Asha Kakar Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Asha Kakar was born on October 18, 1947, in Mangalore, India - a place she loved for its abundant beauty. She was christened Emiliana and was the child of Frederick and Stella Sequeira. She grew up with her sisters Flossy and Nancy and brother Oswald. Her childhood was spent strolling the beaches and she was surrounded by fruit trees and gardens which instilled in her a lifelong love of nature. In 1966, Emiliana moved to New Delhi where she met Manohar Kakar. This fortuitous meeting led to a change in her name, country and the trajectory of her life. Asha and Manohar were blessed with two daughters, Anupama Valerie and Menka, who they raised lovingly in northern New Jersey. Manohar had to teach her how to cook but once he did, Asha realized she had an innate talent for it and produced the most delicious meals. Even though she was raised in Southern India, she taught herself how to make North Indian delicacies and sweets which everyone loved. She was known for her fabulous parties where she served her creations - the most famous of which was a samosa egg roll and pink chum chums. Speaking of parties, Asha was always the life of every get together and the winner of every card game. Gardening was another of her passions. She loved flowers and people would stop and comment on how beautiful her gardens were. She shared her plants with friends and family and has in that way ensured that she will always be with us. Above all she loved her family and adored her five grandchildren - Kieran, Luke, Emma, Devin and Marissa and her sons-in-law, Michael and Ryan. She was constantly taking pictures of them, whether they were in focus or centered was never the goal. She just wanted something to display where she could look and say “those are the people that I love”. We ask that you think of your favorite memories of Asha and celebrate her while she makes this transition to a place of endless gardens and peace. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Longwood Gardens or any other place that makes life beautiful for others. A visitation will be held from 12-2 on Thursday, August 4, 2022. at Strano Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans, Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a service and cremation. A traditional Indian memorial ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 1-2 followed by a Langar at Durga Mandir, 4240 NJ-27, Princeton, NJ. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Asha Kakar

October 18, 1947 - July 31, 2022