Venkat Raman
Auckland, November 25, 2022
We regret to report the passing of Lalitaben Ramanbhai Ranchhod in the early hours of this morning (Friday, November 25, 2022) after a brief illness in Auckland.
She was 77 years old and left behind her Son Mahesh Ranchhod, daughter-in-law Tejal, daughter Remela, Son-in-Law Chetan Patel and grandchildren Divya, Kaushal, Simrin and Rishin.
The funeral will be held at 10 am on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Anns Funeral Home, 11C Bolderwood Place, Wiri, Auckland.
Readers keen on paying respects at the home of Mahesh and Tejal Ranchhod may do so at Apartment 1104, 135 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland on
Saturday, November November 26, 2022, or Sunday, November 2, 2022, from 12 pm to 5 pm
Saturday, December 3, 2022, or Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 12 pm to 4 pm
Facial masks are voluntary.
Caring and compassionate
Known for her broad smile and big heart, Lalitaben had a sincere concern for people and shared her love and care for the unfortunate, along with her late husband Ramanbhai (Pardi or Ray) who passed away on June 6, 2017.
“A loving soul has left us; however, we take this opportunity to celebrate her life. She had a big heart and always had a welcoming smile. We will miss her presence. We pray that the Divine guides her to the abode of eternal peace and freedom,” Mahesh said.
Like her husband, Lalitaben was one of the finest human beings that the world ever had – gentle, understanding, compassionate, ready to help anyone at any time and most important of all, a bearer of goodwill and love towards all.
She was a resident of New Zealand for more than 60 years.
She supported her husband as a fruits and vegetables vendor in Wellington and later in his car business, which expanded to account for four dealerships with rental and finance divisions in the greater Wellington region.
Lalitaben was a philanthropist with a deep commitment to community welfare. The Wellington Indian Association, which her late father-in-law established with his peers, had the benefit of her services for several years. She was among the silent supporters in the purchase of a community hall, now called, ‘Bharat Bhavan,’ a major venue for Indian festivals and programmes. Over the years, she joined her husband in helping scores of new and young migrants from India to resettle with emotional and financial support.
Deeply religious, Lalitaben had a sound knowledge of the rites and rituals.
The Ranchhod Foundation
The most outstanding attribute of the Ranchhod family is the establishment of the Ranchhod Foundation in 2011, which works towards the betterment of humankind, undertake charity work, and offers solace and comfort to those in need in New Zealand and India.
The Foundation constructed the ‘Laduben Ranchhod Urban Hospital’ in Navsari, Gujarat, the birthplace of Mr Ranchhod. The Medical Centre provides several medical services free of cost to people in rural areas.
Among the other beneficiaries are the Starship Children’s Hospital, At Heart New Zealand, CBM Foundation of New Zealand, a rural hospital in Tanzania and several villages in India.
