Kalpana Arvind Patel

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Kalpana Arvind Patel, age 82, peacefully passed away on November 5, 2025, of natural causes, with her daughter Gayatri by her side. She was at peace and prepared for this journey.

Kalpana was born in Surat, India, on April 21, 1943. A proud alumna of JB Petit High School for Girls in Mumbai, she earned her undergraduate degree from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. After immigrating to the United States in 1966, she furthered her education and obtained a PhD in Special Education from George Washington University. Throughout her life, Kalpana dedicated herself to teaching and community service.

On January 26, 1966, she married her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Arvind Patel. After their wedding, she immigrated to the U.S. to join Arvind, and together they built their lives. She became a naturalized citizen while proudly maintaining cultural roots and heritage. She returned to India nearly every year to spend precious time with her family in Mumbai and Baroda.

Kalpana spent nearly her entire career with Montgomery County Schools as a Special Education teacher in Bethesda, Maryland. She was a passionate educator who prioritized her students’ learning and growth over promotions into administration, embodying dedication, compassion, and excellence in her work.

In 1981, Kalpana and Arvind helped to establish Shri Mangal Mandir, a community temple that became a beacon of spiritual, cultural, and community enrichment. Her tireless efforts in fundraising, organizing community events, holiday observances, and expanding the temple’s mission created a lasting legacy—bringing the Hindu community together and enriching Montgomery County as a whole. Some of the programs she was most passionate about were organizing and promoting Patidar Samaj, Vallabh Preeti Seva Samaj, Mangal Mandir Vastro Group, Mandir Senior Club, and Preparation of Annakut Samgrees.

Kalpana is survived by her loving husband Arvind, daughters Anurati Patel, Ruchita Patel, and Gayatri Patel; sons-in-law Christopher Long and Tamer Nagy; grandchildren Maya Long, Camilla Nagy, and Zade Nagy; and her sisters Shruti Desai, Anjali Chinai, Sannidhi Patel, and her brother Rajesh Patel.

Family was Kalpana’s greatest joy. She was a loving mother and grandmother, not only to those close by but to countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and more. Her influence, love, and guidance are felt across continents. Kalpana cherished every moment spent with loved ones—sharing love, laughter, and lifelong memories.

Her life in the Greater Washington D.C. area spanned over five decades, during which she touched countless lives through her work at Shri Mangal Mandir and her leadership within the Indian community. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family and community will be deeply missed. Kalpana’s legacy of family, faith, and community will forever inspire us. She leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, it is Kalpana’s wish that donations be made to Shri Mangal Mandir—17110 New Hampshire Avenue, Ashton, MD 20861—or through their website: https://www.mangalmandir.org/donate.

Services will be held on Monday, November 10, at 11:00 am at Donaldson’s Funeral Home, 1411 Annapolis Rd, Odenton, MD 21113.

Please join us virtually for the Funeral Service will be LIVESTREAMED.