Obituary of Hemalatta Pradip Shah

Hemalatta Pradip Shah, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on the night of February 19, 2025, after a brief illness. She was 75 years old. A woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion to her family, Hemalatta’s life was defined by love, sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future for those she loved. She was the embodiment of the American dream, working tirelessly to build a life of opportunity for her children and extended family.

Born and raised in Anand, India, she was the beloved daughter of the late Ravishankar and Jashodabhen Bhatt. From an early age, she took on significant responsibilities, leaving formal schooling after the eighth grade to help care for her family. In her late 20s, she made a bold and courageous decision—immigrating to the United States in pursuit of a better future. Stepping into an unfamiliar world, she embraced the challenges of a new culture, language, and way of life with determination and grace.

Through mutual friends, Hemalatta met Pradip Shah, and a beautiful love story began. The two married on August 18, 1979, and started their life together in Somerville and then Arlington before settling in their forever home in Burlington in 1991.

Hemalatta was never afraid of hard work. Over the course of 35 years, she worked as an assembler at leading medical technology companies, including Teradyne, Honeywell, Boston Scientific and LeMaitre Vascular, where her dedication and precision contributed to the creation of life-saving medical devices. To prioritize her family, she worked the second shift, ensuring she was home during the day to care for her children. Though she had opportunities to switch shifts over time, she always chose what was best for her family—a reflection of her selfless and nurturing nature.

Her generosity and compassion extended beyond her immediate family. When both her mother and mother-in-law suffered strokes, Hemalatta became their devoted caregiver, tending to their every need with patience, kindness, and unwavering love. She did so without hesitation, embodying the deep sense of duty and selflessness that defined her character. She provided them with not only physical care but also comfort, dignity, and emotional support in their most vulnerable moments.

Faith played a central role in Hemalatta’s life.She and her family found a spiritual home at the ISSO Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Lowell and the Satsang Center Hindu Temple in Woburn, where she deepened her devotion and formed lasting friendships. The temple community became an extension of her family. She actively participated in religious services, social events, and fundraising efforts, always eager to lend a hand—especially in the kitchen, where she took great joy in preparing meals for others.  She also cherished the traditions of her heritage, and nothing brought her more joy than performing Garba during Navratri, where she would dance with enthusiasm and grace, celebrating her faith and culture with her loved ones.

Above all, family was the heart of Hemalatta’s world. She and Pradip shared nearly 46 years of love and partnership, working tirelessly to provide their sons with opportunities they never had growing up. She took immense pride in their education and achievements, supporting them in every step of their journey. Whether attending school events, cheering at sports games, or preparing home-cooked meals filled with love, she created a warm and nurturing home.

A gifted cook, Hemalatta mastered traditional Indian recipes passed down from her mother, while also exploring new flavors from Italy, Mexico, and beyond. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and joy, where she lovingly prepared meals not just for her family but for anyone who visited.

Nothing brought Hemalatta greater happiness than spending time with her grandchildren. Aarav and Aarian were the light of her life, and she showered them with love—cooking their favorite meals, playing games, and joining in on their playful antics. She especially loved taking them to the beach, where she would play with them in the water and sand, watching them laugh and create cherished memories together. The beach was one of her favorite places, a source of joy and relaxation where she could revel in the beauty of nature and the company of her loved ones.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Pradip Natwarlal Shah; her loving sons, Diptesh Shah & his wife Sayali of Ashland and Visvesh Shah of Burlington; and her adored grandchildren, Aarav and Aarian Shah. She was the cherished sister of Mahendra Bhatt, Narendra Bhatt, and Sharmista Shelat, and the late Surendra Bhatt. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Hemalatta’s life was one of quiet strength, boundless love, and selfless devotion. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Sunday, March 2 from 2-4pm followed by Bhajan from 4-6pm.  Funeral services will be held at the Merrimack Cremation Service, 10 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack, NH on Monday, March 3 at 11 a.m.  To honor Hemalatta’s deep faith and devotion, her family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization (ISSO). Contributions can be made through the following link.