Obituary of Dr. Kamlesh Verma

With heavy hearts, the family of Dr. Kamlesh Verma (Kim) - Lovingly called “Masimama” - shares that she was called by God in the afternoon of October 1st, 2024. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

Dr. Verma was born October 8, 1950 in a small village in Rajasthan, India to parents Rampyari and Jagan Nath Rudra. She was one of 4 siblings. Dr. Verma was very close with her ‘Bauji’ often referred to herself as “Daddy’s Girl”. Dr. Verma was a skilled singer. She had a beautiful, melodic voice. She became a professional performer and would wow crowds with her talents.

Dr. Verma was a self-made woman. She traveled from India to America and made a home in Hopewell Junction, New York. She gained her Master’s degree through Adelphi University in Social Work and then completed her PHD in psychology through California Southern University. She worked for the state of New York for more than 35 years, working in management positions including the Director of Social Work with the New York State Office of Mental Health. After her retirement, she continued her passion of helping people through private practice, counseling clients of all ages including children.

Dr. Verma was a bright light. Her heart was as vast as the universe, and her love for her community knew no bounds. Her kitchen was a sanctuary, always open to those hungry. And, she amazed people by how much food she could cook! She always generously invited guests to her house and they always left with a smile and a satisfied tummy. She was selfless. A devout Sai Baba devotee and an active member of her Hindu community, Dr. Verma’s life was dedicated to serving others, always ready to lend a helping hand and spread kindness. She loved wearing big earrings, bright colors, scarves, with her hair always neatly tied up in a bun.

Dr. Verma, known by her devoted family as Masimama, loved fiercely. She would do anything and everything for her children. And, she was overjoyed to be grandma to Sonya (9), who she called “Pumpkin”, and Kiran (1) who she called “Apple”. Every time she would see them she showered then with gifts and gave them so much love. She made the two hour drive countless times for special events for her “Pumpkin”, from plays to kindergarten graduation to piano recitals, Masimama never missed anything.

Masimama will forever be cherished by her son, Rajiv, her niece/daughter, Subrina (Ryan), her nephew/son Shawn (Lydia), her grand-daughter Sonya, her grandson, Kiran - and countless friends.

Please joins us to celebrate Kamlesh’s life:

Straub Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home 

55 East Main St,

Wappingers Falls, NY 

Thursday, October 3rd 

5:30pm - 6:00pm Bhajans (devotional singing)

6:00pm - 7:30pm Viewing

Friday, October 4th

9:00am - 10:30am Prayers