Anjali Rani Gaikwad

Anjali Rani Gaikwad, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at the age of 80 in St. Joseph, Michigan. Born on September 22, 1945, in Pune, India, Anjali brought light and warmth into the world, a legacy that continues to shine through her family and the countless lives she touched.

Anjali's journey began as the cherished daughter of the late Girish Chandra and Shanti (Poddar) Sircar. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and faith, values she carried from her hometown to the shores of America. In a beautiful ceremony in Bombay, now known as Mumbai, on April 29, 1970, she wed Pramod S. Gaikwad, with whom she shared a lifetime of joy and companionship. Pramod survives her, as does their loving family, including their two children, Pranay Gaikwad and Raakhee Quick (married to Derek Waldrop); their adored six grandchildren, Kaitlin (married to Jitesh) Ram, Alexander Gaikwad, Rachael Gaikwad, Brandon Kelly, Marc Gaikwad, and Charlie Gaikwad; and great-grandchildren, Zhane Ram and Kayden Van Lue. She also leaves behind her siblings, Bijali Ohal (partnered with David Connell), Kalpana John, and Molina (married to William) Nygaard, along with a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Purnendu Sircar.

Anjali's academic and professional accomplishments were remarkable. After moving to the United States, she pursued her passion for nursing and graduated from Lake Michigan College with her Registered Nurse's License. Anjali's dedication to healthcare was evident in her thirty-six years of devoted service at Lakeland Regional Health System, now Corewell Health. Her compassionate care and gentle demeanor left an indelible mark on thousands of lives. Alongside her husband, she co-owned and operated Royalton AFC, where she continued to provide care and support to those in need.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Anjali was an active member of the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her spirituality was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through life's challenges with grace and fortitude. She was a loving, faith-filled, and kind soul, attributes that everyone who knew her could attest to.

Anjali's interests and hobbies were a reflection of her nurturing spirit. An amazing cook, she delighted many with her traditional Indian dishes, ensuring no one ever left her home hungry. Her love for family was unparalleled, and she relished in the joy of gardening, watching her flowers bloom as a symbol of the beauty of life. Her skilled hands crafted warmth and beauty through crocheting and sewing, each stitch a testament to her patience and care.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 1 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Funeral services will be celebrated on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Village Seventh-day Adventist Church at 635 St. Joseph Avenue, Berrien Springs, Michigan with a time of visitation beginning one hour prior. An interment will follow the funeral at Rose Hill Cemetery in Oronoko Township.

Memories may be shared with her family at www.AllredFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs.

Anjali Rani Gaikwad's life was a journey of love, service, and faith. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire and guide her family and community. Her memory will be cherished and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.