Sushilaben Natu Bhai Patel

Sushilaben Natubhai Patel, a loving and sweet soul whose presence touched the hearts of all who knew her, passed away on May 5, 2026, in Plainfield, Indiana. Born on December 5, 1937, in the quaint village of Pandoli, Gujarat, she embodied warmth, charm, and a gentle spirit that radiated through every chapter of her life.

Sushilaben’s journey was one marked by resilience, devotion, and deep love for her family. She spent her early years in her birthplace, alongside her four brothers and two sisters, and later in the village of Chikhodra, Gujarat before moving to Gondai, Maharashtra, where she completed her high school education. In 1955, she married Natvarlal Patel in Khambolaj, Gujarat, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in family and commitment. Together, they built their life in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, where they welcomed their beloved children, Bina, Kamlesh, and Sandeep. Seeking new opportunities, they later moved to Hyderabad. In 1988, Sushilaben began a new chapter by immigrating to America with courage and determination. She first lived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, with her daughter Bina, then in Chicago, Illinois with her son Sandeep, and eventually settled in Plainfield, Indiana, with her husband and both sons, where she spent her remaining years.

At the center of Sushilaben’s life was her profound maternal instinct. She was a devoted homemaker who made sure everyone around her was cared for. Her cooking was one of the greatest joys of family gatherings, bringing generations together around meals prepared with care and love. She had a remarkable memory for even the smallest household details and carried herself with quiet intelligence and natural curiosity. Her quick wit and lighthearted sense of humor often brought laughter and happiness to those around her. Her calm presence and ever-present smile brought comfort to those around her and helped guide her family through both joyful and difficult moments.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing badminton. She had a natural love of learning and, after moving to America, took English classes with determination as she embraced a new chapter of life. She always found joy in simple daily rituals like wearing her favorite perfumes, painting her nails, and tending to skincare. She found comfort in word searches, coloring, watching her favorite television shows, and enjoying classic Indian films. She also had a special fondness for Disney movies and timeless classics like Home Alone, often taking joy in sharing in her grandchildren’s interests.

Among her proudest accomplishments was raising all eight of her grandchildren and playing a nurturing role in the upbringing of her twelve great-grandchildren. She was a traveler at heart, having explored over half of the continental United States, with her most recent journeys taking her to Cancun, Mexico and Disney World in Florida.

Sushilaben’s final battle with cancer showcased the depth of her courage and spirit. Though the illness gradually weakened her physically, it never weakened her force or the immense love she held for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Surrounded by family, she passed with dignity and grace, her legacy and memories etched in the hearts of those who loved her.

Sushilaben is survived by her daughter Bina Patel and son-in-law Suresh Patel; her sons Kamlesh Patel and Sandeep Patel; daughters-in-law Seema Patel and Lata Patel; and her beloved grandchildren Ami McDougald, Bansri Desai, Manali Patel, Payal Desai, Aakash Patel, Heena Thaker, Chirag Patel, and Deepam Patel, and their families. She was preceded in death by her father Chotabhai Patel, mother Surajben Patel, and husband Natvarlal Patel.

A viewing to honor Sushilaben’s life will be held on May 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan - Speedway, located at 2950 N High School Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46224.

Sushilaben Natubhai Patel’s extraordinary love, strength, and kindness will forever remain a guiding light to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, warmth, and devotion that will continue to inspire her family and friends for generations to come.

You may make a donation to Breast Cancer Society of Indiana in Sushilaben's name by clicking here.