Rukmini Kottapalli

Mrs. Rukmini Kottapalli (affectionately called “Mani” by her husband and in-laws and “Chitti Talli” by her parents and relatives) passed away peacefully on December 2nd 2016 at home in Clarendon Hills. She is survived by her husband Mr Suryanarayana Kottapalli, son Madhu and daughter-in-law Madhavi, daughter Aruna, daughter Shaila and son-in-law Ravi, son Vijay and daughter-in-law Munna and grandchildren Sanjay, Ankita, Vanditha, Sharika, Anish and Sai. Mrs. Rukmini was born on August 15th 1937 in Bobbili, A.P, India to Dr Kurella Rama Sastry and Smt Shantamma. She is one of six siblings and is survived by her youngest brother Dr. Sivaji Rao. Mrs. Rukmini was the apple of her father’s eyes whose often repeated and fondly remembered comment was ‘Naa burra ye nee burra’. Mrs. Rukmini trained in the Veena and passed her Diploma examination. Her interest in music continued throughout and she enjoyed listening to Carnatic music even in the advanced stage of her dementia, crooning to the tunes. Mrs. Rukmini got married on May 12th 1956. She and her husband supported each other throughout their 60 years of marriage. She remained a housewife all her life. Extended family played a huge part in her life and she always went out of her way to support and help them in every way possible. She served many selflessly. Her sound advice and counselling was valued by many. Her passion for academics drove her to self-study and pass the Matriculation examination in high second class soon after her marriage. Also, in spite of her busy schedule at home, she personally taught and oversaw her childrens’ academic progress. She considered it the biggest achievement in her life that all her children settled well in their careers. She thought the world of her grandchildren and loved each one of them dearly. Seeing them always brought a smile to her face. Mrs. Rukmini is an embodiment of kindness, compassion, benevolence, patience, resilience, perseverance and resourcefulness. She has been and always will be a pillar of strength for us.

Rukmini Kottapalli

December 2, 2016