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We are deeply saddened to share the news of Rita Ravikrishnan’s passing. Rita was a MAPI Auxiliary President in 2006. Her warmth, dedication, commitment, and leadership in this role was outstanding. MAPI is deeply grateful for the positive impact of her hard work  to make the MAPI Auxiliary programs more interesting for the members, organizing the charity drive and supporting the success of the annual dinner dance during her tenure. Her contributions for the organization will always be remembered.

She was a quiet and calm lady who was ever ready to lend a hand. She enjoyed preparing delicious food and always had an exquisitely planned menu. Rita was very knowledgeable and was the quickest one during trivial pursuit. She was passionate about her convictions in politics and always participated in local campaigns. Despite her unassuming personality, Rita’s inner strength was a pillar of their family life and a constant support for her husband’s career and all vocations. She is survived by her husband, Dr K P Ravikrishnan  (a former MAPI President), daughter - Sandhya (son-in-law Nate), and grandson, Sanjay who was a constant delight in her life. The memory of her ever smiling face will be in our minds forever.

Vasu

We are deeply saddened by the news of Rita’s demise but her memories will linger in our minds forever. I was introduced to her when we came over to your home for dinner. I had seen her before and probably had met her on various occasions related to MAPI but that day was my first encounter with her. I was struck by her quiet and calm mannerisms with ever smiling disposition. I was impressed by her efficiency and the delicious food she had prepared. I still have distinct memory of the daal she had prepared and Madeleines she made as a dessert. I have both those recipes from her. Next time we met and I had a chance of observing her from close, was when we traveled together for TIFF. Was that a fun time! Mixed with laughter and discussions about important and also some mundane details of our lives, the train journey carved a distinct memory in all our minds. I was intrigued with Rita’s knowledge about films and show time and the quickness she was answering some of your trivia questions. That made me realize the unassuming personality of Rita, the steady and introvert strength of her mind which must have been a pillar in your personal life and your career. Having an outgoing nature, I always admire person with strength from within. I feel sorry that her life took adverse turn for last few years and journey became hard. But , I have everlasting image in my mind of her smiling face in spite of that. Let us remember her in all those beautiful moments and learn to live our life with inner strength………… 

Poonam 

We had so many memories from her just listening to me talk about school or simply just laughing at something I did...she was a joy to care for and I remember us always doing her yoga together and some days she would not want to do them so I would do them and she'd laugh and laugh especially the one part where you had to stretch our arms out or something along those lines and I could never do because I would skip trying to do the next step. Other days she'd just want to watch the animal Channel or take her naps while straighten up. She just was a joy to be around. Definitely will be missed and I appreciate the family for allowing me in their home to care for Ms. Rita. Praying for the family. 

Nina Chaney

I met Rita for the first time in Kannur just a few days after her marriage to Ravi. I was in Kuwait and I was on my way to US , but I had to go home first. Ravi and Rita had married just a few days before I got there (Ravi was and is my best friend and I still haven’t forgiven myself for missing his wedding day). What I remember of my first meeting Rita was how graceful she was. She just exuded style and warmth. Whenever I think of Rita, grace is the first word that comes to me.

I arrived in January of 1974 and I was staying with Ravi for a time. Soon Rita arrived too. So there we were, two newbies to this country, trying to figure out the strange mores and customs of this new place. The first challenge was how to order food at a restaurant. Where we came from you order something the waiter writes it down and walks away. Not here. Here, we had to answer a dozen questions. How would you like your steak. I am thinking “on a plate, preferably”? Rita who had figured this out would lean over and whisper, “say medium” whatever that meant. What kind of dressing. Again, I am clueless but Rita says Thousand Island and I would say the same, like I had a clear idea what I wanted and just prayed whatever they bring would be edible. Little by little we figured it out, but Rita was way ahead of me. Rita was a far better student than me.

My other fond memory of her was when we went to see the King Tut exhibit in Chicago, in 1977. That was a memorable road trip. To make the long journey tolerable we came up with a game, Ravi had one of those top 40 hit radio stations playing in the car. Each of us would choose 3 artists and 3 songs. Every time a song from one of our artists played, we got one point. If the exact song came we get 2 points, Here again Rita showed she was paying attention and it was tough to beat her, though I had staked out Fleetwood Mac and the Rumors song which made for a tough battle between us.

Best of all Rita was the consummate hostess. Whenever we went to dinner at Rita and Ravi’s it was a culinary experience. She would have everything just so perfect and presented with style and class.

I would miss Rita for a lot of things but most of all for her kindness and grace. I think Rita took a piece of all of us to heaven with her.

Jay

Aunty Rita will always be remembered as a gracious, gentle, caring and meticulous person. Her radiant smile and spontaneous laughter especially at uncle Ravi’s wise cracks was always a pleasure to experience. They made a special couple, always so supportive of each other. My early memories of Aunty Rita was her as a demure and pretty bride. I used to marvel at her neat turnout and the organized manner in which she went about her tasks. May the beautiful memories shared with Aunty Rita bring peace and comfort to Uncle Ravi, Sandhya  & family, close family members and friends. 

