Santosh Aggarwal

Santosh Aggarwal

3/13/1936 - 1/1/2025

Santosh Aggarwal, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2025 at the young age of 88. She was born March 13, 1936 in Firozpur, India.  She was a woman of extraordinary energy, optimism, and love, who brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was the 6th out of  10 siblings.  She grew up in a loving family and had a happy childhood. She was known for her kindness, smiles, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

After the partition in 1947 they moved from Punjab, India to Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi where she lived with her parents, many siblings and their spouses. She was especially close with her Nani and shared many fond memories of her.

Our mother was fashionable, she loved wearing new dresses and having new hairstyles.

She was also very ambitious. She was the first one in her family to leave India.   She was accepted to medical school in England but did not go because her mother felt it would be dangerous. Her father was proud of her acceptance and kept the nickname “doctor Saab” for her.

Santosh married Raksh Pal Aggarwal in 1961 and stayed married for 50 years until his death.  He was the love of her life and a true gentleman who treated “Toshi” like a Queen.

Together they  left India and both moved to England to complete their respective master’s degrees, his in Architecture and Santosh in Plant Pathology. In addition she became a teacher and taught Chemistry

She gave birth to son, Sanjay in 1962 in India, followed by her daughter Anju in London in 1967 and lastly Anna in 1970 in India. In 1971 she emigrated to the United States with her three kids to join her husband who had arrived the year prior.

While raising 3 kids, worked as a teacher

, sold Avon products and then made the decision to enter nursing school at the age of 40.  She dedicated over 30 years of her life to caring for others as a Critical Care ICU Nurse, a role that exemplified her compassion and commitment to service

She was also a talented cook and loved to prepare delicious meals for her loved ones and guest.  Santosh lived a full and vibrant life. She was a passionate individual who found joy in her family, painting, yoga,  the thrill of bingo, and the rhythm of dance. Her strength and unwavering spirit were an inspiration to all. She instilled in her children the importance of confidence and hard work, values they carry with them to this day.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raksh Pal “Paul” Aggarwal, whom she now rejoins after 13 years.  Their love story was one for the ages, and a source of strength and happiness throughout their lives.  She lived the last 10 years of her life very happily at her beloved senior community, Vantage House in Columbia Maryland.

She was close to all her children.  She often saw Sanjay, Anju,  and her granddaughter Sophia who lived close by.   She made frequent visits to California to visit her daughter Anna, husband Avnish and her grandchildren Arman and Aviana.  She loved traveling, visiting family in India and Canada, exploring new countries Malaysia, and UAE, Scotland , England and France, going on cruises and visiting Las Vegas to see extended family.

Santosh is survived by her loving children, Sanjay, Anju, and Anna, and her cherished grandchildren, Sophia, Arman, and Aviana. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of experiencing her warmth, kindness, and zest for life.

Santosh's passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her memory will forever be a beacon of light and love in the hearts of those who loved her.

Private Funeral Services for Family - Friday January 10th at 11 am at Donaldson’s Funeral Home, Odenton, MD

Celebration of Life - Claret Hall, Clarksville, MD at 1:30 pm