It is with the deepest sorrow that we share news of Dr. Poorvi K. Patel's passing on May 11, 2023 at age 77. Poorvi was born in Bombay to Pranlal and Sushila Rajdev. She was the beloved sister of Heena and Ashoke and his loving wife, Priti. Poorvi spent her early years in India and Burma, before calling America home at age 28.

She completed her medical degree at Bombay University before specializing in pediatric neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. For the past 42 years she served as the Chief of Pediatric Neurology at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey.

It was easy for anyone to fall in love with Poorvi given her endless compassion, caring, and consideration. She approached each of her many roles with courage, passion and unwavering selflessness.

Her attention to others was unparalleled. Whether at the bedside or while completing dictations well into the night, Poorvi's dedication was as inspiring as it was inexhaustible. She was loved and respected by her colleagues, co-workers and patients alike. She was often stopped on the street by parents and thanked for her devotion, expertise and guidance. Her commitment to helping others was not limited to her work. She was a mentor and advisor, providing messages of healing, hope and strength for anyone in need.

Poorvi loved to watch more than just children grow. She was an avid gardener with an exceptionally beautiful garden, often engaging in what her daughter called, "procrastiplanting," her own form of stress relief and meditation. To say she had a green thumb was an understatement. Poorvi loved Indian classical music and studied the sitar. She was an avid reader, whether it was Indian poetry, the New York Times, or Chicken Soup for the Soul.

She was the beloved mother of Yogita, Apurva, and Amita, her daughter-in-law, Mary and son-in-law, Nitin. She was the devoted grandmother of Naomi, Avinash, Mia and Navya.

She was the heart and soul of her husband, Kumar Patel.

She will live in our memories and the lives of those she touched forever.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Poorvi's memory to Yuva Pragati USA and The ARC of New Jersey .

Visiting Monday 4 - 8 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Cremation will be private.