Lata Sreejit

My fond memories of Rita. My cousin Ravi and I grew up together in our hometown of Cannanore (now Kannur), but we both moved to America around the same time in the late 60s. A few years later, we were both hit hard by homesickness and decided to take a trip back home to visit our families. We met up with another of our childhood trio, cousin Dhanjayan in Bombay, but due to political disturbances, flights and trains were suspended for our connections to Cannanore. So, we had this crazy idea to rent a taxi and brave the arduous journey through some of the roughest roads in India. We piled our suitcases in the trunk and on the roof of the small Ambassador car and crammed ourselves inside with the driver, Ravi, Dhanjayan, my sister Rajini, and me. For 24 hours, we bounced around on the rugged roads, through Goa to Kannur, packed like sardines in a can! But once we arrived and spent a few weeks catching up with our families, Ravi dropped a bombshell on us - he was getting married! We were all excited to meet Rita at a festive Kerala wedding ceremony. From the moment we met Rita, she fit right in with our crazy family. She had an infectious sense of humor and laughed at all of our antics and jokes, even Ravi's corny ones. Rita quickly became a great travel companion on our frequent family vacations, and her hospitality was unmatched when she entertained us at their home during our frequent trips to Detroit. It's hard to believe that Rita is no longer with us. Her laughter and warmth will always be remembered by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She is sorely missed. 

Srinath Balakrishnan 

Rita was a beautiful dear friend who touched so many lives with her warmth, compassion, and loving spirit. She cared deeply about her family and friends and was very giving and generous. We got to know her about thirty years ago and hit if off right away. I remember her talking fondly about her family, Sandhya, Nathan and her precious Sanjay. We would share stories about our experiences during our trips to India, her growing up in Delhi and our common concerns. Over the years we worked long hours together for the MAPI auxiliary where her contributions will not be forgotten. She was always concerned about the students she would teach and would give up joining us for a lunch if she had to deliver meals. She was engaged with local and national politics and was a member of Michigan Asian Indian Democratic Caucus and other political entities. She campaigned door to door for various candidates and issues. She had the courage to speak up and believed in equality and inclusiveness. We will always have our special memories of our cherished friend and the happy times spent together. We will miss her. 

Anita and Swarn Rajpal 

I got to know Rita though Mai Family services as I served on the board and Rita, a very dedicated and passionate volunteer who was an integral part of this wonderful volunteer organization. Through her quite yet assertive personality, she contributed to the mission and vision of Mai Family Services. I had the pleasure of knowing her for past 14+ years. She will be missed. 

Mona Sashital 

I've been spending a lot of time reflecting on my more than 40 year friendship with Rita.  Rita was an intelligent, compassionate and gracious person who enriched the lives of innumerable people.  While those who had the good fortune of knowing Rita were directly aware of her warmth and kindness, her genuine concern for others also had a profound effect on many people that never met her.  

I was fortunate to share a number of interests with Rita which grew as the years passed.  Our conversations about travel experiences and recipes grew into sharing lesson plans and concerns about social issues and politics.  There are so many wonderful memories of lively conversations about travel adventures and how to teach various aspects of the English language and American culture to others.  Among my favorite memories are a couple of election nights when we compared notes every hour or so, both of us hoping for and rejoicing in a particular outcome.  Rita was passionate about working toward improving life for all people, and her dedication and selflessness have enriched the lives of many.   

Rita's warmth and hospitality are well-known.  She had the keen ability to make everyone feel welcome.  Her gourmet meals as well as interesting and thought-provoking conversation created many treasured memories. 

Rita's greatest joy was her family and her love and devotion to Ravi and Sandhya were always foremost.  She was so proud of Sandhya and was delighted with every moment she spent with Sanjay.

Rita will be greatly missed. May you find comfort in so many wonderful memories and the knowledge that Rita's legacy of love and caring will live on. 

Rose Chithran

I did not meet Rita until 2018 when she and Ravi contacted me through my website to talk about selling their beloved family home and to help find them a condo with a main floor bedroom. I remember seeing Rita for the first time and her warm smile and shining eyes made me feel like an old friend immediately. When I first went to your Bloomfield home and saw the beautiful backyard gardens Ravi told me it was all Rita and I knew it was a labor a love and I wanted a buyer who loved gardening as much as Rita. Rita spoke with her eyes and whenever she spoke about her precious Sanjay and Sandhya her face would light up with a beautiful smile and shining eyes. Ravi I also knew how much you loved Rita and kept her as involved in the world and coming to my events and parties in Birmingham. Although I didn’t have the honor of meeting Rita prior to her diagnosis I am forever grateful to have known her through her heart and will never forget her beautiful smile. Peace. 

Marian