Obituary - Sarojini Deevi

Dr. Sarojini Deevi

A Life of Dedication and Excellence

Dr. Sarojini Deevi, an eminent teacher, scientist, and music lover passed away on Wednesday, May 7th 2025, in Richmond, VA leaving behind a legacy that has touched many. Her passion and dedication for teaching, compassion and care for her students, contributions to scientific research, and her love of music made her a respected and cherished member of many communities.

Services for Dr. Sarojini Deevi will be on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Bliley’s Funeral Home at 6900 Hull Street Road North, Richmond VA 23224. There will be a public Viewing, Memorial Service, and Religious Ceremony starting at 12pm. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to the Hindu Center of Virginia.

She is survived by her husband Seetharama; their daughter Suleka, son Sathish and her extended family around the world. Despite her demanding career, Dr. Deevi was a loving Mother and a caring friend to many. Her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit were felt by all who knew her. She balanced her professional and personal life with grace, always finding time for her loved ones. She loved to travel, be in nature, sang in both Indian Classical and Carnatic groups, participated in community events, and played bridge.

Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, Sarojini’s life was shaped by her parents and a close-knit extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins after losing her mother at a young age. Sarojini pursued her early schooling and education with vigor in Coimbatore, India under the loving care of her father. With an innate curiosity and a passion for teaching of science, she pursed a combined degree of Bachelor of Science and Education from Regional College of Education in Mysore, India graduating by age 20. She taught for a few years and then obtained a Master of Science in Chemistry and Education as a Fellow of National Council of Education, Research, and Training. After teaching for a few years, she earned her Ph.D. in 1985 from world-renowned Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in solid rocket propellant materials. She met the love of her life and life partner in Bangalore and was married in 1984. She emigrated to the USA and worked at Boston University, University of California – Davis and Philip Morris USA / Altria. She fell in love with the Richmond community and lived here since 1988.

Sarojini’s scientific career spanned several decades, during which she made significant contributions to scientific research in high energy materials and innovative means of synthesizing transition metal nitrides and nano catalytic materials. Her academic achievements, exceptional skills, and dedication set the stage for a career marked by excellence and innovation. She published her research in many scientific journals including Journal of Propulsion and Power, Journal of Materials science, Materials Science and Engineering, Catalysis, and Nanotechnology. She is an inventor on over 25 US Patents issued by US Patent and Trademark Office. Dr. Deevi was not only a dedicated scientist but also mentored, inspired and guided the next generation of scientific professionals.

Sarojini believed in giving back to the community and actively participated in the community activities of Hindu Center of Virginia since 1988.

Dr. Sarojini Deevi's legacy is one of compassion, excellence, and dedication exemplifying a soft strength with hardened determination. Her contributions to teaching and research have left an indelible mark on the field. The care, time, support and patience she gave to her communities, friends, family and even strangers are hallmarks for us all to live up to. Tributes from all over the world spanning loved ones, students, classmates, colleagues, and countless others continue to pour in – reflecting the profound impact she had on so many lives.

In remembering Dr. Sarojini Deevi, we celebrate a life that was lived with purpose and passion. Her unwavering dedication to her profession and her compassion for those in need will continue to inspire and guide all who follow in her footsteps. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will endure, a testament to the extraordinary life she led.

Om Shanti, Dr. Sarojini Deevi.