Pushpa Lata Mehrotra

Dr. Pushpa Lata Mehrotra passed away, surrounded by her family, on December 25, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was 84 years old. 

Pushpa was born and raised in Moradabad, India, in a very close-knit and loving family that included her parents, six siblings and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. 

At a very young age, Pushpa knew she wanted to be a doctor. She attended King George’s Medical College in Lucknow, India, earning her medical degree in 1962. Initially, she worked as an obstetrician. Then, she returned to school to complete a residency in child and adolescent psychiatry at Shand’s Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida, which she finished in 1979. She set up a private practice as a child psychiatrist in Jacksonville and continued to work diligently in the field for over 30 years. She retired in 2012 at the age of seventy-two. 

She married fellow physician Badri in 1966, and together they migrated to England and shortly thereafter to the United States. They ultimately settled in Jacksonville, Florida and lived there for over 44 years, raising their family.

Pushpa was a compassionate and caring person. She found purpose and meaning in her life by helping others. She was also a devoted wife and mother. She found absolute joy in being a grandmother and grand-aunt and loved being there for all their birthdays and special occasions. 

Pushpa was also a vivacious person who loved to laugh. Her laughter was loud and infectious and made everyone smile. Chatting with her friends and family brought her the most joy in life. 

Pushpa is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Badri Nath Mehrotra. her two daughters, Nina Kurup and Tanu Wakefield, and their spouses, Rajesh Kurup and Steve Wakefield. She is also survived by three granddaughters: Priya Kurup, Mira Wakefield and June Wakefield. She is survived by a sister, Suman Singh and a brother, Surendra Mehrotra. She also leaves behind many loving and adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Services will be held at Quinn Shalz Funeral Home on Saturday, December 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.