NEWTON, MA– Pratibha Kapoor of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023, at age 75, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and beloved grandmother.
She is survived by her best friend and husband of 50 years, Pushap Raj Kapoor. Her two daughters, Puja Kapoor-Kapur and Bonu Kapoor-Mohimen, and their husbands Gaurav Kapur and Anirban Ben Mohimen. She was a devoted Nanni (grandmother) to her 4 grandchildren; Riya and Rahul Kapur, and Neal Avi and Niam Chand Mohimen. She is also survived by her siblings, Kirti Prakash Kapoor and Nalin Kapoor, both of India, and her sister Prem Vada Kapoor of New Jersey.
Pratibha was born in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India in 1948 to Sh. Bhawani Prasad Kapoor and Smt. Pushpa Lata Kapoor. She graduated from Punjab University with a Bachelor in Science then went on to earn a Master in History from Rajasthan University, and a Master in Philosophy from Himachal Pradesh University.
Chander M Kapasi, MD, MPH, left and husband right): Photo: Chander Kapasi
In India, she worked as a preschool teacher at Sunken Garden School before emigrating to the United States in 1988. She settled in Newton, Massachusetts where she lived for 35 years and raised her two daughters alongside her husband, Pushap Raj Kapoor. She took pride in shaping young minds as a lead Montessori Teacher at Montessori Educare School in Newton Centre until 2007.
After retirement, Pratibha and Pushap finally took time for themselves to travel the world, visiting 16 countries on 5 continents, including the 4 major Hindu pilgrimage sites. They would often return to Mandi to visit their numerous relatives and friends and give back to their hometown.
In 2017, they established the Pratibha Pushap Foundation to honor outstanding and upcoming Sports, Arts & Culture achievers. In 2022, they funded the construction of a green crematorium in their hometown.
Pratibha was always surrounded by love through her extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law. Her story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the everlasting bond that exists between her, Karuna, and Chander, they were her confidantes and best friends, along with their husbands Pushap Raj, Prem, and Onaly. She was like a second mother to her many nieces and nephews, whom they affectionately called Kakiji. She was renowned for her gentle, selfless nature and easy smile. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and showering them through her love of cooking. She was a master chef.
“No words suffice to express the loss of my Bhabhi,” said Dr. Chander Kapasi of Newton.
Pratibha’s legacy extends beyond generations, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her family and friends.
“Pratibha means genius, intelligence and splendor. My bhabhi had it all in her. When I met her first time, she was engaged to my handsome brother Chand (Pushap Raj Kapoor and was invited to meet me in the PROR of our pushtaini house in Mandi,” recalled Dr. Kapasi. “I was amazed to see her beauty, tall, thin, white young lady with a beautiful smile… We are all very sad and missing her but those we really loved never really leave us. She will be in our hearts always.”
Pratibha’s wake was held on Friday, December 15 at the Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home, 465 Centre St, Newton, MA. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 16th.
