Dr Priya "Piyu" Bellare

Just 2 weeks ago, we celebrated Priyas 50th milestone birthday, and here we are, publishing her eulogy - such is the irony of life. But someone said lifespan is measured not in years but in the memories you create, people you touch and love you leave behind. By that measure, Priya has already earned a 100 years of life.

True to her name “Priya” (which means loved one), she was an affectionate kid but with a streak of rebellion, which made parenting very interesting for my parents. This streak evolved into a strong sense of values, purpose and passion she championed throughout her life - molecular biology, women’s rights, travelogs, art or publishing books.

True to her name “Priya” (which means loved one), she was an affectionate kid but with a streak of rebellion, which made parenting very interesting for my parents. This streak evolved into a strong sense of values, purpose and passion she championed throughout her life - molecular biology, women’s rights, travelogs, art or publishing books.

She attended school at Bombay Scottish, college at Xaviers (undergraduate) and specialized in Biochemistry at Pune University. During her Masters at Pune University, she was fortunate to meet Sumit, her life partner. This has been a match made in heaven. They got married in 1999 and moved to the US, to do their PhDs at Northwestern University in Molecular Biology.

There are 3 traits of Priya I wanted to highlight:

Priya (and Sumit) love living on the edge and living spontaneously, Some examples of this

They would spontaneously make travel plans within days to exotic places like Vietnam, Korea, Sweden and Portugal. It takes me longer to plan a trip to Lake Tahoe or Napa.

They almost missed international flights twice due to outdated passports.

They waited for 5 years to get their US citizenship just in time before Trump got elected.

Jokes apart, this same spontaneity has made them interesting people to hang out with, and given them a rich set of experiences.

While life has handed them perfect storms and chaotic situations, they have mastered the art of handling them gracefully without fretting, complaining or panicking, and landing on their feet. Priya had her first bout of Grade 3 brain cancer within 6 months of having Aanya. During this period, she managed to go through chemo and radiation, a full-time job with hour-long commute each way, raised 2 little kids, and bounced back from the cancer .. to see Aanya grow into a beautiful, accomplished young lady.

Priya was a caring, selfless person who put others’ comfort and conveniences ahead of hers. When I was visiting her right after her 8-hour brain surgery 2 years ago, I was nursing a back ache, and she was more concerned about ensuring I was comfortable in the visiting room than her own recovery.

When life handed her lemons, Priya reinvented herself every time, and learned to make lemonade.

- When she got cancer and was on extended leave from work, she pivoted from molecular biology and taught herself to paint. Through her art portfolio, she raised significant funding for the National Brain Tumor Society, to help defeat this terrible disease.

- Then, when she lost her speech, she taught herself to sing Hindustani Classical music. It is amazing how the brain allowed her to sing even after losing her spoken words.

- Then, when she lost dexterity in her right hand, she learned to paint, text and eat with her left hand.

- Finally when her time had come, she decided to move on from this world, and go change the next world.

Priya hasn’t just passed; she has carried with her all the love and cherished memories. She continues her legacy by fighting for her causes, showcasing her creative talents, and lighting up the heavens with her infectious laughter.

She gave us the priceless gift of bringing together this community .. .. as her village that stepped into action through her injourney over the past 18 months.

- Priya’s extended family and cousins from around the world - Rohini, Nilesh, Manjula, Swapna, Priya G, Anuja, Aparna, Ameya, Unnati

- Sumit’s brothers Manish, Sameer and the Prakash Prasad family

- Shipra, Ankur

- and Xaviers friends in the US - Rajesh, Neha, Reshma, Sujata, Kamal

- Friends from India - Nishant, Mansi, Sapna, Pranav, Alok and Arnav

And anyone else we may have missed.

Finally, we want to acknowledge Sumit, Priya's spouse - what a rock and rock star you have been. While Priya battled cancer, you juggled the roles of a full-time caregiver, parent, household manager, and research director. Handling

hospital visits, doctor calls,

navigating health insurance, medication schedules,

Homework, grades, college applications and numerous kids activities

and daily family breakfast lunches and dinners.

Despite the uncertainties and ups and downs of MRI results, not once did he complain. We wanted to be with them, not out of obligation, but because Sumit made their home a place of love, joy, and lightness despite everything.

Thank you Sumit.

Priya, we love you and you will live in our hearts forever.