a few days before moving to Chicago, where she met the love of her life, Harishbhai.
Hannah’s faith remained unshaken, and God was always by her side. Together, Hannah and Harish raised two wonderful, loving children, Niel and Payal. They lived in many places across the United States, and wherever they went, Hannah was embraced and loved by all who knew her for her warm and caring nature.
Hannah was the first in her family to settle in the United States. She sponsored her siblings and helped each of them build a new life in America. We are incredibly blessed to have had such a loving sister.
Reading the heartfelt tributes from others about her life fills my heart with overwhelming joy and tears. What a blessing it has been to be part of Hannah's life. She will forever be remembered, loved, and missed."
Hannah is my first cousin. Her mom was my foi, Karuna foi. Hannah and I grew up together. She was 2 days older than me. I used to go to her house {Jamalpur} in summer vacation. Being the same age, we used to play ghar ghar together. As we grew up we talked lot about school, grades, sports etc. She used to come to our house (Saraspur) on Christmas day. We had big hall that all uncles, aunts, cousins ate dinner together. Last I met Hannah in 1971 in Lefrak city, New York. After that we both were busy to raise our family but I never forgot her. She was very charming, full of talents, an affectionate, dedicated and a very hard-working person, who always helped others.
God looked around His garden and saw an empty space; He then looked down from Heaven and saw Hannah’s tired face. He put His arms around her and took her in His care; to make up all Hannah’s suffering, He wanted Hannah there. It broke our hearts to see Hannah go, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. Deep in our hearts your memory is kept, to love and cherish and never forget.
What a coincidence that your mama (Jonathan mama), my father’s 63rd death anniversary and your funeral will be on same day. Mamani lovely bhani.
In my heart you will live forever. I know you are in a better place, Heaven has gained a beautiful soul and I look forward to the day we meet again. Rest in Peace.
My heartfelt condolence to Patel and Desai’s family.
From Jyotsana (Jasi) Christian} and Solanki family.
From Frank B:
Today We Remember Hanna Masi With Deep Respect And Gratitude To God For Her Life.My Memories Of Hanna Masi Go Back To My Childhood Days. I Remember Seeing Her When She Was Young, While I Was Just A Small Growing Boy. I Often Recall Meeting Her At Her Original House At Simson Memorial Church No “Tekro”, A Place That Still Holds Many Precious Memories Of Our Early Family Connections.Later In Life, Whenever She Visited Ahmedabad From The USA, I Had The Opportunity To See Her Again A Few Times. Each Meeting Quietly Reminded Me Of The Strong Family Bond We Shared.My Grandmother Mariyam Paul Chauhan And Hanna Masi’s Mother Karuna Paul Chauhan Were Real Sisters. Because Of This, My Mother And Hanna Masi Were First Cousin Sisters, A Relationship That Always Kept Our Families Connected Through Love And Faith.Today, As We Hear Of Her Passing, We Thank The Lord For Her Life And The Memories She Leaves Behind.✝ 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝟏𝟏:𝟐𝟓 ✝
“𝐈 𝐀𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐞.”This Promise Gives Us Comfort And Hope That Those Who Sleep In Christ Will Rise Again.Our Heartfelt Prayers Are With The Entire Family During This Time Of Loss. May The Lord Grant You His Peace, Strength, And Comfort, And May The Loving Memories Of Hanna Masi Remain A Blessing To All Who Knew Her.With Lots Of Love,
Hilda, Betty, Laury (Frank Family)
From Nalini Nanda:
Hannaben and I were two birds of the same feathers. We shared our hometown, our primary school even though she was much younger than I am. We did a lot of fun things together that I will not ever forget. She was frank, open, loving and also loved. Thank you, Hannaben for being my true friend.
From Kanti Chandarana:
I am saddened to hear the sad news.I will miss seeing her smiling face and very cheerful demeanor. She was a unique lady.Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Kanti Chandarana
From Manojkumar & Hansaben Pandya:
Hannahben H Patel was a God loving happy soul. She was very cheerful and always made others happy. She loved dancing and lovingly brought others on the dance floor. Tampa Indian senior community will miss her big time. Almighty bless her loving soul and find salvation at the lotus feet. Om Shanti, Amen 🕉🙏💕✝️
From Praful Patel and Family: Hannah had a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed and cared for. Whether translating for someone in need, organizing meals for families, or simply offering encouragement, she was always ready to help. Her kindness was rooted in her deep faith. Each day began with reading her Bible and her Daily Bread, and every Sunday she could be found at church with a warm smile for everyone she met. Praful and Jashoda Patel
Precious memories of dear Hannah Foi. I will always remember her captivating smile, her love for her family and the extended family. Despite being unwell, she did it with dignity, grace and faith. Hannah Foi was at my wedding and supported us during the loss of my mother. She was so loving and supportive. Rest with Jesus. Marcus Jayant Solanki & Family🌹❤️
