Shardaben; A women behind success of Prominent Community Leader Haribhai Patel; President of Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago

Chicago, IL: On Sunday, February 23, 2025, 
An overwhelming sense of love and respect filled the Rana Reagan Banquet Hall at 343 Saint Paul Blvd, Carol Stream, Illinois as family, friends, well-wishers, a distinguished gathering of Chicago’s business and political community leaders came together to honor the life of an extraordinary woman Shardaben Haribhai Patel. The Prarthana Sabha, held in her memory, was a testament to the indelible mark she left on those who knew her.

Shardaben, fondly known as “Baa” to her grandchildren and loved ones, was not just a pillar of her family but a guiding light whose warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit made every space she entered a home. Her sudden departure on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, left an irreplaceable void, and as her husband, Haribhai Patel, expressed in his heartfelt words, “I have always told others that time is the medicine for sorrow, but today, I realize that life without one’s life partner is an unimaginable challenge.”

Born with a heart full of kindness, Shardaben dedicated her life to serving others—whether it was her family, friends, or the many individuals she welcomed into her home. She embodied selflessness, ensuring that no one ever left her house on an empty stomach. Her love extended beyond mere gestures; it was a deep, nurturing presence that enveloped everyone around her.

(Haribhai Patel)
For her grandchildren, she was not just a grandparent; she was a second home. From preparing their favorite meals such as tostada pizza, bean burritos, veggie sandwiches, and dhokla to ensure they maintained a healthy lifestyle with green juices and adu nu pani, Shardaben’s love was woven into the simplest of moments. Her days were filled with little traditions, from sweeping the floors together at 4 PM to walking to the library during the summer weekends. Even at 79, she remained active, lifting her signature pink 5-pound dumbbells in the living room, a symbol of her strong will and dedication to a healthy life.

(Haribhai with Manpasand team)

Shardaben was not a conventional matriarch; she carried herself with modern elegance. Always impeccably dressed in pants-shirts rather than traditional saris, she exuded confidence and dignity. Whether traveling the world, attending social gatherings, or simply stepping out for errands, she always put together her hairstyle, her jewelry shining, and sometimes even a touch of blush to compliment her radiant smile. She lived her life with grace, adventure, and a quiet power that spoke volumes.

Her marriage to Haribhai Patel was a beautiful testament to love and partnership. While Haribhai was a highly respected figure in the Indian business community, Shardaben remained the unwavering force behind his success. She supported him silently, yet her impact was undeniable. Their daily dynamic was an amusing blend of patience and playful persistence, Baa ready on time, Dada running late, her voice echoing as she pushed him out the door. Even when he insisted on a Costco trip she didn’t want to join, he would sit in the driveway honking until she finally gave in. Their bond was built on years of love, understanding, and laughter, making her loss even more profound.

Perhaps the most remarkable testament to Shardaben’s influence was the way she brought people together. The force of her love reunited all six of her grandchildren spread across Chicago, London, and India within 24 hours at her hometown in India. It had been over two decades since they were all in the same place, yet her presence pulled them together in a way only she could.

Her legacy is one of boundless love and generosity. She housed guests for months, ensuring they had a warm place to stay and food to eat. She celebrated every milestone of her family, leaving behind cherished voicemails filled with birthday wishes. Even in her final moments before leaving for India, she called upon her granddaughter to tend to her, ensuring she could walk comfortably on her journey. It was a simple yet profound reflection of the way she lived always thinking of others first.

The Prarthana Sabha was a gathering unlike any other—a hall filled to capacity with distinguished businessmen, technocrats, community leaders, and longtime friends, all united in their sorrow and admiration for a woman who had touched so many lives. Every eye carried the weight of grief, every heart carried memories of Shardaben’s kindness.

Haribhai Patel, addressing the audience, shared the immense difficulty of accepting such a sudden loss. “If an illness had given us time, our hearts would have prepared for the news. But losing her so unexpectedly has left our family in disbelief. However, seeing the overwhelming support and love in this room gives us strength.” His words resonated deeply, capturing the profound truth that no amount of time can prepare one for the loss of a loved one, but the strength of a community can help ease the pain.

As the gathering came to a close, one thing was evident: Shardaben's legacy would live on in the lives she touched, in the love she gave, and in the memories that her family and friends would cherish forever. Her unwavering kindness, her infectious laughter, and her deep love for her family will remain a guiding force, reminding everyone of the extraordinary woman she was.

Her life was a testament to selflessness, grace, and strength, a reminder that true greatness lies not in grand gestures but in the quiet, everyday acts of love that shape the lives of those around us.

Mr. Mafatbhai Patel Founder and CEO of Patel Brothers was in India at the time, attended Shardaben’s funeral, offering his heartfelt condolences and sharing in the family’s sorrow.

In Chicago, Mr. Sunil Shah, founder and president of FIA, joined the Prarthana Sabha to pay his respects. His silent prayers alongside the FIA team were a profound gesture of support, honoring Shardaben’s memory with deep reverence.

Bhavnaben Modi and the entire Manpasand team organized the Prarthana Sabha with profound grace and heartfelt devotion. From start to finish, they created an atmosphere filled with warmth, reverence, and deep emotion, ensuring every moment honored Shardaben’s legacy. Their dedication and compassion provided solace to the grieving family and touched the hearts of everyone in attendance.

“As I sat down to write this Newspaper press release, a deep sorrow washed over me. My eyes welled with grief, turning the world around me into a blur of memories and loss. The weight of Sheraden’s sudden departure felt heavy on my heart, a pain that words can barely capture. Even as I pen these lines, I find myself struggling to accept that she is no longer among us” Suresh Bodiwala Chairman of Asian Media USA.