1930
Meena
2025
Meena Advani
August 14, 1930 — June 15, 2025
In Loving Memory of Meena Ram Advani
August 14, 1930 – June 15, 2025
Memorial Service
Tuesday, June 17th 2 PM – 4 PM
Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory
950 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL
Meena Ram Advani passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on August 14, 1930, in Hyderabad, India, Meena’s remarkable life journey carried her across continents and
through profound historical change—always with courage, faith, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she met.
The youngest of ten children born to Tharumal and Prapat Shahani, Meena was the last surviving member of her generation. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Daulat, Teckchand,
Nanikram, Pahuchi, Sita, Ruki, Naniki, Savitri, and Gopi.
Her early life was shaped by the partition of India in 1947. At age 17, Meena and her family were displaced—a moment that would mark her forever. She went on to grow up in Agra, where
she nurtured a love for the arts and became an art teacher, a role that reflected her lifelong passion for creativity and beauty.
In her early 30s, Meena met and married Dr. Ram Utamchand Advani. Soon after, they moved to the United States, settling in Providence, Rhode Island, as part of one of the earliest waves of
Indian immigrants to the country. Their daughter, Anita, was born shortly after their arrival. In 1966, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where their son, Rajiv, was born—the first
Indian child born in the city. Together, Meena and Ram helped lay the foundation for the Indian-American community in Grand Rapids. They were among the first Indian families to settle in the area, with Ram
becoming the first Indian doctor to practice at his hospital and Anita the first Indian-American to graduate from the local high school.
After Ram’s passing in 2001, Meena moved to the Chicago area to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Even in this new chapter of life, she continued to make lasting friendships and
became a beloved, vibrant member of the local community. She remained active—painting, traveling, cooking, and sharing her warmth and generosity with all those around her.
Meena was more than a pioneer—she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; a gifted artist; a passionate cook; a woman of deep faith; and a steadfast friend. Known for her
cheerfulness, spiritual strength, and regal presence, she was both a guiding light and a loving companion to many. Her home was a place of comfort not only for her family but also for
countless others who found love and refuge in her care.
Throughout her life, Meena lived in many places—Hyderabad, Agra, Albany, Providence, Grand Rapids, Oakbrook, and Bloomingdale—and in each, she left behind a legacy of kindness,
connection, and community.
She is survived by her daughter, Anita Mistry; her son, Rajiv Advani; her son-in-law, Rajiv Mistry; her daughter-in-law, Renu Advani; and her beloved grandchildren: Sonia Mistry, Anisha
Advani, Sachin Advani, and Nishant Mistry.
Meena’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A private memorial service will be held by the family at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Meena’s honor.
August 14, 1930 – June 15, 2025
Memorial Service
Tuesday, June 17th 2 PM – 4 PM
Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory
950 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL
Meena Ram Advani passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on August 14, 1930, in Hyderabad, India, Meena’s remarkable life journey carried her across continents and
through profound historical change—always with courage, faith, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she met.
The youngest of ten children born to Tharumal and Prapat Shahani, Meena was the last surviving member of her generation. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Daulat, Teckchand,
Nanikram, Pahuchi, Sita, Ruki, Naniki, Savitri, and Gopi.
Her early life was shaped by the partition of India in 1947. At age 17, Meena and her family were displaced—a moment that would mark her forever. She went on to grow up in Agra, where
she nurtured a love for the arts and became an art teacher, a role that reflected her lifelong passion for creativity and beauty.
In her early 30s, Meena met and married Dr. Ram Utamchand Advani. Soon after, they moved to the United States, settling in Providence, Rhode Island, as part of one of the earliest waves of
Indian immigrants to the country. Their daughter, Anita, was born shortly after their arrival. In 1966, the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where their son, Rajiv, was born—the first
Indian child born in the city. Together, Meena and Ram helped lay the foundation for the Indian-American community in Grand Rapids. They were among the first Indian families to settle in the area, with Ram
becoming the first Indian doctor to practice at his hospital and Anita the first Indian-American to graduate from the local high school.
After Ram’s passing in 2001, Meena moved to the Chicago area to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Even in this new chapter of life, she continued to make lasting friendships and
became a beloved, vibrant member of the local community. She remained active—painting, traveling, cooking, and sharing her warmth and generosity with all those around her.
Meena was more than a pioneer—she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother; a gifted artist; a passionate cook; a woman of deep faith; and a steadfast friend. Known for her
cheerfulness, spiritual strength, and regal presence, she was both a guiding light and a loving companion to many. Her home was a place of comfort not only for her family but also for
countless others who found love and refuge in her care.
Throughout her life, Meena lived in many places—Hyderabad, Agra, Albany, Providence, Grand Rapids, Oakbrook, and Bloomingdale—and in each, she left behind a legacy of kindness,
connection, and community.
She is survived by her daughter, Anita Mistry; her son, Rajiv Advani; her son-in-law, Rajiv Mistry; her daughter-in-law, Renu Advani; and her beloved grandchildren: Sonia Mistry, Anisha
Advani, Sachin Advani, and Nishant Mistry.
Meena’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A private memorial service will be held by the family at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Meena’s honor.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Meena Advani, please visit our flower store.
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