Vaitheswaran, Janaki

Janaki Vaitheswaran, born on Oct. 1, 1930, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2011.

Janaki was born in south-central India to a family of well-known lawyers and public servants. She graduated from Osmania University in India with a Bachelors and Master's degree in Economics.

Janaki met her husband, Ramakrishna Vaitheswaran, during college and they were married on May 21, 1958. Though she possessed professional qualifications to pursue any career, she devoted herself full-time to her family, both immediate and extended, and to her community.

She migrated to the United States with her family in 1967. In 1973, she moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which she regarded as her home, and where she remained until 2009. She set up a loving and comfortable home for her husband and two children and volunteered considerable time to support the broader Indian community.

Janaki was accomplished and humorous, and an affectionate mentor and friend. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, son-in-law, two grandchildren, five brothers and sisters, many cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends who will sorely miss her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hindu Temple Association of Eastern Iowa, P.O. Box 10573, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410.