Pushpa Reddy

Pushpavathy Reddy, 81, died Tuesday, March 03, 2015 after a brief illness, in Frisco, Texas. Born August 04, 1933 in Durban, South Africa, she lived most of her life in the Durban area.

Pushpa leaves behind her only son Ronny, daughter-in-law Meena, grand-daughter Michelle, grand-son Jeremy, great-grandchildren Kaylee and Dillon and a large host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, Vengetasu and Mangamma Chetty, her loving husband Sangiah Reddy and brothers Bobby, Dennis and Billy Chetty.

After receiving her basic education, she commenced her career in the clothing manufacturing industry having worked for Suda Shirts, Coastal Clothing and Gaiety Clothing. She then changed course and worked at Parachute Industries of South Africa as a pilot-chute supervisor.

Pushpa was a strong, independent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. She had a great work ethic and raised her son with a strict hand as a single mom, after her husband's sudden passing. Even though she lost faith in God when she became a young widow, she always spoke of her late husband with utmost respect. Devoted to her family, no expense was too much for them, especially her grand-children, who were her pride and joy. She was affectionately called Ma' by her household.

Even though she was a working Mom, Ma was a great cook and took great pride in preparing meals and was meticulous in keeping a clean and tidy home. Saturdays was a fun time shopping with her grand-children and treating them to lunch at a local restaurant.

She had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and enjoyed life. In the US, she enjoyed watching TV comedies with her son, action movies and National Geographic with her grandson, the Disney channel with her great grand-daughter and occasionally, Indian movies at the cinema with her daughter-in-law and grand-daughter.

About 30 years ago, she trusted in Jesus Christ after suffering a mild stroke. With her new relationship with Christ, her strong determination to overcome her physical set-back and good medical and supplemental treatments, she recovered sufficiently to return to work and a productive life until her retirement, 10 years later.

In South Africa, she was a member of Christian Home Fellowship of Phoenix, New Bethesda Church in Chatsworth and recently, Entabeni Community Church in Pietermaritzburg. She was affectionately addressed as both Sister Pushpa and Mother Pushpa. While in the US, she attended Lifepoint Church in Plano, Texas with her family. Sister Pushpa was faithful to God and supported the local church by tithing and attendance. As part of a women's intercessory prayer group, she prayed regularly for her family among others and was not afraid to talk about her faith in Jesus. Mother Pushpa was loved and embraced by the church families of which she was privileged to be a part. In 2013, Entabeni Community Church honored her by celebrating her 80th birthday.

In her younger days, she enjoyed ball-room dancing and was dance partner to her younger brother Billy. She took great pride in her appearance and until recently, had all her clothing custom made. She enjoyed using her electric Necchi sewing machine and would sew pillow cases, duvet covers and other necessities. She was also skilled in wielding a sewing needle and thread!

Ma loved roses. She purchased and strategically planted different varieties of rose plants and colors and nurtured them with tender loving care, as would a professional horticulturist. She would be delighted when they bloomed, producing a palette of colors around our home. One thing you did not do was mess with any of her rose plants!

Like her late mother, Pushpa had a flair for languages and could converse in English, Telegu, Tamil, Hindi, Gujerati, Urdu and Zulu. If you would provide the time, she would provide many stories from her life in the apartheid era and the present Democratic South Africa.

She was compassionate toward the less fortunate and did what she could to help them. And even while briefly hospitalized, her concern was mainly for the well-being of her family.

In her senior advanced years, she made several trips to the US to visit her family, most of the time travelling alone, successfully navigating the complexities and stresses of international travel. She loved her family and was happiest when she was with them.

She passed peacefully from the presence of her son, daughter-in-law and grand-son into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while listening to instrumental Christian hymns, Scripture readings and prayers with her silver cross on her chest and her Bible beside her.

If she had one last opportunity to communicate some message, undoubtedly, it would be to encourage faith in Jesus Christ. "We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world" (1Jn 4:14).

After a hard and tough, but well-lived life here on earth, she has entered her eternal rest in the presence of her Creator, Savior and Lord.

Not unlike the Proverbs 31 woman, "Her children arise and called her blessed," (Pr 31:28).

She was loved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 9, 2015 at Lifepoint Church, 4501 Hedgcoxe Rd., Plano, Texas 75024