Obituary for Jyotsna Jyotin Choksey
September 13, 1940 – September 7, 2025

Jyotsna Choksey — lovingly known as "Didu" and "Miss Julie" — passed away peacefully on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and friendship that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She brought light into every room she entered, her sweet smile and gentle spirit making others feel immediately at home. Jyotsna was the heart of her family — a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and cherished friend. She was also the beloved wife and best friend of her husband of 55 years, Jyotin Choksey. Theirs was a genuine love story — one marked by true companionship and unwavering devotion.

Born on September 13, 1940, in Mumbai, India, to Natverlal and Vidyagauri Nanavati, Jyotsna lived a life rich in meaning and deep connection to her family. She spent much of her adult life in Baltimore, Maryland, where she and Jyotin raised their family and lived for more than four decades, before moving to Southern California in her golden years to be close to her children and grandchildren. There, she helped raise her grandsons and remained an active and nurturing presence in their lives.

Throughout her life, Jyotsna wore many hats — teacher, singer, choreographer — and she brought grace, creativity, and joy to each role. Her passion for singing was heard both at home and on stage, and her love for classical Indian dance was seen when taking young kids in the Baltimore Gujurati community under her wing to have them create lively and authentic performances for cultural programs.  And as a school teacher, she taught teenaged kids in India and pre-K children in the U.S.  It was no surprise she was always everyone's favorite teacher.

But perhaps her most defining role was that of nurturer. Her love knew no bounds. To her children and grandchildren, she was a constant source of support and comfort. To many others, especially her sons' friends, she was a second mom — welcoming them with open arms, feeding them from her heart, and sending them off with her famous chocolate chip cookies. Her kitchen was a gathering place, her conversations full of wisdom and humor, and her presence a steady comfort. She made people feel seen, heard, and deeply loved.  And when she laughed, she did so fully, often hysterically.

Jyotsna was also deeply spiritual and God-loving, and for over 35 years she was an active member of the Vedanta Societies of Washington, D.C. and Southern California, where she found profound meaning and community.  There she served and volunteered whenever possible.

She is survived by her husband, Jyotin Choksey; sons Shamit and Sheelin Choksey; daughters-in-law Jessica and Rachel; grandsons Aidan and Kieran; brother Yagnesh Nanavati; sister-in-law Veena (Baku) Nanavati; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Jyotsna's passing leaves an ache in the hearts of all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched — in the memories she created, the traditions she passed down, and the deep love she gave so freely. She will be missed beyond measure, and loved always.

Om Shanti.  Jai Shri Krishna.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Parkinson's Foundation in her honor at www.parkinson.org ( http://www.parkinson.org/ ). Recipient email address: choksey1@gmail.com.

To view the webcasting of services, click HERE .