Maithreyi Murthy

Maithreyi Murthy was born in Madras, India in 1950 to Seethalakshmi and T.S. Nanjundiah, and grew up surrounded by her loving siblings—Prabha, Indira, Mangala, Ramana, and Prabhu.

In 1977, she married her devoted husband, Jayaram Murthy. The following year, they moved to the United States and eventually settled in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where they raised their two children, Raghu and Vani, and where Jay continues to teach at Central Michigan University. In 2022, Maithreyi warmly welcomed Vani's husband, Jon, into the family.

Among so many things Maithreyi was an incredible wife and mother, a skilled cook, a volunteer at the local nursing home, and an avid walker who demonstrated a pure appreciation and love of nature every day. She found true joy in the calls of morning doves, the sight of cardinals and yellow finches, the sound of rushing water, summer thunderstorms, and the vivid beauty of fall colors. She adored flowers in all their variety—especially yellow blossoms, tulips, jasmines, and gladiolas—and found great comfort in the classical strains of Carnatic music. Her resilience through profound health challenges—including breast cancer, heart failure, a heart transplant, and later dialysis—was nothing short of extraordinary. Through it all, she remained gracious and grounded.

In her final days she was surrounded by her closest friends and family members. And on August 11th, just before midnight, with her dear Jay, Raghu and Vani by her side, she passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home, per her wishes.

She will be deeply missed every day for her radiant smile and for the love, humor, and quiet wisdom she brought to those around her.

The Murthy family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Prasad Shankariah and his wife, Vilasani, as well as to Dr. Amit Ghosh, for their enduring friendship and unwavering support. Their compassion, care, and advocacy over the years ensured that Maithreyi received the highest quality of comfort and medical care.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be planned by her family and held in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Date and details to be announced.

In lieu of personal donations or flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to the World Central Kitchen in memory of Maithreyi, a charity she deeply loved and supported.

Om Shanti.