Neeta K. Pai
Monday, October 26, 1953
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Age:
72 years old
Hindu Ceremony
Date: Sunday April 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Hindu Samaj Temple of Minnesota [ view map ]
Special Note
Macken Funeral Home is providing assistance solely with cremation services for the Pai family. Macken Funeral Home will not be present nor are we overseeing the service. For any inquiries or questions, kindly contact the family directly.
Monday, October 26, 1953
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Age:
72 years old
Monday, October 26, 1953
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Age:
72 years old
Neeta K. Pai
Neeta Kochickar Pai, 72, of Rochester, MN, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Charter House Mayo Clinic.
Neeta (Chandrika) was born and raised in Mangaluru, India, to Dr. T.P. and Suprabha (Vathsala) Bhat. She graduated from St. Agnes College in 1972 and married Nityananda (“Nitya”) Pai on December 25 of that year. Soon after, she emigrated to the United States as a young bride. Together, they built a life in Briarwood, NY, where they raised their two daughters. During her years in New York City, Neeta developed a keen sense of independence and resilience, shaped by her hard work, determination, and deep love for her family. Utilizing her natural charm and charisma, Neeta built a successful career in sales, earning numerous incentives, including family vacations. The couple later moved to their dream home in Tarrytown, NY.
In 2004, Neeta was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and given a prognosis of four months to live. To accommodate her illness, she and her husband moved to Stamford, CT. Once Nitya retired, the couple moved to Rochester, MN to move closer to the Mayo Clinic to support her care. Through excellent specialists, experimental treatments, and her remarkable determination, Neeta lived another 22 years. Her resilience, along with her advocacy and volunteer work supporting awareness of pulmonary hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, inspired all who knew her.
Neeta treasured time spent with her daughters, their spouses, extended family, and especially her granddaughters. She was deeply spiritual and a devoted follower of Sai Baba, drawing strength, support, and community from her Sai family over many years. She enjoyed listening to bhajans, staying in touch with loved ones in India and dear friends across the country, knitting, gardening alongside her husband, spending time with her cat, and cooking. Neeta showed her love most vividly through food—preparing and sharing her cherished Konkani dishes, always ensuring that anyone who entered her home felt cared for and welcomed.
Neeta is survived by her beloved husband; her daughters, Nikhila Pai (Jeff Cooksey) and Jaimala Pai (Shane Bohnen); her granddaughters; her brother, Jayakar Bhat (Jyothika); and her sister, Lathika Shenoy (G. Hariram). She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, U. Rajendra Bhat.
A Hindu ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 12, at 12:00 p.m. at Hindu Samaj Temple, 911 11th Ave NW, Rochester, MN, with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Camp Companion Pet Rescue in Rochester, MN, or the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of Neeta K. Pai has received the following condolences.
My prayers for your family. Neeta was a special person who was inspiring to me as we lived with pulmonary hypertension.
Dear Jaimala, Shane and the Pai family ~ I have thought of you so much these past days, as you all mourn the loss of your dear Mother, wife, mother-in-law and grandmother. I had hoped I would have the opportunity to meet Neeta in person as I always enjoyed her comments on your page. My wish for the family is that as time goes forward, you will each find comfort in your memories of her. She certainly had an interesting life well-lived. Kudos to Neeta. My deepest sympathy, Patty. "Om shanti Om".
Neetaji was a wonderful soul. Despite her health struggles, her cheerful nature and constant smile never faded. Her strength and determination enabled her to live beyond what doctors had anticipated. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace.
- Ajay & Shailaza
We are deeply saddened to hear of Neeta Ji’s passing. Her life was a beautiful reflection of strength, resilience, and profound love for her family and community. We feel grateful to have known her over the past several years. Her warmth, generosity, and the kindness she shared will always be remembered by all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.
Raj & family.
It is with deep love and gratitude we honor our dear Sai sister, Neeta who has merged with the Divine. She lived Baba's teachings every day, loving all, serving all and seeing God in everyone. Though her physical form is no longer with us, her light, her devotion and her gentle spirit remain forever in our hearts. May Swami guide her onward journey with boundless grace. We miss you and love you sister Neeta. Rest in heavenly peace. With love, Chandni, Raj and Ishwara Sai
No one will ever be able to drive the streets and allys of Queens the way that she could. Neetha was absolutely fearless on a left turn.
Neeta aunty was an inspiration. I enjoyed talking to her during my walks in the neighborhood and so grateful for her hospitality while visiting her. She will be greatly missed.