Obituary of Sue S. Pathania

After a protracted battle with cancer, Sureshta (Sue) - Chotu to her close friends died on October 26, 2014 in Ashburn, VA at the young age of 54. She leaves behind her loving husband, Inderjit Arora (IJ). Sureshta was born on August 25, 1959 in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, to father Colonel Sohan Singh Pathania and mother Daisy Pathania, who predeceased her. She grew up in a large, loving family with two sisters and one brother. In college, she excelled in studies and graduated in political science. She was an exceptional sportswoman and played basketball for her college. Sue hails from a family that is rich in history with strong ties to the royalty and has produced a long line of military Generals famous for their various victorious battles. Sue shared their fighting spirit and leadership. She had an air about her that instantly attracted you while humbling yourself in her presence. Despite her heritage Sue wore her modesty like a crowning jewel and her benevolence was without limit. Chotu married her childhood love IJ. Sue had a passion for travel and spent many a year at sea, where IJ was at the time sailing as a Captain of large internationally trading vessels. They eventually settled down in the state for lovers, Virginia USA. Sue was a driven professional with a secret love for painting, collecting antiques, gardening and animals. She was a committed environmentalist. She actively participated in the day to day affairs of the company co-owned by IJ, Quality Management International, Inc. She was a qualified Lead Auditor in several disciplines. As Director HR she brought about incremental changes including a reorganization to improve communication channels and quicken decision making. When diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2012, she remained dedicated to her work and in her will to fight her illness. She remained a brave, iron-willed woman, even throughout her final months. Sue is survived by her husband, as well as her sisters, Rita Jamwal and Sweety Pathania and her brother Jai Singh Pathania and several nieces and nephews. Sue was cremated per her wishes in accordance with Hindu rites and customs. IJ dispersed her ashes in holy waters of the river Ganges in Haridwar, India per Sureshta's wishes. Updated 8/28/2015 From: Julius Desilva Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2014 7:52 PM To: Inderjit Arora Subject: Eulogy for Sue Sir, Please find below a copy of my Eulogy for Ma'am for forwarding to those who requested. Sincerely, Julius ------------------------------ I came across this poem that I felt was most appropriate for Sue who nurtured each one she came in contact with, like flowers in her garden: A beautiful garden now stands alone, Missing the one who nurtured it, but now she is gone, Her flowers still bloom, and the sun it still shines, But the rain is like tear drops, for the ones left behind, The weeds lay waiting to take the gardens beauty away, But the beautiful memories of its keeper are in our hearts to stay, She loved every flower even some that were weeds, So much love she would plant with each little seed, But just like her flowers she was part of Gods plan, So when it was her time He reached down his hand, He look through the Garden searching for the best, That's when he found Sue, it was her time to rest, It was hard for those who loved her, to just let her go, But God had a spot in his garden, that needed a gentle soul, So when you start missing Sue, remember if you just wait, When God has a spot in His garden, she'll meet you at the gate.... Those who knew Sue would agree that she was very passionate, even through her illness, about her garden and the birds and the animals that frequented it. And every good gardener needs patience, perseverance and endurance. Qualities that Sue truly embodied. In fact recently when we had a snake in the basement Sue refused to let it be killed, though I was hardly in a position to do given I was standing on a table. She came down, despite her unhealthy state to lead the snake out of the house peacefully. Sue also had a great sense of Humor and a great love for and pride in QMII. In fact, recently as we were in a hospital ER with chaos all around. After a laborious 7 hour we finally got in and through all the pain she was going through Sue said "Julius the next time we come here please bring some QMII fliers. This place can surely use a system!" She will truly be missed by all those on the QMII team, past and present and all of you in this room who have so kindly come today. I am sure you will all join me in saluting this gracious and kind woman, brave fighter …. And Indestructible soul …. Sue. Best regards, Julius Julius DeSilva MBA, Master Mariner Vice President

Chobarsi: Saturday, 10 November 2018

Sue Sureshta

26 August 1959 to 26 October 2014

My wife, dear and loving Chotu’s Chobarsi (Fourth Death Anniversary) per the Hindu calendar is on Saturday 10 November 2018. Let us gather as family and friends to remember and pray for the departed noble soul of our dear Chotu. Her dynamism, love and affection and the numerous qualities which so endeared her to all of us will forever remain a shining star in my life.

The prayers and Himachali Dham for the Chobarsi, are arranged at my home in Kangra. Address: Village & PO Kachiari, Leela Marg, Kachiarri Khas, Kangra, HP 176001. It is on the Pathankot - Palampur Road, 2 Km from Mator. Prayers start at 10:00 AM and lunch (Himachali Dham) from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Respectfully & Sincerely,

IJ

 RSVP: Captain IJ Arora, PhD, MSc, MBA, Master Mariner,  iarora@qmii.com ; inderjita@gmail.com

 +1 7033007847 (WA & Cell); +91 9816410757