NISKAYUNA – Aranyani S. Bhate, 69, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at her home.
Aranyani was born on September 9, 1939 and was the daughter of the late Daniel and Cheryl (Sargent) Whitney.
Aranyani was born Linda Cheryl Whitney in Cleveland, OH and recalled giving a flower to General McArthur as her father headed off to WWII. Her first truelove was ballet. She was a dynamic member of the folkdance community in OH, PA and NY, leading a troupe out of the Cleveland Zoo. As a mother and wife she turned to folklore – at one point being able to tell stories from any nation in the United Nations. She was an avid embroiderer, hiker, bibliophile, and loved cats, canaries and dogs. She dedicated herself to her family, homeschooling two daughters through high school and supporting her husband in all his business endeavors.
Aranyani is survived by her husband, Suresh K. Bhate; her daughters, Hamsavali Bhate (fiancé, Kunwarjit Garcha) and Mangala McNamara (Shamus); her grandchildren, Meenakshi, Priyadevi, Griffin and Rhodri; her sisters, Pamela Steeb (John) and Deborah Whitney; and her aunt, Evelyn Glontz.
Funeral services will begin at 12 noon Monday at the Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel at Oakwood Cemetery, 186 Oakwood Ave., Troy.